U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyFederal Energy Management Program – Energy-Efficient ProductsHow to Buy an Energy-Efficient Commercial Refrigerator and Freezer
Information about energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers in this section includes the following:
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a This recommendation only covers solid-door, reach-in commercial refrigerators and freezers.
a Lifetime Energy Cost is the sum of the discounted (present) value of annual energy costs based on continuous usage and an assumed life of ten years. Future electricity price trends and a discount rate of 3.2% are based on Federal guidelines (effective from April 2002 to March 2003). Cost-Effectiveness Assumptions: The example shown assumes a commercial refrigerator will operate 24 hours per day, 365 days per year and that the electricity price is $0.06/kWh, the Federal average electricity price (including demand charges) in the U.S. Using the Cost-Effectiveness Table: In the example shown above, purchasing a 24.0 cubic foot commercial refrigerator having a daily energy use at the recommended level of 4.4 kWh is cost-effective if its purchase price is no more than $130 above the price of the base model. The best available model having a daily energy use of 3.1 kWh is cost-effective if its price is no more than $360 above the price of the base model. Where to Find Energy-Efficient Commercial Refrigerators and FreezersThe Federal supply source for commercial refrigerators is the General Services Administration (GSA). Energy efficient models can be purchased through supply schedule SAM 539, as well as through the online shopping network, GSA Advantage!. The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) also has information about commercial refrigerator manufacturers (see For More Information). How to Select Energy-Efficient Commercial Refrigerators and FreezersWhen buying a commercial solid door refrigerator choose a model that meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR® (see For More Information), all of which meet this recommendation. If a product is not labeled ENERGY STAR®, use the formula from the table to determine if it meets the efficiency recommendation. Because commercial solid door refrigerators are not subject to Federal appliance standards, they do not have Federal Trade Commission "EnergyGuide" labels identifying estimated energy usage and cost. Therefore, it will be necessary to obtain the daily energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh/day) from the manufacturer. If the daily energy use of the product is less than or equal to the value calculated using the formula then it meets the efficiency recommendation. Technology OptionsCommercial refrigerators are designed to maintain an interior cabinet temperature between 36 and 40°F while freezers maintain temperatures between -2 and 2°F. Sizes range from small under counter (< 12 cu. ft.) products to large (> 100 cu. ft.) roll through units. Larger products are typically divided into smaller compartments each with its own door. Dual temperature products are available with both refrigerator and freezer compartments, much like residential refrigerators. Unlike residential refrigerators, dual temp products have separate compressors, condensers and evaporators for the refrigerator and freezer compartments. DOE's national appliance standard for residential refrigerators has helped to create a market of more energy efficient products that use much less energy than commercial refrigerators. When considering small dual temp refrigerators, buyers can achieve additional savings by choosing residential refrigerators. Check with your local building code or health department to see if residential refrigerators can be used in commercial applications. Ice cream freezers, also known as low temperature freezers, maintain interior cabinet temperatures a -5°F or less. Sizing and Maintenance TipsSelect a refrigerator that is the appropriate size for its intended use. Oversized refrigerators will increase the initial cost and lead to excessive expense due to energy losses and under utilized capacity. Maintain the interior temperature at the proper setting for storing food products. Many commercial refrigerators are equipped with an externally mounted, digital thermometer which makes checking the internal temperature easy. Make sure that door gaskets and auto closers are maintained in good operating condition. Worn door gaskets and faulty auto closers allow warm air to enter the cabinet increasing energy consumption and possibly leading to food spoilage. For More Information
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