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Despite having a shorter lifespan, more technologically advanced models are more efficient

Many still believe that old refrigerators are better than new ones because they last longer (about 20 years longer). is this really true? Well, they actually have a lifespan up to twice as long as current models. But older devices can use nearly 200% more energy than newer ones.

According to Eduardo Carvalhaes Nobre, energy solutions engineer at Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (Cemig), the refrigerator with the “A” seal of the National Electric Energy Program (Procel) consumes 26.9 kilowatts/hour (kWh) per month, while older models consume up to 80 kW/h. On average, the energy consumption of old refrigerators is 197% greater than that of new ones. The Procel rating ranges from “A” to “F” (learn more here).

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 88% to 95% of a refrigerator's total energy expenditure occurs during the use phase - that is, when the appliance is plugged into your kitchen outlet, transforming electrical energy into cooling for food maintenance. That way, even if you end up having to buy a new appliance in a shorter amount of time, the energy you spend producing the item will be less than keeping an old refrigerator wasting a lot of energy for many years in your home.

So, if your concern is with the environment, current models are the best option (they are even easier to be recycled, although the process is also possible with old models). But if you are worried about your pocket... The answer is the same! Changing a more modern appliance regularly remains more economical than spending more than 20 years with an appliance that consumes a lot of energy. According to Energy Star (a US Environmental Protection Agency program), with a more technologically advanced refrigerator, you save 1539kWh of energy annually, about $200 in energy tariff per year (this is based on the reality of Americans ).

If properly cared for, a modern refrigerator can last from nine to 13 years, according to InterNACHI. So here are some tips to increase the life of your appliance:

• Clean the coil every six months or a year with a vacuum, brush or baking soda. Dusty coils reduce the efficiency of the device, causing unnecessary wear and tear.
• Avoid keeping the refrigerator near the stove or any heat source (including sunlight). If the refrigerator is in a hot environment, this means that it will have to work even harder to stay cool and will again suffer unnecessary wear and tear.
• Keep the inside of the appliance cool. I mean: no opening the fridge door to think about life. Also be sure to let any leftover food cool completely before putting it in the fridge.