Unplug the Second Refrigerator When Not in Use
Often times, when someone buys a new refrigerator, they take an old work refrigerator and move it to the basement or garage. This is a huge waste of energy. Keep it disabled unless you really need it.
The Washington Post discusses why your old refrigerator is probably not energy efficient. Stephen Nadel , executive director of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, explains:
“Old refrigerators 15 to 25 years old will consume 750 to 1000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy each year.” With an average national electricity tariff of about 13 cents per kWh, this is about $ 97-130 per year, ”he notes.
They suggest getting a refrigerator large enough to hold all of your food, as one unit is much more efficient than two. In some parts of the country, you can get money back for recycling old household appliances.
If you need extra cold storage space, especially during the holidays, you can keep this extra refrigerator. Plug it in a few days before you need it and unplug it when you are not using it.
Why You Shouldn’t Have a Second Refrigerator | The Washington Post via Consumerist