Looking to buy a new fridge? Find a new fridge that’s right for you with our Refrigerator Buying Guide.
Buying a new fridge for your family involves more than just choosing the right capacity; you’ll need to consider the space it takes up, its energy usage as well as how you’ll maintain it post purchase.
When is the right time to buy a new fridge?
Some types of refrigerators are easy to repair and maintain after many years and some models will need to be replaced over time.
- Standard refrigerators, that is, an all-in-one unit with separate fridge and freezer are usually less expensive to repair.
- Faulty bottom-freezer fridges should be repaired within seven years if an issue is found. Beyond this time it is best to consider replacement.
- On the brink top-freezer fridges should be replaced if more than seven years old.
- Side-by-side door fridges, may be good candidates for replacement if they are over five years old.
MORE: Can your fridge be fixed or is it kaput? Read our handy guide.
Check out the top 4 things to consider when looking for a new fridge:
1. Consider the fridge space available in your home
Before you even start thinking about the energy rating and gadgets you’ll want in your new fridge, you need to measure the depth, width and height of your current fridge space.
- Take into account that you will need at least an inch at the top of the fridge and behind to allow for proper ventilation.
- You’ll also need to consider that many refrigerator doors open to 90 degrees to allow for vegetable and door drawers.
- Measure your doorways to work out how you are going to get the new fridge through your front door – surprisingly some fridges are wider than house doorways (especially in old houses).
2. Choose the right fridge capacity
Once you have your space measured out, the next thing to do in the hunt for an efficient fridge and freezer is to think about the capacity you require.
Based on the number of people using the fridge, you can use the following as a general rule of thumb when choosing fridge capacity:
- 1–2 people: 250–285L
- 3–4 people: 342–450L
- 5 or more: 450L+. Add 28.5L for each additional family member, plus freezer space.
3. Understand fridge energy ratings
Once you have decided on the design and layout that suits your needs, it’s worth checking the numbers and stars on the energy label.
- Remember your fridge is probably the only appliance in your house that is always going to be turned on and can turn into an energy guzzler if not used correctly.
MORE: Do Energy star ratings have you in a spin? We decode them for you here.
4. Keep your fridge running for years to come
Follow these tips to keep your new fridge healthy and happy for years to come:
- For optimum efficiency, keep the back of the fridge free of dust and door seals in good condition.
- A tightly shut door will stop cool air escaping and lessen the work done by the motor, so you’ll save energy and increase the lifespan of your appliance.
#HisenseHack: A good rule of thumb is if your old fridge is usually only two-thirds full, the capacity of your fridge is too big for you and your household and, as a consequence, you’re using more energy than you need to. Hisense has a range of fridges to suit your needs. Check them out here.
Related Stories:
Find a fridge retailer
Australia
