Is it more environmentally friendly to toss my fridge for an Energy Star or keep my current 1990 fridge?

Question

I'm trying to decide on whether to toss my old fridge to cut carbon emissions but I'm a skeptical person and I am wondering if the cost of making a new fridge when I don't REALLY need one is more than the savings I'm going to get over the next 5-10 years. Anyone with information on the cost of making an energy star fridge would be greatly appreciated. The energy savings would be 60 dollars american per year, and 300 pounds of carbon per year.

Answer 1

For most of us, there's a lot we can do to help the environment--but use common sense. Here's what I mean:

Think about this way--is it time to toss the old fridge anyway? And is it costing you a lot in electricity bills? All of us have a collection of gadgets--and very few can afford to chuck them just to be "green," even if we want to. But IF you do use some common sense, you are in a win-win situation. Almost any "environmentally friendly" choice of appliances--up to and including cars and houses--will save you money in the long run by cutting your energy use (and those gas and utility bills). And may add to the value of your home in the bargain.

So here's two common sense strategies:
>Whenn the end of the useful life of an appliance--including your car--approaches (when you'd be ready to buy a new one anyway) that's the time to switch to "green" products--and it makes economic sense then, even if you pay a bit more--it'll pay for itself.
>If you are going to go beyond this, focus on the things that also have an economic payoff (insulation willl cut utility bills, energy -efficient light bulbs the same). True of even high-ticketitems like solar panels--they will pay for themselves over time.

You will find that the list of things you can do that will save you money is a long one--in fact, until you get into the really extensive stuff (like a fully independant power system) its really hardd NOTto save money by "going green." Just do it in a sensible way and on a timetalbe that makes financial sense.

Answer 2

Do the math:
Sell the fridge on Ebay- amount earned = e
Buy the fridge you want when fridge cost = f
f - e = difference (probably positive) d
If I'm correct (not too sure on this one) if 60 multiplied by ten is more than d, then sure, go ahead.

Answer 3

Don't worry about the carbon as the plants will take care of that . It may cost u more to repair the old one ,but if it is working ok .