That six-pack of soda in the garage refrigerator could be costing you a lot more than you think.
Millions of homeowners have an old refrigerator in their garage or basement, which is often a hand-me-down from the kitchen. These older refrigerators may still run, but can consume twice the amount of energy of a new energy-efficient model. At a time when homeowners are looking for ways to cut their energy bills, spending as much as $125 a year to keep a few sodas or beers cold may not make sense.
In a home where the extra refrigerator is regularly stocked with food, replacing it with a new Energy Star-qualified refrigerator is an option to consider. You’ll still save up to $275 over the next five years, plus you’ll get better performance. New Energy Star- qualified refrigerators are available in a variety of sizes and price points, so you don’t need to buy anything extravagant (some companies make refrigerators designed just for the garage).
If the extra refrigerator tends to be empty, or home to just a few batteries, stale sodas or mystery containers of food, you should probably get rid of it altogether. Think of all the extra space...