Q: Dear Jim: We are remodeling our kitchen and we should replace our old refrigerator/freezer. I know newer ones are more energy efficient and full-featured. What are the most efficient models and what new convenience features are best? - Ann T.

A: Dear Ann: Besides space and water heating and cooling, the refrigerator/freezer is the largest electricity consumer in most homes. This is particularly true if you have several children often opening the door looking for snacks. Replacing a large older refrigerator/freezer with a new efficient model may save as much as $100 annually on your electric bills. This can certainly payback its cost quicker than the stock market or bank CDs.

Another key advantage of replacing an older model is that the new ones have much better temperature controls and maintain even temperatures throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Maintaining precise temperatures keeps foods fresher for a longer time for your family's health without over-cooling and wasting electricity.

Several of the top-of-the-line models offer illuminated digital temperature readouts and controls for both compartments. This makes temperature adjustments easier and more precise.

Multilevel lighting inside the refrigerator is also a plus. It is not only convenient, but by being able to see the food items more clearly, you can find foods quicker and get the door closed sooner to save electricity.

The first important buying decision is selecting the proper size of refrigerator/freezer your family needs. All other things being equal, a larger size uses more electricity than a smaller one because a larger one has more surface area and door gasket length. There is little insulation value at the door gaskets.

As a rule of thumb, a family of two needs about 12 cubic feet of refrigerator space. Add another one to two cubic feet for each additional family member. Most

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American families end up buying larger units than they need.

Even the most efficient refrigerator/freezers now have attractive exteriors because of material and manufacturing improvements. Insulation materials are better (higher R-value per-inch thickness) allowing for more design flexibility without sacrificing efficiency. As an example, there are some very attractive antique (1897-style) models with painted, curved doors and bright nickel-plated trim. Others use easy-to-clean, professional-looking stainless steel exteriors for a contemporary kitchen decor.

Most refrigerator/freezers use a single compressor with dual controls for the refrigerator and freezer compartments. This often controls the airflow between them. To give true independent control over the temperatures in each compartment, some very efficient models include two separate compressors, one for the refrigerator and one for the freezer. Each smaller compressor only operates when needed. Other efficient models use one variable-speed compressor to minimize temperature swings and compressor run time.

Although side-by-side refrigerator/freezers use somewhat more electricity than most over/under models of the same size, they offer the most capacity and convenience and are most popular. Some side-by-side models have a unique staggered shape with the top of the refrigerator portion wider and the lower portion of the freezer section wider. This is more convenient because the refrigerator portion is usually opened more often and this wider opening area locates more foods at eye level.

Another new efficient feature is a special drawer with its own temperature controls. This drawer is designed to either freeze foods quickly or to thaw them in half the normal time, depending on the mode you select. Other models have super-quick icemaker compartments to make ice cubes in one hour or less. Through-the-door ice and chilled water dispensers reduce the number of times the doors are opened each day so the compressor has to run less often. Select one with a built-in water filter.

For convenience, some efficient models are circular. The glass shelves inside rotate similar to a lazy Susan, so it is easy to access any food items. These models have a rapid-freeze mode to quickly freeze or make ice. They are relatively small (11.5 cubic feet), but are ideal for recreation rooms or one-person dwellings.

Other models are designed to run on 12 volts, to be powered by batteries, windmills, solar panels, etc., or they can be plugged into a standard electric outlet. This is ideal in case of emergencies. Some built-in models have a remote compressor that can be located up to 15 feet away from the unit. This allows you to build the refrigerator/freezer into the cabinet without concern for airflow through the condenser coils. Adequate airflow is important for optimum energy efficiency.

Write for (instantly download - www.dulley.com) Utility Bills Update No. 437 - buyer's guide of the 13 most efficient, full-featured refrigerator/freezers listing styles, sizes, colors, features, and tips for selection and efficient operation. Please include $3 and a business-sized SASE. James Dulley, Publication Name, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244.

James Dulley is a mechanical engineer who writes on a wide variety of energy and utility topics. His column appears in a large number of daily newspapers.

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