DOE Proposes New Refrigerator Standard for 2014

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed a more stringent energy standard for residential refrigerators. The standard would result in a 20%–25% energy use reduction in most refrigerator-freezers by 2014. The common refrigerator model with the freezer on top would see a reduction in use of about 500 kilowatt hours per year from that of a similar model in 1990. If adopted, the new standard will save consumers over $18 billion and prevent 305 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions over the next 30 years, according to DOE. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and other associations involved in an August 2010 statement calling for stricter efficiency standards have expressed their support of the new standard. The proposal is available for public comment until November 26, 2010. The final standard will be issued in December 2010 and become effective in January 2014. For more information visit www.energy.gov..