We see refrigerators in businesses of all sizes. Businesses want to enable their staff to bring a lunch so they usually provide a refrigerator, either in a breakroom or small kitchen. Some churches have large refrigerators for the occasional large event. These are great uses for a refrigerator and a necessary function of doing business. The following 3 tips will keep a chill on the electric bill.
Someone picks out a refrigerator because it “fits the budget” or “was a generous gift.” However, this big cool box will be with you (and your budget) for a while so choose wisely.
- Right size – If you have a small staff, then a small refrigerator will do. We have seen large commercial refrigerators in operation consuming over 1,000 kWh ($125-150) a year where a small 10 cubic foot refrigerator will do the job for 70% less energy (and $30-40!).
- Location matters – All refrigerators have some sort of freezer. Top freezer designs are naturally more efficient. You can actually find ENERGY STAR® rated side by side units which consume MORE energy than a non-ENERGY STAR® top freezer unit. An added bonus: top freezer units typically cost less.
- “Free, but not for me” – Just because a refrigerator is donated (or other mechanical items like window air conditioners, plug in appliances, etc.) the power is not. Equipment manufacturer standards are frequently updated and energy consumption requirements continue to drop. Using some knowledge and local utility rebates can keep the purchase cost low. Find a local recycling outlet which you can kindly recommend to the kind-hearted person when approached with a gift that may be more energy burden than charity.