To Replace or Not, That is the Question
Consider whether its time for a new refrigerator and/or freezer. If you are using an old refrigerator, say since the early 70s, you are using about 3 times as much energy to run it as you would to run one sold last year. And new efficiency standards take effect in 2001 so new refrigerators and freezers are even more efficient. (1993 was the last time standards were raised.) On top of that, your state's power company might offer a rebate if you buy a new model that exceeds the minimum standards.
 You can save money by limiting the number of appliances you are using. So if you don't really need that second fridge or freezer, ditch it--particularly if it is more than about 15 years old. (By ditch it, I mean appropriately. At the very least, take the door off before you dump it in the back 40 so kids don't get trapped inside and suffocate.)
If you regularly use two refrigerators, consider replacing them both with one larger one. It is usually much less expensive to operate one big refrigerator than two small ones. Again, if one of your fridges is an oldie it is sucking you dry on your electricity bill.
If you must have a second freezer or refrigerator but only use it for holidays (like the Superbowl), turn it off for the rest of the year. In fact, unplug it and take the door off so no one can get trapped inside. At the very least, turn it off during the summer when it has to work harder to cool itself.
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