new kitchen refrigerator info needed

[1 FMF]

my current fridge is a GE eterna series model ERT2021DARCC.
On the sticker inside it says 7amp, 115vac, R143a refrigerant.

What refrigerant do the new energy efficient fridges use?

I looked this up for kicks:
http://products.geappliances.com/ApplPro...EID=GEA&TABID=2

this model says 115vac 15 amps.
now how can that be energy efficient? or do they just list the 15 amp number to tell you to use a 15amp breaker? Anybody know what the true amperage draw of a new energy-eff fridge is?

i'm considering getting a new kitchen fridge, but am contemplating the heat given off into the kitchen as a deciding factor. Putting all the marketing b.s. aside on energy efficiency, is there any realistic way that i could see a drop in heat given off by a new energy-eff. fridge versus my current fridge?

 

[duaneb9729]

all new fridges use r 134a refrigerant

ge has a great web site and it gives all the specs

 

[jcwit]

Remember General Electric is one of the last American Companies doing business with our enemy Iran. Think about that before you buy, a Veteran.

 

[oilyriser]

GE makes appliances, and they also sell power generating equipment, so they might not be too interested in saving power.

I'd put trust in the Energy Star website ratings for each fridge. It lists the annual kWh use you can expect. I have one of those plug in kWh meters, and I checked a fridge. It took about 125 W when running, and averaged about 55 watts over the on/off cycle. That works out to 481 kWh per year, which is about what the sticker said.

15A is the minimum fuse needed to pass the surge current

 

[1 FMF]

can anyone tell me what makes the new fridges more energy efficient? my current fridge uses 134a refrigerant, and so do the new ones. New fridges operate on the same voltage, and from the looks of it so far draw the same amount of current when they run. So from an electrical efficiency standpoint, what is different on new fridges that make them run less? And don't say because the compressor is more efficient without explaining how.
All the info I look up is fluff, a lot of claims with no logical realistic material to back it up.

 

[Al]

Basically smaller compressors and larger evaporators and condensers. That keeps pressures lower and boosts efficiencies. There is probably more including more efficient compressors..No I don't know what makes the latest versions more efficient.

 

[DrinkDuff77]

It is possible the new ones are better insulated as well.

There are at least two factors to consider when considering efficiency: How much energy it takes to make the cool air and how long the cool air will stay cool.

 

[H2GURU]

I do believe that some refrigerators don't have the small fan blowing on the compressor all the time. This would save some energy (or is the refrigerant less effective due to its higher heat ... something to investigate)? I like the units with the coil at the rear- backside- as these are less prone to dust collecting and resulting efficiency losses. If you have a cat or dog the coils on the bottom foul rather quickly. SUNFROST heaps praise upon themselves as the most energy saving brand but do check out their prices first. Good topic as rate increases from your utility will be forthcoming in the fall. Here's hoping Shannow gets a COL raise!

 

[Al]

I meant to say smaller evap coil (inside refrig) and larger condenser coil on outside will help.