Rethinking ULT Freezer Temperatures: Why -70°C is the New -80°C
Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers are essential in research labs, preserving valuable samples at extreme temperatures. However, many labs automatically set their freezers to -80°C without questioning whether this is necessary. By adjusting ULT freezers to -70°C, labs can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% while maintaining sample integrity for many materials.
Why Does Temperature Matter?
ULT freezers are among the most energy-intensive pieces of equipment in a lab, often consuming as much power as a small household. Every 10-degree reduction in ultra-low temperature cooling requires significantly more energy. Research shows that storing certain biological samples—including DNA, RNA, and many proteins—at -70°C is just as effective as -80°C.
The Energy Savings Impact
Lowering a ULT freezer from -80°C to -70°C can reduce energy use by 20-30%, cutting operational costs.
Reducing strain on compressors extends the lifespan of the freezer and minimizes maintenance needs.
Decreasing lab-wide energy demand supports institutional sustainability goals and reduces carbon footprints.
Will Your Samples Be Safe?
The viability of stored materials depends on proper risk assessment. Many major research institutions and freezer manufacturers have validated -70°C storage for a variety of sample types. If you’re unsure, check your sample stability requirements or conduct a pilot study to confirm suitability before making the switch.
Making the Change in Your Lab
Review Sample Requirements – Confirm that your samples remain viable at -70°C.
Adjust Freezer Setpoints Gradually – Monitor temperature stability and functionality.
Communicate with Lab Members – Ensure awareness and agreement on temperature settings.
Track Energy Savings – Record usage changes and share results with sustainability initiatives.
By making this simple switch, research labs can cut energy use, extend freezer longevity, and reduce environmental impact while keeping samples safe.
Ready to make the change? Check out the research behind this shift. (Below are Links to scholarly articles and evidence-based resources.)
Long term stability of paraoxonase-1 and high-density lipoprotein in human serum
Beekhof, Gorshunska, Jansen
-70 is the new -80 PDF including testimony from scientists storing samples at -70 C
Dr. Teun Bousema at Radboudumc, the Netherlands (updated May 2022)
Additional Publications (including a few posters) for download
Smart Notes: Reducing Energy Usage (Thermo Fisher Scientific)