Did You Comment? Energy Star Refrigerators And Freezers Update

Comments to the EPA were due by July 5 on the agency’s new guidelines on of its Energy Star Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers Version 4.0 Draft 2.

Draft 1 of the product specifications prompted stakeholder concerns about introducing Energy Star performance requirements beyond the Energy Department’s 2017 minimum efficiency standards for commercial refrigeration equipment. In response, EPA conducted individual and collective outreach to industry representatives, re-examined the proposed efficiency performance levels, and made modest adjustments to enable a broader selection of products. (The data did not support making adjustments to two vertical refrigerator subtypes, or the horizontal refrigerators and freezers levels.) Additional details are provided in note boxes in the Draft 2 specification, released June 7.

The EPA included some preliminary analysis on the energy savings associated with incorporating climate-friendly refrigerant systems. The agency says it has learned from companies making use of alternative refrigerants that, in some cases, they deliver energy savings for commercial refrigeration equipment.

The product development page for Energy Star Commercial refrigerators and freezers contains further details. Specification information is available here.                            

NAFEM has been an active advocate for the E&S industry on these guidelines. More information about the association’s advocacy efforts is available from Charlie Souhrada, CFSP, director-member services at csouhrada@nafem.org.