Guides
The questions people ask before they know which model they want — answered with the catalogue behind every page on this site, not with opinions.
Showing 9 of 9 guides
- RefrigeratorsDoes an ice maker use more electricity?133 refrigerators are certified both ways. The ice maker costs you a measurable amount every year.Updated October 19, 2026
- RefrigeratorsWhich type of refrigerator is cheapest to run?Side-by-side or top-freezer? The gap is larger than most people expect, and it repeats every year.Updated October 19, 2026
- LaundryFront-load or top-load washer: which costs less to run?The difference is not small, and it includes the cost of heating the water.Updated October 19, 2026
- LaundryDo ventless dryers cost less to run?Heat-pump and compact ventless dryers change the yearly figure substantially.Updated October 19, 2026
- Water heatingIs a heat pump water heater worth it?A resistance tank cannot pass 100% efficiency. Every certified heat pump starts at 252%.Updated October 19, 2026
- CoolingWhat does a room air conditioner cost to run?Size drives almost everything: a whole-floor unit costs about four times a bedroom unit.Updated October 19, 2026
- Across the houseWhat uses the most electricity in a home?Every category we hold, ranked — and an honest note about the one that is missing from the list.Updated October 19, 2026
- RefrigeratorsDo mini fridges use a lot of electricity?A mini fridge is small, but it is not cheap. Per cubic foot it is the worst appliance on this site.Updated October 19, 2026
- Across the houseIs the EnergyGuide sticker accurate?The yellow sticker costs everything at 14¢ a kilowatt-hour. Two federal agencies now disagree about that number.Updated October 19, 2026
Every figure in every guide is recomputed when the catalogue refreshes, so none of them can quietly go stale.