Pull The Plug On Old, Inefficient Fridges

Media release follows from EECA and Fisher & Paykel:

Auckland Residents Get A Helping Hand To Pull The Plug On Old, Inefficient Fridges

Aucklanders are getting a helping hand to rid their homes of inefficient fridges under a new scheme which sees old refrigeration appliances taken away and recycled for free - and the householder rewarded with $25.

The project is part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority's (EECA) ENERGYWISET initiative to make homes more energy efficient and is run in conjunction with Fisher & Paykel.

Fisher & Paykel will remove old fridges in working condition from houses in the greater Auckland region, then de-gas and recycle them at the company's dedicated recycling plant. Householders have the choice of a $25 payment or alternatively donating the amount to Ronald McDonald House Auckland.

To be eligible, fridges and freezers must be at least five years old, in working condition and at least 100 litres in size.

Fisher & Paykel's Recycling Manager George Gray says the company has operated a full recycling plant at East Tamaki for more than 15 years where it breaks down and recycles appliances from all over the North Island, Christchurch and Dunedin.

"We have always been committed to taking away and recycling old appliances for customers who have purchased a new Fisher & Paykel product from one of our retailers. Now under this scheme we will remove old fridges and freezers from anywhere across greater Auckland for free," says Mr Gray.

He adds that outdated refrigeration appliances are much less efficient than new ones and can use up to three times more electricity.

"Taking these appliances out of use can save householders on power costs while benefiting the environment at the same time. Around a third of all fridges and freezers were made before the phasing out of CFCs, making them harmful on the environment," he says.

EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill says many Kiwi homes have two fridges running at a significant cost.

"It's likely that one of these is the old, inefficient fridge that has been shifted to the garage instead of recycled. This energy guzzler is costing around $200 or $300 a year to run and the chances are it is sitting nearly empty half the time. By getting rid of this fridge, both the owner and New Zealand comes out better off," says Mr Underhill.

'We estimate there are about 450,000 old and inefficient fridges and freezers in use throughout New Zealand, so the potential to save energy and money is huge.'

The fridge retirement project is part of the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy's goal for better performing products.

To request a fridge pick up from Fisher & Paykel, Auckland residents can call the fridge pick up line on 09 273 6852 or email HomeDeliveries@fp.co.nz

ENDS

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