Knowing when to replace your refrigerator isn't always easy - let this guide help you decide.
If you have a second refrigerator in the garage or basement.
It's time to retire and recycle it. It's likely costing you more money than you think - up to $150 per year on your electric bills! Odds are you don't use it much, but if you really need that second fridge, your best option is to replace it with a properly sized ENERGY STAR model. Don't forget to look into your options for recycling - the average fridge aged 10 years or older contains more than 120 pounds of recyclable steel!
If your fridge or freezer was made before 1993.
It's time for a new model. Running an old refrigerator near the end of its life will waste at least $65 per year in electricity costs. Replace it with a properly sized ENERGY STAR qualified fridge or freezer - they use half the electricity of standard models manufactured before 1993, and won't leave you with spoiled food from an unexpected (but inevitable) breakdown.
If your fridge of freezer was made between 1993 and 1999.
Use this calculator to find out how much it costs to operate your old fridge - and how much you can save by flipping it to ENERGY STAR. Your savings may justify replacing it now, especially if your current model has been unreliable or required repairs in the past. You could even be eligible for a DCSEU rebate up to $75!