Refrigerator Use Mitigation
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Hello!
I am currently working on an Residence Hall energy demand reduction competition at the University of Kentucky. In some of the preparation I have done for this project, I have discovered that the main users of energy are refrigerators. Does anyone have any strategies for mitigating their usage? I had thought that more common-area refrigerator space may be a help for this issue, but I also think that might be counter-productive.
Does anyone have any advice about this issue?
Thanks!
@Niles- thanks for the cost estimate. Good number to keep in mind.
@Robert- I'm interested if you have found anything more on refrigerators. Especially if anyone has sponsored a "swap" old-refrigerators for newer, more energy efficient ones in labs, using a green revolving fund.
Thanks!
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In their climate action plan, The University of Rhode Island describes the average cost involved with powering mini-refrigerators on their campus. They estimated that it cost $36 per year per mini-refrigerator to power them in the residence halls. Regulating the type, size and quantity can go a long way in saving money and energy.
A couple ideas for helping with reducing energy use: Consider a residential appliance policy. (For example, load limits per room, ban refrigerators, TVs, microwaves, or consider mandating Energy Star appliances, ban incandescent bulbs etc.)
@Robert - have you calculated the average energy used and put that into dollars? It may help your case for creating an appliance policy.