Refrigerators & Freezers Key Product Criteria
Consumer Refrigeration Products Key Product Criteria
The ENERGY STAR criteria for consumer refrigeration products including refrigerators, refrigerators-freezers, freezers, and coolers, was changed on August 5, 2021. The new criteria are as follows:
| Product Type | Current Criteria Levels |
|---|---|
| Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers (7.75 cubic feet or larger) | 10% less measured energy use than the minimum federal efficiency standards |
| Freezer (7.75 cubic feet or larger) | 10% less measured energy use than the minimum federal efficiency standards |
| Compact Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers, and Freezers (Less than 7.75 cubic feet) | 10% less measured energy use than the minimum federal efficiency standards |
| Built-In Compact Coolers | 30% less measured energy use than minimum federal efficiency standards |
| Built-In Coolers | 30% less measured energy use than minimum federal efficiency standards |
| Freestanding Compact Coolers | 20% less measured energy use than minimum federal efficiency standards |
| Freestanding Coolers | 10% less measured energy use than minimum federal efficiency standards |
ENERGY STAR Certified Refrigerator & Freezer Eligibility
Products meeting the definition of a Refrigerator, Refrigerator-Freezer, or Cooler, including compact and built-in products are eligible for ENERGY STAR certification. Products with total refrigerated volume exceeding 39 cubic feet are not eligible for ENERGY STAR. Wine refrigerators and other products that do not meet the definition of an Electric Refrigerator or Electric Refrigerator-Freezer are not eligible for certification.
Federal Minimum Efficiency Standards
Under the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) establishes maximum energy consumption standards for consumer refrigeration products. The standards depend on the size, configuration, and functionality specifically:
- Configuration: Side-by-Side, Top Freezer, Bottom Freezer, Single Door Refrigerators, Built-In Refrigerators, Chest Freezer, Upright Freezer, Built-in Compact Cooler, Built-in Cooler, Freestanding Compact Cooler, and Freestanding Cooler
- Defrost: Automatic or Manual
- Ice Maker: No-ice maker, automatic ice maker, through the door icemaker.
Additional information on the federal minimum efficiency standards see the DOE website.