Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are some frequently asked questions. Please click a question or scroll down the page to view the answers.
- What is the The Great Refrigerator Roundup Program?
- Why would I want to participate in this program?
- I have an older fridge, freezer, dehumidifier or window air conditioner and I want to get rid of it immediately, what do I do?
- How do I sign up?
- Are multi-residential buildings included in the program?
- What's so bad about older fridges, freezers, dehumidifiers or window air conditioners?
- Does it make sense to replace my older fridge, freezer, dehumidifier or window air conditioner with a new one?
- What incentive is being provided to remove the older fridge, freezer and air conditioner?
- What is being done with the appliances that are taken away?
- Why is this initiative happening?
- Who is the Ontario Power Authority?
What is the Great Refrigerator Roundup Program?
EnWin Utilities, with support from the Ontario Power Authority, is making it simple for Ontarians to do their part to conserve energy and ease the strain on the electricity system by designing a program that offers to pick up older refrigerators and freezers as well as window air conditioners and portable dehumidifiers from residents of Ontario, and fully decommission them in an environmentally friendly manner.
The Great Refrigerator Roundup Program is a program designed to remove older, inefficient fridges and freezers from the electricity system. Generally, these older secondary fridges and freezers, located in basements or garages, are plugged in but rarely used. These older units typically use two to three times more electricity than new appliances.
Why would I want to participate in this program?
There are many great reasons to participate in this program. By having your old inefficient refrigerator or freezer removed from your home, you will be saving money by eliminating a major home electricity user. You will be helping the environment by reducing the impact of electricity generation and by having the fridge, freezer or window air conditioner decommissioned in an environmentally responsible way. There are no hassles, a professional contractor will remove the fridge/freezer or window air conditioner from your home and take it away for you for proper decommissioning.
I have an older fridge, freezer, dehumidifier or window air conditioner and I want to get rid of it immediately, what do I do?
I would like to suggest to you that you simply unplug the unit so that you are not consuming any additional electricity, book your appliance pick up time by calling 1-877-797-9473. By doing this, you will ensure that your appliance is taken away and decommissioned in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
How do I sign up?
Please call 1-877-797-9473 to schedule an appointment today!
Are multi-residential buildings included in the program?
There are some restrictions on multi-residential buildings. Please call 1-877-797-9473 for details.
What's so bad about older fridges, freezers, dehumidifiers or window air conditioners?
These technologies have changed tremendously over the past 20 years. A typical fridge built in 1986 uses 1,500 kWh, costing $180 per year while a new Energy Star® rated fridge will use approximately one third less energy.
Does it make sense to replace my older fridge, freezer dehumidifier or window air conditioner with a new one?
It may, because newer fridges (Freezers or window air conditioners) cost so much less to operate than an older unit. For example, replacing a 20-year-old 18 cubic feet refrigerator with a new Energy Star® qualified refrigerator will result in an annual energy cost savings of about $130. At this rate, the savings will pay for the cost of the new refrigerator in 5 to 7 years.
What incentive is being provided to remove the older fridge, freezer, dehumidifier and air conditioner?
We are pleased to be offering this program to residents since it provides free pick up by staff who will remove it from your home, environmentally safe disposal of the CFCs and electricity savings for you of about $150 by removing that old refrigerator. To hire someone to take it out of your home and dispose of it can cost up to $90 and if you were to remove this fridge yourself and place it on the curb, and there is frequently a charge of about $30 from the municipality.
What is being done with the appliances that are taken away?
The appliances are being decommissioned and dismantled so that the components can be recycled in an environmentally responsible way. Only a bare minimum of material will reach landfill sites. Particular attention is being paid to the chemicals used in fridges that are significant atmospheric pollutants and responsible for ozone depletion. These are being contained and destroyed.
Why is this initiative happening?
Ontario's electricity use is growing. Population growth and increases in use of electrical devices will cause increasing demand. This demand can be met by building more generating stations, but that is expensive and has environmental implications. An alternative way to allow for growth is to help Ontarians use electricity as efficiently as possible; using only the electricity they need and, where possible, avoiding using it at times when the peak demand for electricity is highest. This saves Ontarians money and reduces impact on the environment.
Who is the Ontario Power Authority?
This is an organization set up by the Ontario provincial government to Plan the Ontario Power System, Develop Generation, Develop the Electricity Sector and encourage electricity conservation.
