Replacing 7-yr-old refrigerators saves €40/year: report

According to research done by Milieu Centraal, refrigerators have become so much more economical in the past seven years, that it is better for the environment to replace refrigerators as soon as possible. Many refrigerator owners think that using their old refrigerator for as long as possible, is the best thing they can do for the environment. According to Puk van Meegeren of Milieu Centraal, this is a lot less economical and sustainable than people think. "In the past seven years refrigerators have become much more economical. The engine, compressor and insulation have progressed so far that a refrigerator today is 60 percent more efficient than an example from 2007." Replacing all the old refrigerators in the Netherlands would save as much energy as what 300 thousand households consume in a year. According to Milieu Centraal, replacing and old refrigerator with a freezer with one from the latest generation, will save 40 euro a year in electricity costs. Milieu Centraal started a campaign today to help motivate refrigerator owners to upgrade to a newer model. Owners of an antique refrigerator could win the purchase amount of a new one if they bring in their old unit to be recycled.