Window Shopping - Refrigerator

Its year-end time and the Mega Sale has begun. So its time for me to decide on which particular model I wish to purchase and start hunting down the best price.

As this is my first time buying ANY household items, I, of course, did some research. And oh boy, the choices out there a mind-boggling! Top mount or bottom mount freezers, side-by-side freezers, french door refrigerators, single door ones --- haiz ... so confusing!

Many have recommended me Panasonic, Toshiba. Mitsubishi and Sharp. But I like Hitachi - its wide and the space inside is BIG! Nothing fancy but just a simple BIG fridge .. hehehe.

And electricity is darn expensive these days, so I am also looking for an energy-saving model. So need to look out for their "Energy Star"ratings.

More tips on energy-saving from FOMCA:

• Refrigerator coils must be vacuumed at least twice a year to keep the compressor running efficiently.
• 30% of cooled air will escape every time the refrigerator door is opened. The same rule goes for oven.
• Do not overload the refrigerator or freezer, cold air needs to circulate freely to keep food at the proper temperature.
• Place the refrigerator right so that it can automatically swing and shut the door. This will prevent wastage of energy if the door is left open.
• Refrigerator door seal must be checked. Place a One Ringgit bill and close the door. If you can pull the bill, you need to replace the gasket.

... i like the one Ringgit tip *smile* ... go back and try tonight on my existing fridge. Can you pull yours?