Fridge freezer energy ratings

QrizB

Deleted_User said:

I have to admit that I am a bit puzzled about the relationship between estimated electricity use and rating. E.g. why an F rated model would have estimated usage of 268kWh, less than some E rated models.

The rating isn't simply a band of energy consumption values, it's relative to the volume of the appliance.

A larger E-rated appliance is allowed to use more energy than a smaller E-rated one.

MX5huggy

Deleted_User said:

Ultrasonic said:

Deleted_User said:

I'd start with the basics, like where it needs to fit, what capacity I need, and other preferences (e.g. frost free). And then look at price and energy rating together.

I just tried a search for FF's with a width of exactly 60cm (the most common width) on John Lewis, to give roughly comparable sizes of FF. (If this was a real search, I'd add other filters to taste at this stage.)

For each energy rating (A-F), I looked up the estimated annual electricity use of the cheapest model. (There might be a more expensive model with the same rating that uses less electricity.)

I found:

A 169kWh £1,379
B 169kWh £1,129.99
C 169kWh £849
D 199kWh £679
E 294kWh £399
F 317kWh £599

So A and B rated models have the same estimated electricity use as C, and cost a lot more.

F rated models cost more than E, as well as using more electricity.

It's down to C,D,E for the best value.

Upgrading from E to D costs an extra £280, but saves 95kWh per year. At (let's say) 40p per unit, that's £38 saved per year. So the higher initial cost pays for itself after about 7 years.

Upgrading from D to C costs an extra £170, but saves 30kWh per year. At 40p per unit, that's £12 saved per year. So this upgrade takes about 14 years to pay for itself.

I would definitely expect a decent FF to last over 7 years. And perhaps over 14 years, but that's a bit marginal. So I'd say it's worth going for at least a D rated model; but less clear whether it's worth going for a C.

When I bought a FF 2 years ago, I went for a D rated model ... well, it was A+++, the top rating on the old rating system. At the time, it didn't appear to be worthwhile in purely economic terms compared a cheaper A++ model. However, rising energy prices have made this decision correct with hindsight.

This is very much in the territory of Vimes Boots theory. I.e. some people can't afford the more expensive models, even if they would pay for themselves in time.

That's any interesting analysis but did you mean £599 for the F category? This one costs £330 and uses 268 kWh per year:

https://www.currys.co.uk/products/indesit

I have to admit that I am a bit puzzled about the relationship between estimated electricity use and rating. E.g. why an F rated model would have estimated usage of 268kWh, less than some E rated models.

There should be some relationship between capacity and energy usage if efficiency was simply energy usage then all the small units would be most efficient. A massive FF that used 268kWh is clearly more efficient than a tiny one that uses the same. 

Alnat1

We replaced an integrated FF in the past and it's a chore to try and find one that's an exact match for the hole it's got to fit in. 

Not only has it got to be pretty much the same height as the one it replaces, the door split has got the be in the right place too. You actually don't get a lot of choice.

With under-counter types the height is much more standard so you get way more choice.

matelodave

Coffeekup said:

I know the rules or regulation's have recently changed on energy ratings. I realize this is not exactly not an energy rated topic (as of yet) but...

1- Does or has anyone ever consider energy ratings when buying one in the past? 
Not really, although we did look at it when we bought ours

2- Does design of it matter?
Not really

3- Does frost free matter?
It saves defrosting so it's probably worthwhile

4- Do just buy one that'll fit in the space?
Absolutely - if it doesn't fit then how do you get it in

5- How long would you expect a fridge freezer upto £200 last?
10years

6- How long would you expect a fridge freezer upto £350 last?
10years

7- How long would you expect a fridge freezer upto £500 last?
10 years

8- How long would you expect a fridge freezer upto £800 last?
15 years

9- How long would you expect a fridge freezer upto £1300 last?
30 years

10- How long would you expect a fridge freezer £1300-£2,300last?
forever

11- Anyone in the last 10-15 years had a fridge freezer that's lasted 8 years+? If so what make is it? 
we have a separate fridge and freezer, both Hotpoint uprights, both A+ rated and both have been running quite happily since July 2010 The pair of them cost us around £350.

Our previous Hotpoint fridgefeezer was ten years old when we gave it to our neighbour in 2010 and they replaced it this year when they remodelled their kitchen - it still works

Some of you may have integrated fridge and freezer's, but play along with the above please.
I'll go first..
1-kind of, 2-yes, 3-yes, 4-no, 5-4+year's, 6-5+ year's, 7-5+year's,
8-7+years, 9-10+ year's, 10-15 Year's,
11-N/A for me

see my answers above

victor2

Coffeekup said:

I know the rules or regulation's have recently changed on energy ratings. I realize this is not exactly not an energy rated topic (as of yet) but...

1- Does or has anyone ever consider energy ratings when buying one in the past?

Now, yes. In the past (last century), no.

2- Does design of it matter?

Absolutely. Had the kitchen units built around the old fridge and the new one had to go in the same place. Also had to have plumbed in ice maker, as the old one did. OH wanted new gadgets, so a "door in door" model was selected. It also has WiFi, which I have now disconnected as I don't see the need to adjust the FF temperature when I'm not home. Don't even do it when I'm home!

3- Does frost free matter?

Yes. Never have to defrost it.

4- Do just buy one that'll fit in the space?

Not "just", but see answer to 2.

5- How long would you expect a fridge freezer upto £200 last?

Not very long

6- How long would you expect a fridge freezer upto £350 last?

Bit longer

7- How long would you expect a fridge freezer upto £500 last?

10 years?

8- How long would you expect a fridge freezer upto £800 last?

10 years?

9- How long would you expect a fridge freezer upto £1300 last?

10+ years

10- How long would you expect a fridge freezer £1300-£2,300last?

20+ years

11- Anyone in the last 10-15 years had a fridge freezer that's lasted 8 years+? If so what make is it? 
Not in the last 10-15 years, but our US made (General Electric) one purchased abroad in 1995 lasted here until 2021.

My answers above. Our new one purchased last year (LG) uses about one third of the electricity the one it replaced used. That lasted 26 years. I can't say I'm optimistic that the new one will last that long. Interestingly (to me anyway) the price was almost the same as we paid 26 years ago.