Buying and Operating Tips: Freezers

Buying Tips

Determine the Size of Freezer You Need

Estimate 130 L (4.5 cu. ft.) of capacity per person or consider the type and size of containers or packages you will be placing in the freezer. Also make sure that the freezer will fit easily into the space available. Without sufficient clearances for airflow on the side and back, the unit will not operate as efficiently as it should.

Chest Freezers vs. Upright Models

Chest freezers are generally more energy efficient than upright models because only a little amount of cold air flows out when you open them. Upright freezers lose cold air because it flows down and out of the freezer when the door is opened. Automatic defrost freezers use more energy than manual defrost models.

Look for the Lowest EnerGuide Rating

Freezers are about 50 percent more energy efficient today than they were in 1990.

 

The international ENERGY STAR symbol

Look for the ENERGY STAR® Symbol

If you're shopping for a new freezer, consider an ENERGY STAR qualified model. ENERGY STAR qualified freezers are available in all types and sizes. To qualify, standard-size freezers must achieve energy efficiency levels that are at least 10 percent higher than the minimum regulated standard in Canada. Compact freezers must exceed the minimum regulated standard by 20 percent to qualify for ENERGY STAR.

Freezers 1990
(average annual energy consumption in kWh/year)		 2008
(average annual energy consumption in kWh/year)
Standard chest type 658 334

Compare current freezers by visiting our searchable product listings, which show ENERGY STAR qualified models and standard models.

List of models: Freezers

Freezer Distributors by Brand Name

Brand Name Distributor
Admiral W.C. Wood Company Ltd.
Amana Maytag Co.
Beaumark Electrolux Home Products
Bertazzoni Fisher & Paykel
Bosch BSH Home Appliances
Crosley Crosley Appliances Ltd.
Danby Danby Products Ltd.
Danby Designer
(Danby Des.)		 Danby Products Ltd.
Danby Premier
(Danby Pre.)		 Danby Products Ltd.
Diplomat Danby Products Ltd.
Electrolux Electrolux Home Products
Euroquip Electrolux Home Products
Frigidaire Electrolux Home Products
Gaggenau BSH Home Appliances
General Electric (GE) Camco Inc. / GE Appliances
Gibson Electrolux Home Products
Gladiator Lowe's
Haier Haier America Trading Corp.
Holiday W.C. Wood Co. Ltd.
Icon Electrolux Home Products
Imperial Whirlpool Corporation
Kenmore Sears Canada Inc.
Kirkland Camco Inc. / GE Appliances
Maytag Maytag Co.
Miele BSH Home Appliances
Moffat W.C. Wood Company Ltd.
Monogram General Electric (GE)
Sanyo Sanyo E & E Corp.
Sears W.C. Wood Company Ltd.
Siemens BSH Home Appliances
Simplicity Danby Products Ltd.
Sub-Zero Sub-Zero Freezer Company, Inc.
Thermador BSH Home Appliances
Whirlpool Whirlpool Corporation
White-Westinghouse
(White-West.)		 Electrolux Home Products
Wood's W.C. Wood Co. Ltd.

Categories of Freezers

Freezers are available in various sizes and styles, all of which affect energy consumption. That's why EnerGuide groups freezers according to type, enabling you to compare the energy consumption of similar models.

Chest Freezers

This category includes all standard chest freezers (Type 10 and 10A on the EnerGuide label).

Upright Freezers

This category includes upright freezers with either automatic or manual defrost (Types 8 and 9 on the EnerGuide label).

Compact Freezers

This category includes all compact freezers, including upright and chest models featuring either manual or automatic defrost (Types 16 to 18 on the EnerGuide label). Compact freezers have total refrigerated volumes of less than 219.5 L (7.75 cu. ft.) and overall heights of less than 91.4 cm (36 in.).

EnerGuide Label Types

Every EnerGuide label lists the type of product, its capacity and its energy consumption. It does not list other features because of space restrictions; instead, the type of product is shown by a number. The chart below lists the types of freezers, with their corresponding features.

Upright Freezer

Type 8 Upright freezers with manual defrost
Type 9 Upright freezers with automatic defrost

Chest Freezer

Type 10 All chest freezers and all other freezers
Type 10A All chest freezers with automatic defrost

Compact Freezer

Type 16 Compact upright freezers with manual defrost
Type 17 Compact upright freezers with automatic defrost
Type 18 Compact chest freezers and all other freezers

Operating Tips to Save Energy and Money

  • Be sure to read your new appliance's owner's manual. It is full of hints to help you operate your freezer at optimum efficiency.
  • Make sure your freezer's rubber door seals are clean and tight. They should hold a slip of paper snugly. If the paper slips out easily, replace the seals. Here is another way to check the seals: Place a lit flashlight inside the freezer and close the door. If you can see light around the door, the seals need to be replaced. Use the flashlight to check refrigerators and ovens as well.
  • Set your freezer temperature at –18°C (0°F) for maximum efficiency and food safety.
  • Fully defrost and clean the inside of your freezer at least once a year.
  • Vacuum dust from the back and underside of your freezer regularly.
  • Do not place warm food or pots in the freezer; wait until they are cool.
  • Position the freezer away from all sources of heat. And make sure your freezer is at least 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 in.) out from the wall so that air can move freely around the unit. Freezer motors and compressors generate heat, which requires sufficient space around your freezer for continuous airflow. If heat cannot escape, the freezer's cooling system has to work extra hard and uses more energy.
  • Clean the condenser coils regularly so air can circulate. When dust and pet hair build up on the coils, air does not circulate freely so the freezer works harder and uses more electricity.