Energy Star Rating

[Scott K]

I am in the market for a new chest freezer. I have just started to do a little research today. The freezer I have now is to big, and is probably 30 years old, but it does work. I was thinking if I down size to the size I need, and get a new efficient model, I could save a few bucks on me electric bill.

First question, since the freezer still works well, and I dont think it runs more then it should, but not really sure, its in the garage, am I just throwing money away at a new freezer, and isnt woth the saving I would get on my electric bill by buying a new one? If I do get a new one, how improtant is it to buy an Energy Star model? Are there rebates, or tax savings for the Energy Star models? Comparing some Specs, it looks as though some non Energy Star models are just as efficient as the Energy Star models.

Thanks for any help! Also, maybe a recommendation on what brand, maybe where to get one? Ones to stay away from?

[harvey lee]

I would stay away from any GE product.

8 years ago when we built new and moved to town, we purchased all new appliances and bought the best or top of the line from GE.

Within 4 years, we had them all replaced and the fridge will need to be replaced again soon.

Terrible appliances to say the least.

I am going back to Sears appliances as we had them all for years with very good luck and service. My folks had them for years with great luck also.My next freezer will be in the house and not the garage after all the issues I have had with it not cooling correctly in the winter due to it being in the garage.

I was told they are not built for the garage and I now add a heat lamp by the compressor to keep it running so it stays very cold in the freezer.

I am sure a new energy efficient one would save some bucks and buy the size that you can keep full to help save there also. Better full than half empty for cooling so I have been told.

I would check Scott with whomever you get your power from to see what they have for rebates through the power company.

[Scott K]

I heat my garage all winter anyhow, so being in the garage shouldnt effect the life of the freezer. Sears was going to be on my list of places. Along with a couple local stores. I was also told to check out Home Depot as well.

[GrizzlyAdams]

I vote sears as well. They have the best extended warranties we have found and actually stand behind those warranties. The best warranty they offer includes a yearly cleaning and check up on your appliance or electronic which I think is awesome because it can be preventative maintenance once a year and let you know if anything is wrong or may be wrong in the near future. Plus it also covers all cosmetic things as well, such as, broken handles, hinges, shelves, etc.

I would avoid Best Buy at all costs. They do not stand behind there warranties and do everything they can to not fix it. I have had nothing but bad luck with Best Buy and refuse to purchase anything there unless it is an absolute last resort.

[Dave S]

Be extremely careful dealing with Sears and their extra programs. IMO they're no better than the next place. We were duped into an extra $50 for a program that didn't exist. Corp. Customer Service told us it wasn't their problem and the store manager basically told us TOUGH SH*T!!!.

I think your best bet Scott would be to check into the locally owned places between LS, St. Peter and Mankato.