Freezers for Consumers

Improvements in insulation and compressors mean today's freezers consume much less energy than older models. Select an ENERGY STAR qualified freezer for maximum energy savings and the latest features.

• Cut your utility bills.
  An ENERGY STAR qualified freezer uses 10% less energy than a new, non-ENERGY STAR qualified model.
• The older the freezer, the higher your bills.
  If you purchased your freezer before 1993, it is costing you an extra $35 each year on your utility bills compared to a new ENERGY STAR qualified model. If you bought it in the 1980s, it's costing you an extra $70 each year.
• Protect the environment.
  Nearly 70 percent of U.S. electricity is generated with coal and natural gas, which release greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. ENERGY STAR qualified freezers use less energy and help us reduce our impact on the environment.

Freezers originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in January, 2003. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators are 10% more efficient than non-qualified models and are more efficient than models that simply meet the federal minimum standard for energy efficiency.

Refrigerators and Freezers Key Product Criteria: ENERGY STAR

Learn How a Product Earns the Label

What else should I look for when buying a freezer?

Ask for an ENERGY STAR model.
When buying a freezer from a retailer, request an ENERGY STAR qualified model to be sure it's energy efficient.

Check the yellow EnergyGuide label.
Use this label to determine the model's energy use, compare the energy use of similar models, and estimate annual operating costs. Learn How to Use the EnergyGuide Label .

Purchase an appropriately sized freezer.
Generally, the larger the freezer, the greater the energy consumption. Also, consider whether an upright or chest freezer better meets your needs. An upright freezer has a front-mounted door like a refrigerator and shelves that allow for easy organization. While a chest freezer typically requires more floor space, it's usually more energy efficient, since the door opens from the top and allows less cold air to escape.

Consider a manual defrost model.
Manual defrost freezers use half the energy of automatic defrost models, but must be defrosted periodically to achieve the energy savings. Don't allow frost to build up more than one-quarter of an inch.

Related Information:
Freezer Usage Best Practices

These FAQs represent the top ten related to Freezers and the ENERGY STAR program.