Jared Hendricks

By: Jared Hendricks, Marketing/Energy Conservation Manager

In March I wrote about changes and additions to Residential Rebates. I am happy to report that our rebate programs are off to a wonderful start this year. There is another important part to energy conservation that I am writing about this month, however: recycling old refrigerators. This year Owatonna Public Utilities is participating in Energy Star’s new Flip Your Fridge promotion.

Many old refrigerators are moved to the basement or garage to be used as an additional refrigerator instead of being recycled when a new fridge is purchased. Often times these additional refrigerators are old, inefficient units that have little to no food or beverages inside. By unplugging that additional fridge and having it recycled, you are protecting the environment.

All refrigerators have a refrigerant system much like the air conditioner in your car. These systems use either a CFC, HCFC, HFC or similar gas to keep your food cold. If you have ever had a mechanic add “Freon” to your car, you know these systems can develop leaks which allow the gas to escape into the atmosphere. Many of these refrigerants are considered greenhouse gases and are harmful to the environment when released. When your refrigerator is recycled, this gas is safely removed and collected ensuring it won’t be released into the atmosphere. OPU offers a bonus recycling rebate for refrigerator if you are charged a recycling fee when you purchase a new Energy Star refrigerator.

You can also save money by turning off the second fridge in your garage or basement. Customers often ask me how much it costs to operate their second fridge. This really depends on how old the fridge is as well as how it’s being used. A newer fridge that is full will use less energy than an older fridge that is empty. The EPA states that “refrigerators that are 15 years or older use twice as much energy as a new Energy Star certified refrigerator.” To help customers understand how much their old fridge (or any other plug in appliance) actually costs to operate customers can check out a Watts up? meter free of charge.

These meters are very simple to use and can help you understand how much energy and money your refrigerator is costing you. OPU’s electric rates are programmed into the meter already so all a customer has to do is plug their fridge into the meter and let it run for 24 hours. The Watts Up? meter will then show you how much it cost you to operate it every day. Simply multiply that by 365 to determine how much you spend every year to keep your second fridge in operation.

Watts Up? meters can be used on any appliance with a standard 110V plug such as a dehumidifier, coffee pot, television or stereo equipment. To check one out, come down to our office during business hours and speak to one of our customer service representatives. Let them know you would like to check out a Watts Up? meter. An instruction sheet is also included to help you with questions you may have using it.

Remember, we all benefit when we Conserve and Save!