Freezer FAQs

What’s the big deal about energy efficient freezers?

If you like throwing $40 to $88 away each year, then this won’t matter to you.  If that idea irks you, then consider making your next freezer an energy efficient model.  With so many choices on the U.S. market, finding the best freezer for your needs may be daunting.  To help you make the best choice for your family and the earth, TopTen took an in-depth look at the market for freezers.  The most relevant information is located here, including our criteria for selecting the ten most efficient products.

Where do we get our info?

Energy Star, the Department of Energy, and professional trade publications provided valuable information about the freezers listed at TopTen.  For a complete bibliography, read How We Evaluate.  Resources are listed at the end of that page.

How do we decide what freezers to include?

  • There are 210 freezer models active in the ENERGY STAR database, ranging in size from 3cu ft to 25 cu ft.  TopTen included units with internal storage volumes of 7.75 cubic feet and larger on our list.
  • TopTen’s list features freezers with both a broad range of capacities and significant energy savings over the Federal minimum standard. You’ll find all freezers on our list consume less than 450 kWh per year.
  • Wondering how a 25 cu ft freezer can compete with a 7.5 cu ft freezer in energy efficiency?  The two really can’t compete; only units with less than 10 cu ft consume less than 450 kWh per year, so we leveled the playing field between small freezers and large units.  Our analysts devised a “progressive efficiency curve”.  (If you ever benefitted from a grading curve in high school, this type of mathematical equation will make sense to you.) 
  • See How We Evaluate for data

How do we calculate cost savings? 

Our analysts compared the kilowatt hours TopTen freezers used annually over a twelve-year period to the energy used by other models during the same timeframe.  Mulitplying the difference by average electricity costs provided our savings figures.

Do I have to go to a specialty store to find freezers listed on TopTen?

TopTen freezers are available at big-box department stores and home goods stores such as Sears, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, along with local and regional independent stores. Products are also available online.

Will I pay premium prices for energy freezers?

Retail prices for freezers on the TopTen list range from $429- $729

What makes a freezer energy efficient?

Energy efficient freezers incorporate improved compressors and better insulation than freezers that are less efficient.  High quality, properly installed insulation saves energy by keeping cold air inside your freezer and warm air in the room.  Air leaks make the motor work harder to maintain the desired temperature inside the unit.