So you’ve finally decided it’s time to change your refrigerator and you want a new one. But shopping for a refrigerator can be a daunting task. There are many models on the market and, furthermore, how do you know which one is the best for you?

There are many things to keep in mind when getting a new model. Most refrigerators will last for many years without much trouble, but be sure to choose a model that has a great warranty along with a good track record. Also make sure your model is energy efficient and easy to maintain and keep clean. Here are some refrigerator basics to help you make the right choice.

Get the basics right

o Measure things like the height, depth, and width of the space where you plan to store your new refrigerator. This is a good starting point for narrowing down your options.

o If you really want the refrigerator that has the ice and water dispenser, know that you will need access to a water line behind the refrigerator.

o Always make sure you have enough space behind the refrigerator for ventilation. This is essential for efficient operation.

o If your space is limited, be sure to measure the clearance, so you know how much room you need to open the refrigerator door to remove shelves, etc.

know what you need

Of all the main appliances, refrigerators are the ones that consume the most energy, since they are always on. Therefore, capacity is the most important consideration when choosing a new refrigerator. As a general rule of thumb, for a typical two-person household, you typically need about 10 to 12 cubic feet of food storage, and you should add an additional cubic foot for each additional person. Buying the correct size is important as an underfilled refrigerator tends to use more energy and one that is too small will require a lot of rearrangement on your part. Also, it’s important to remember that features like the bottom freezer or ice makers take up storage space in the freezer.

Keep efficiency high

Refrigerators typically consume about 10 to 12 percent of the total energy consumed by an average home over a one-year period. Many of the older models, such as those built before 1999, do not meet Energy’s current power usage guidelines and therefore may be considered inefficient. Current models have better compressors and motors and therefore this prevents unnecessary freezing of food keeping it fresher and healthier. Also, better insulated doors ensure that cold air does not escape, requiring less cooling. ENERGY STAR® models are designed to be extremely efficient and consume significantly less energy than previous models—nearly 30% less. Today’s energy efficient models not only save you money, they are also a more environmentally conscious decision.

Think about what you really need

Top freezers have the most usable storage space. On average, top or bottom freezer models are not only cheaper but also more efficient than side-by-side models. In addition, the base models are the ones that require the least amount of maintenance. The more features you add to your refrigerator, the more energy it will consume and the more likely it will need repairs. In particular, refrigerators with ice makers require more repair than any other model.

Undercounter freezers are a no-no

Undercounter refrigerator drawers can be installed under kitchen counters or island counters in your kitchen. They are useful for storing drinks and other snacks that need to be kept at a lower temperature. However, these models are expensive and offer very little storage space as they are small. So while these models cost little to run, they are inefficient in terms of use.

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