Refrigerator efficiency over time

[dwasifar]

Do refrigerators grow less energy-efficient as they get older?

You'd think this is something you could Google for, but all the results are about replacing an old inefficient fridge with a new efficient model, which is not the question. So I figured one of you guys would probably know.

 

[dogdog]

I don't know any scientific method of measuring efficiency or what do you mean by efficient compare to what base line of what time period... But I do know that you need to clean them, the condenser coils, defrost them , and check the seals ... for example the then almost 26 year old whirlpool I had was still cold, and barely cost $ on electric bills, but I do vacuum and do the regular maintenance....

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

Probably a bit, but the savings would not ever be close to enough to justify purchasing a new one for that reason.

For example, it could have leaked a few ounces of refrigerant over time hurting the efficiency, I had a refrigerator where that happened. Or seals around the door not being as pliant and more leakage. I've also heard compressors simply wear over time and aren't as efficient, like an engine on a car with a lot of miles.

But assuming it's working properly and we're talking about something built from the last 20 years, I could see it being a rounding error on your monthly utility bill. Like under a dollar a month vs if everything was factory fresh.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What really hurt refrigerator efficiency is dirt/dust. Vacuum those coils, either underneath or on the back.

 

[Milton Shaw]

New (less than 20 years) are just about the most efficient appliance you have. Keep the coils clean and air flow working and you should not be using any more electricity than new. The defrost cycle and ice maker is what cost money to run. Cut out the ice maker and the electricity usage drops to half or less. Each cycle of ice maker is like holding door open for 10 minutes as far as energy goes. GE refrigs less than 15 years old use less than what a 70 watt light bulb does. Refrigs do loose efficiency over the years but you notice ice cream soft when that happens. Compressors do wear out and most of the time it's not cost efficient to replace except in $10,000 built in models. 30-50 year old garage refrigs use more energy than you would believe, just put a kilowatt meter on them.

 

[dwasifar]

Thanks guys! My takeaway here is "possibly, but insignificant."

We bought a new fridge, and the EnergyGuide rating is pretty much the same as the old one, and I had been wondering if there was likely to be any difference in power consumption because of the age of the old one. Seems not.