Freezer fun fact:
An efficient freezer will keep food cold longer than a standard freezer during power outages (but you wanted an excuse to eat all the ice cream, right?). Energy-efficient freezers not only help you save money on your energy bill, they also help you save on groceries by efficiently preserving food you found on sale (or seasonal items) for later use.
How efficient are we talking? Energy Star freezers must exceed federal efficiency standards by at least 15 percent, and some models are up to 40 percent more efficient than federal standards. For the most efficient freezer, consider a chest freezer instead of an upright model. They save energy because less cold air escapes when you open the freezer door.
2. Head to an appliance store or shop online to pick out an energy-efficient or Energy Star freezer.
3. Be sure to
read the EnergyGuide label on a freezer before purchasing it. This label provides specific information about the freezer's features, how much energy the freezer will use, and estimated yearly operating costs. Visit
How to Use the EnergyGuide Label for more info.
4. Arrange to have the freezer delivered and installed in a cool, dry location. Want to DIY? Follow the steps below to install the freezer yourself.
5. Read and follow the instructions that came with it. Stop laughing! A quick skim at least?
6. Position the new freezer on strips of carpet and slide the freezer into place, making sure to leave at least 8 inches between the wall and the back of the freezer.
7. Place a level on top of the freezer. If the freezer isn't level, take off the grille at the base of it and then put the wooden block under the front edge of the freezer to hold it in place.
8. Screw the leveling legs on the front corners of the freezer up or down as needed to level it, and then remove the wooden block from under the freezer.
9. Repeat the leveling process as needed until the freezer is level so that the door shuts tightly. Note: If you have an upright freezer, you may need to position it slightly tilted from the front so that the door closes easily on its own.
10. Plug the freezer into its own grounded circuit.
11. If your chilly new friend came with shelves, install them following the manufacturer's instructions.
Choose the right size freezer. Too large a freezer wastes space and energy. One that is too small can mean extra trips to the grocery store. Decide which size fits your needs, and then compare the EnergyGuide label on each so you can purchase the most energy-efficient make and model.
Avoid heat sources. Your freezer should be positioned away from heat sources such as direct sunlight and other appliances such as an oven or dishwasher.
Check the freezer's temperature. Make sure to keep your freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Too low of a temperature can cost you unnecessarily, and is rumored to contribute to the dreaded tongue-stuck-to-popsicle effect.