Energy Saving Tips For Reach In Refrigerators And Freezers - Guides & Suggestions

Several features and characteristics of these units can enhance their energy efficiency. For example, energy savings can be realized by selecting a model with multiple doors rather than a single door. When you don't have to open the entire door every time you retrieve an item, a reduction in lost cold air occurs. Additionally, models with solid doors are usually more energy-efficient than glass door models, simply because glass does not have the same insulating properties as foam-filled stainless steel or aluminum.

Another factor to consider is a top-mounted compressor versus a
bottom-mounted compressor. A bottom-mounted compressor will be drawing relatively cooler air into the unit compared to a top-mounted compressor, since heat and grease rise in a hot kitchen environment.
As a result, the compressor won't have to work as hard. However, the greatest single factor that influences energy costs of one unit versus another is simply which unit is the most efficient and draws the least amount of electricity to begin with!

When shopping for a single section refrigerator, you should consider more than just the purchase price. For example, the Delfield 6025XL (our item number 3056025XL) consumes approximately 20% less electricity than the Traulsen G10010 (our item number 882G10010) when measured in KWh! This Delfield model also consumes over 3% less energy than a True T23 (our item number 200RR27). Aside from the hard numbers, many municipalities offer additional credits and incentives for purchasing more energy-efficient equipment, making a model with greater energy efficiency even more appealing. Similarly, a two door Delfield 6051XL (our item number 3056051XL) consumes a staggering 44% less energy than a Traulsen G20010 (our item number 882G20010) and 67% less energy than a True T49 (our item number 200RR49). As you can see from the graph, you could save over $80 per year in electricity costs by buying the Delfield instead of the True, or over $52 by choosing the Delfield instead of the Traulsen

A single section freezer like the Delfield 6125XL (our item number 3056125XL-S) uses nearly 12% less electricity than a Traulsen G12010 (our item number 882G12010), and nearly 27% less electricity than a True T23F (our item number 200RF27), when measured in KWh! Likewise, a two section freezer like the Delfield 6151XL (our item number 3056151XLS) consumes nearly 43% less electricity than a Traulsen G22010 (our item number 882G22010), and nearly 52% less electricity than a True T49F (our item number 200RF49)! Those numbers translate into over $200 in savings per year by choosing the Delfield over the True, or almost $165 per year by choosing the Delfield over the Traulsen.

Here are a few more quick tips that will help improve the efficiency of any reach-in refrigerator or freezer:

1. Clean condenser and evaporator coils: These areas are magnets for dust and dirt! As grime builds up, the air flow across the coils decreases and efficiency and performance will suffer. Dirty coils make the compressor work harder and can contribute to premature failure. Plus, the more the compressor is running, the more hot air it's expelling out into the room to make your air conditioning work harder!

2. Allow for proper air circulation: Since refrigerators and freezers remove heat from inside the box and reject it through the coils on the top or bottom of the unit, it's important to make sure you're not blocking or restricting proper airflow. Just like dirty condenser and evaporator coils, poor air circulation around a unit allows heat to build up and forces the unit to work harder and consume more energy.

3. Replace old gaskets: Leaking, torn, or worn-out gaskets let chilled air escape into the room.

*Information and data retrieved from the EnergyStar website (www.energystar.gov).*

For even more information and tips about saving energy, energy savings calculators, and information about energy savings rebates and programs, visit the EnergyStar website at www.energystar.gov.