Two Refrigerators Isn't too Cool
Call it the Beer Fridge of Doom or the Meat Freezer of Bankruptcy. It’s the second fridge in a home that probably only needs one, and according to a recent study by the World Economic Forum and figures from the U.S. Department of Energy, it’s an increasingly popular appliance.
Based on recent analysis of Americans' refrigerator replacement trends, it turns out that close to half of old fridges (44%) swapped out for newer, more efficient models are actually kept in use, either by their original owners or those who inherit them.
More startling is the fact that one in 10 people don’t even dump the replaced appliance—they simply move the old energy-sucker to a new room and keep it plugged in and humming away.
That's like buying a Prius to save on fuel costs but keeping your 1990 Ford Explorer running in the driveway.
But the allure of convenience pushes people to hang on: 26 percent of households now have a second fridge, even though it means more energy use and higher bills, according to a report from The New York Times.
New refrigerators are both bigger and more energy efficient, which is good news. Units with Energy Star ratings can use as much as 40 percent less energy than a conventional fridge from 2001 or earlier.
Still only just over half of the inefficient relics get pulled out of circulation. So what to do if you want to replace your 1987 KitchenAid?
- Check out this handy tool for judging your need and potential savings.
- Find a cost-effective way to get it out of circulation. Look at these ways to recycle it, find a rebate, or locate a scrap metal recycler.
- Browse a list of Energy Star fridges and freezers.
Once you plug in your new fridge, follow these tips (or these) to make your working refrigerator more energy efficient. Or, if you're really into reducing your carbon takeaway, look into a refrigerator built specifically to run on solar or wind power.
Now go forth and be cool.
Original article from TakePart
