Reports that two refrigerator-freezers, one with a top-mounted freezer and one with side-by-side doors, were tested in the laboratory to determine the sensitivity of their energy consumption to various operational factors. Factors examined were room temperature, room humidity, door openings and the setting of the anti-sweat heater switch. States the results indicated that the room temperature and door openings had a significantly greater effect on energy consumption than the other two factors. Establishes the relationship between the door openings and the equivalent test room temperature. Finally, studies the effect on energy of different temperature settings. Presents and discusses test results.

KEYWORDS: year 1996, Refrigerators, freezers, domestic, USA, laboratory testing, operations, energy consumption, temperature