Are you thinking of upgrading your home, but aren’t sure where to start? One of the best home upgrades is replacing outdated appliances with new, energy efficient models. While any appliance is a good start, refrigerators especially yield savings.

Think about it from an economical perspective. Refrigerators consume electricity at all hours of the day, are always on, and are considered indispensable appliances. Buying an energy efficient model is an easy way to save money.

If you’re contemplating an energy efficient refrigerator, know that they’re not as expensive as people commonly think. Anyone can afford a quality model, and here’s why.

Prices are Affordable

Energy efficient refrigerators range in price from $600 for a top-mount freezer design, to upwards of $6,000 for the highest models. Of course, the model you choose is entirely up to you. If you’re looking for a stainless steel energy efficient refrigerator expect to pay around $1,200. Though staying in this class offers a good mix of affordability and functionality.

Energy Efficient Refrigerators Save Money Over Time

Energy Star estimates that replacing your old refrigerator with an energy efficient model saves nearly $300 in utility bills over the subsequent five years. This means refrigerators on the lower end of the price range can pay for themselves fairly quickly.

It’s important to note that some energy efficient refrigerators save more energy than others. If you want to maximize your energy savings, choose a model with a top-mounted freezer. Refrigerators without ice makers are also more energy efficient, so think hard if using ice cube trays is that inconvenient.

New Appliances Increase the Value of Your Home

Upgrading to an energy efficient refrigerator helps increase the market value of your home. Energy efficiency is becoming more important to today’s buyers, and they’re willing to pay for green energy. In fact, “energy efficient” was second on the 2015 list of features that would most likely influence a buyer’s purchase decision. Paying for an energy efficient refrigerator upfront will increase your returns in the long run.

Rebates

Check the Energy Star website to see if your utility provider offers rebates on energy efficient refrigerators. Providers like Eversource Energy, Xcel Energy, DC Sustainable Energy Utility, and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency all offer rebates to customers who upgrade their homes with energy efficient appliances.

For reference, DC Sustainable Energy Utility offers a $50-75 rebate on energy efficient refrigerators. Offsetting the upfront cost just means more return on investment.

Energy efficient refrigerators are affordable for nearly every homeowner. Depending on your budget there is an option for every income. Don’t get discouraged by green energy because of the upfront costs.

Between sticker price, rebates, long-term savings, and increased home value, it’s hard to argue against energy efficient refrigerators.

Doing your part to save the environment is important as we slowly add strain on our planet. Even something as small as purchasing energy efficient appliances can have an enormous impact on the Earth.
If everyone participates, green energy will catch on and the benefits will be tremendous.