Advice when buying a fridge
When you buy a fridge you should consider your shopping habits and the size of your household. You should also make sure that the fridge freezer is energy efficient to avoid running up high electricity bills.
The most energy efficient fridges use less than 25% of energy compared to fridges 15 years ago.
Cooling agent-look out for environmentally friendly gases Energy Labelling Size What do I do with my old fridge?
CFC gas used to be the most common cooling agent though it is no longer used since leaks are harmful to the ozone layer. Other gases that do not interfere with the ozone layer are frequently used though these contribute to global warming instead. An increasing number of manufacturers are using natural gases as cooling agents such as Isobutene (R600A). Natural gases are better from an environmental point of view since they have no harmful effects on neither the ozone layer or on global warming.
All fridges have to be labelled with the ratio of energy consumption in relation to volume. Look out for Energy Efficiency ratings ranging from A – G where A is the most efficient.
You should take the exact dimensions of the fridge as well as how much room you have to open the door. Standard sizes are usually 600mm wide by 600mm deep and height can vary from 450mm to 2000mm. Space inside is usually measured in cubic feet or litres. 5 cubic feet is usually the minimum space needed. Tall fridges usually have twice that capacity. Try to estimate how much space you need in the fridge since any wasted space incurs unnecessary energy expenditure.
Ask your local council for details of how to dispose of an old fridge. If you have an old fridge it may contain CFC gases that are harmful and the fridge should be destroyed accordingly.
