Freezers are some of the biggest consumers of energy. A typical ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer can consume as much energy as an entire family home per day. Steps that can be taken to reduce the energy used by freezers include:
- checking gaskets regularly;
- defrosting (can result in an estimated 10% reduction in energy usage);
- changing the setpoint of ULTs from -80°C to -70°C (approximately 40% savings); and
- purchasing Energy Star-certified (by the US Environmental Protection Agency - EPA) freezers which can use 50-60% less energy than non-certified freezers.
The Federal Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy provides guidelines on purchasing refrigerators and freezers at
Purchasing Energy-Efficient Laboratory-Grade Refrigerators and Freezers. (Not only do these options save energy, but they also save money.) Purchasing the best available models are most expensive but will save the most energy usage. However, simply purchasing an Energy Star-certified refrigerator or freezer still saves money and energy. Below are some comparisons published by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - these recommendations apply to federally funded labs but can apply to any lab.
