Customers are becoming more and more conscious of their impact on the environment, and thus, are seeking more Energy Star refrigerators information. From this information, they learn about how they can help the environment as well as save money by purchasing these appliances. As a "green" consultant, they'll rely on your opinion as well.

Keeping up on the latest trends in Energy Star refrigerators is important. When a client contracts you to come up with a green solutions for her home, you have to be ready to impress her. Stay knowledgeable about different refrigerator models so you're ready to give clients what they're looking for.

1. Determine how your client wants the fridge laid out. Energy Star refrigerators come in a few different styles.

2. Measure well. Energy Star refrigerators come in a variety of sizes so knowing exactly how much floor space you have to work with is imperative. Also measure vertical space.

3. Have your client pick the color they prefer. Popular colors of Energy Star refrigerators include classic white and black as well as the newer stainless steel.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go with top-mount Energy Star refrigerators

Freezer on top, fridge on the bottom: this is how all refrigerator/freezer combinations used to be made. This layout is great because both the fridge and the freezer are wide enough to accommodate large items, like full-size frozen pizzas. Most of these refrigerators now come with built-in icemakers. Every Energy Star refrigerators provider prices these models lower than other styles of fridges, so it's a great choice for clients on a budget.

I recommend: Consider the top-mount fridges from Whirlpool. Or try Frigidaire; most of its refrigerators are Energy Star qualified.

Suggest side-by-side Energy Star refrigerators

The vast majority of these refrigerators are made with an icemaker and water dispenser built right into the door of the freezer, providing fresh iced water with ease. The downside is that it's impossible to store wide items in the fridge or freezer due to the narrowness of each side. Oversize models are available, though, if your client doesn't want to sacrifice these food items.

I recommend: Choose from the great selection at AbsoluteHome.com. Every refrigerator offered in the Integra and Evolution lines, made by Bosch, are Energy Star rated.

Try out Energy Star refrigerators with the freezer on the bottom

In general, these models have French door-style refrigerator doors and a freezer that pulls out like a drawer. If your client stores lots of wide items in the fridge but has minimal use for the freezer, definitely consider this style of refrigerator.

I recommend: Check out the selection of bottom-mount fridges at US Appliance. General Electric also offers a nice selection.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find Energy Star refrigerators that have freezers on the bottom but instead of French doors, have standard doors. These look just like top-mount fridges, just switched around. They're great for people who eat a lot of fresh food, since the refrigerator is more accessible than it is in a top-mount.