Energy-efficiency standards. The federal government sets minimum energy-efficiency standards for several appliances including refrigerators, and runs the mandatory EnergyGuide and voluntary Energy Star programs. Fears that these standards would translate into higher appliance prices for the consumer have not been realized. On average, refrigerators and freezers cost the same as or less than they did in 1980, before minimum efficiency standards were established. They also cost much less to operate. Visit the Appliance Standards Awareness Project site to learn more about the standards.
Tax incentives. Some states offer tax incentives to encourage consumers to buy energy-efficient appliances. To find out what’s available where you live, contact your state energy office. The online Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy also has information about these and other incentive programs.
Tomorrow’s technology. The next environmental innovation for refrigerators will involve replacing the HFC refrigerants with chemicals that contribute less to global warming. The new refrigerants need to be less toxic and hazardous than their predecessors.
|
