Since the refrigerator is one of the appliances that consumes the most energy in any home, buying the right model is a primary issue if we do not want the electricity bill to skyrocket. Let us remember that it is the only device that, in principle, is working 24 hours a day every day of the year, and the energy expenditure differences between some refrigerators and others can be abysmal depending on their efficiency.
We have already seen how the maintenance and proper use of the refrigerator, as well as the internal organization and order of food, affects general spending, but it all starts with a good efficient applianceequipped with adequate technologies, quality materials, and that works correctly.
What is energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is known as the ability of a device to offer the maximum performance in its operation with the lowest possible energy consumption. Theoretically, an appliance with a very high power will spend more, but there can be big differences between the more and less efficient models, so it is not the only factor that should be taken into account when buying, nor the most important .
The efficient use of energy is considered key in large and medium-sized household appliances, as well as in air conditioning systems, cars and other vehicles, which are used daily by the population and in which we must invest a considerable sum in the payment of the electricity or energy they consume.
Efficiency also affects polluting emissions into the atmosphere and the use of basic resources, which is why it is also a key issue when it comes to promoting sustainability and protecting the environment. With the energy labeling regulated by the European Union, it is intended guide the buyer to choose the most efficient devices to promote this double savings.
Labeling is regulated in the Ecodesign-Ecodesign Directives (2009/125/EC) and in Directive 2010/31 on energy efficiency. From March 1, 2021 they have entered into force new labels that update the previous system, seeking to provide more information and simplify its reading for any user.
A) Yes, the colors are maintained (green, yellow, orange and red, from most to least efficient), but the letters are changed. The least efficient appliances are now rated G, and the most efficient are rated A. Therefore, classes A+, A++, and A+++ will be phased out.
What are the most efficient refrigerators to save
In reality, a fridge does not have a high basic energy cost, since it rarely exceeds 300 W, but, we repeat, its high total cost is due to the fact that they are always on. Its basic function is to cool, so they will have to spend more if the external temperature is high, if they are not well insulated or if we open them too often and leave the door wide open for too long.
With these considerations, the OCU (Organization of Consumers and Users) recently carried out an analysis comparing the 34 best-selling models in Spain, less than 550 euros and combi type, to check in detail how efficient they are when it comes to spending energy and the results they offer. And differences of up to 33% were found in electricity consumption.
In short, the most efficient refrigerator will be the one that can initially display the energy label with the highest rating (green color and letter A, or A+++ in the old system), the one that faster to cool down Y better isolated be from outside. In addition, the more doors, the less cold they will lose if we open only the one that interests us. Being able to see inside also helps maintain temperature as well as lighting.
Some higher-end makes and models have specific technologies that add points -and price-, such as smart refrigerators with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity to control their operation from the phone or tablet, a digital touch screen, specific modes of use to save as much as possible, internal cooling or ventilation systems, etc. .
Some of the most efficient models on the market
Balay 3KFE362WI fridge freezer
It is the model that the OCU has selected as the most efficient within the range of best-selling refrigerators in Spain for less than 550 euros. Although it has an E energy label, it stands out for the ease with which it can be cleaned and the good lighting of its internal compartments.
It has a gross capacity of 193 liters in the fridge section and another 89 liters in the freezer section, which has No Frost technology, and offers a noise level of 42 dB. It is a model that It’s hard to find in stores, but it is still valid. Its estimated annual electricity consumption is 237 kWh/year.
Balay 3KFE362WI No Frost combi refrigerator
LG GBP31SWLZN fridge-freezer
The other model selected by the OCU is a lg combi 186 cm high, with a total volume of 374 liters with 247 liters in the refrigerator and 127 liters in the freezer.
This model has given good results in its refrigeration and freezing capacity. It stands out for its low consumption and adjusted price, although according to the OCU it should improve the operation of the alarms. It has DOORCooling, NatureFRESH and LINEARCooling technologies to precisely control the temperature.
It offers a noise level of 36 dB, an electrical consumption of 256KW/year and lighting system based on low consumption LED lights.
LG GBP31SWLZN Combi Refrigerator
Haier 3D 60 Series 3 Combi Refrigerator HTR3619ENPW
The best-selling model in its category on Amazon is an E-label refrigerator that, however, offers multiple energy-saving features at an affordable price. At 190.5 cm high, it has a motor equipped with inverter compressors to work more quietly (reaching 37 dB) and more efficiently.
It also includes LED lights, easy direct access freezer drawers and a My Zone space, flexible drawer that allows you to choose the function and the correct temperature (between -2ºC and +3ºC).
Haier 3D 60 Series 3 HTR3619ENPW – Combi Refrigerator, Direct Access Freezer Drawers, Inverter Motor, My Zone, Total No Frost, Width 60cm, 348L, LED Lighting, Class E, White
Bosch No Frost Kgn33Nwea Combi Refrigerator
A more recent Bosch model is this combi from 2020 with an A+ energy label, 176 cm high and a capacity of 192 liters in the fridge and 87 liters in the freezer, with a noise level of 42 dB. It has an electrical consumption of 228KW/year and it has a special XXL drawer for vegetables and fruits.
BOSCH Frigo Combi No Frost Kgn33Nwea, 1760 X 600 Mm, Cla. A++
Samsung BESPOKE RB38A7B6AS9/EF No Frost combi refrigerator
In the highest range we have one of the latest Samsung models that exhibits the maximum energy efficiency according to the new labeling. It measures 203 cm high and has a capacity of 276 liters in the refrigerator, 114 liters in the freezer and a reduced consumption of 108 kWh/year.
Includes the Twin Cooling Plus system that prevents the mixture of odors and maintains an optimal level of humidity, cools evenly with Metal Cooling and optimizes the interior space to the maximum with its special design.
Samsung BESPOKE RB38A7B6AS9/EF No Frost combi refrigerator
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Image | Mark Verch
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