The Energy Consumption of Whirlpool Refrigerators
Whirlpool is a solid brand in the world of refrigerators, with a large percentage of their product line Energy Star qualified. That means the appliance meets the US guidelines for energy efficiency. Since refrigerators can account for up to 20 percent of an annual utility bill, having an efficient one is like money in the bank.
Energy Guide Label
Whirlpool Energy Star qualified refrigerators are sold with their power consumption displayed on an energy guide label. For example, a 24.8 cubic foot bottom freezer unit with French doors has a yearly electric use of 474 kilowatt-hours (kW-h). The estimated operating cost posted is $50.00 annually based on 10.65 cents per kW-h utility rate.
Measuring Kilowatt Hours
Since utility companies bill by the number of used kilowatt-hours, appliance energy consumption is measured the same way. The Federal Trade Commission website provides the annual consumption in kilowatt-hours for all Energy Star qualified Whirlpool models. Energy consumption totals depend on the utility rates in each area and the number of hours the appliance is in use.
Estimating Wattage
Estimate the energy consumption of your Whirlpool by wattage with this simple formula:
Wattage --- Hours Used Per Day / 1000 = Daily Kilowatt-hour (kW-h) consumption
(1 kilowatt (kW) = 1,000 Watts). Multiply the result by the number of days the appliance is used throughout the year, for the annual consumption. Calculate the annual cost by multiplying the kW-h per year by the local utility rate.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Washington’s Puget Sound area, Suzanne Geller has written about software, health and business since 1987. Her articles have appeared in “Entertainment News NW,” “Synergy for Success” and various trade publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University at Northridge.
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