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CEE launched an initiative for commercial reach-in, solid-door commercial refrigerators and freezers in December of 2002. The initiative for high-efficiency commercial glass-door, reach-in refrigerators was launched in December of the following year.

The specifications for these initiatives are in line with ENERGY STAR^® specifications as well as California Energy Commission standards. The CEC specifications are contained in the California Appliance Efficiency Regulations, which became effective January 1, 2006. CEC's higher efficiency levels for commercial refrigerators with glass doors will become effective on January 1, 2007.

Reach-in, solid-door refrigerators and freezers are used in the food service industry by restaurants and institutional organizations, accounting for approximately 17 percent of all commercial refrigeration energy use. Glass-door refrigerators (which accounts for 8 percent of packaged commercial refrigeration energy use) are frequently used as beverage merchandisers, although they also have commercial kitchen applications.

In 1996, the average energy use of a solid-door, reach-in freezer was 7,500 kWh per year, with a potential increase in efficiency of 30 percent (less than a two-year payback). The average energy use of a solid-door, reach-in refrigerator was 3,800 kWh per year, with a potential increase in efficiency of 35 percent (also less than a two-year payback).

Substantial efficiency gains are also possible for glass-door models. A 1996 Arthur D. Little study identified opportunities for per-unit savings on reach-in glass door refrigerators as 45 percent, with a potential payback of 2.2 years or less.

The High-Efficiency Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers Initiative seeks to maximize the energy savings opportunity available through increased and sustained market share of efficient commercial refrigeration equipment.

The major barriers that hinder more rapid market penetration of highly efficient commercial reach-ins include a market with multiple market players, a high emphasis on first cost and a large used equipment market. CEE is currently working with member organizations to encourage the adoption of the specifications for promotion. A list of programs with links will be provided as energy-efficiency programs are designed and implemented.

For further information about CEE's Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers Initiative, contact Kim Erickson at 617-589-3949, ext. 234.

Resources/links

Presentation by Mark Aalfs, Tacoma Power: Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Rebate Program

Presentation by Julia Judd, ENERGY STAR consultant: Commercial Refrigeration: Opportunities for Energy-Efficiency Programs

Pacific Gas & Electric's Food Service Technology Center

ENERGY STAR Commercial Solid Door Refigerators and Freezers

DOE report: Application of Best Industry Practices to the Design of Commercial Refrigerators (2002)

DOE report: Energy Savings Potential for Commercial Refigeration Equipment (1996)

ACEEE paper: Packaged Commercial Refrigeration Equipment: A briefing Report for Program Planners and Implementers

Federal Technology Alert: Waste Chill Recovery Heat Exchangers for Commercial Size Automatic Ice-makers

Southern California Edison: Commercial Refrigeration Tips

Fall 2002 Market Transformer News story

Summer 2002 Market Transformer News story

Spring 2002 Market Transformer News story