Optimizing Cold Storage: How Small Changes Can Lead to Big Energy Savings
Ult Freezer Blog
Why Freezer Maintenance Matters
Laboratories and research facilities depend on ultra-low-temperature (ULT) freezers to preserve critical samples. However, these units are also among the most energy-intensive lab equipment. Proper maintenance and optimized settings can significantly reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and extend the lifespan of freezers.
One study from the University of Cambridge found that a dusty filter can increase energy usage by up to 10kWh per day compared to a clean filter. Similarly, research from the University of California, San Francisco, showed that an unmaintained freezer can use 12% to 25% more energy than a properly maintained unit. Regular maintenance, such as defrosting, cleaning filters, and organizing samples efficiently, can yield substantial energy savings.
Additionally, well-maintained freezers reduce the need to purchase new units, minimizing the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposing of additional freezers.
The Case for "Chilling Up": Adjusting ULT Freezer Set Points
One of the most effective energy-saving strategies in cold storage is “chilling up”—adjusting the temperature set points of ULT freezers from -80°C to -70°C.
A study by the Center for Energy Efficient Laboratories found that raising the set point from -80°C to -70°C reduced energy consumption by an average of 37% for standard and energy-efficient ULT freezers. Despite this significant reduction, researchers observed no impact on temperature stability or sample integrity.
Why Are ULT Freezers Set to -80°C?
The standard ULT freezer temperature of -80°C is relatively recent. When these freezers were first introduced in the mid-20th century, they were typically set at -65°C to -70°C. However, in the 1990s, manufacturers began advertising lower temperatures of -80°C or even -86°C, driven more by advancements in freezer technology and competitive marketing than scientific necessity.
A white paper from Radboud University Medical Center confirms that lowering freezer temperatures was not based on any proven benefit for sample preservation. In fact, for most research applications, storing samples at -70°C is just as effective as -80°C, even over long periods.
Making the Switch to More Efficient Freezer Use
By maintaining your ULT freezer and adjusting its set point, your lab can:
Reduce energy consumption by up to 37%
Lower operating costs
Extends the lifespan of your equipment
Reduce environmental impact by minimizing the need for new freezers
Check out this resource list for more information on energy-efficient cold storage practices.
Conclusion
Cold storage best practices are a simple yet impactful way to improve lab sustainability. Regular maintenance, proper organization, and strategic temperature adjustments can reduce energy use while maintaining sample integrity. By "chilling up" and keeping freezers in optimal condition, research institutions can take a meaningful step toward greener, more efficient lab operations.
Stay Informed & Get Involved
If your lab is interested in implementing sustainable practices, explore programs like the International Freezer Challenge, which promotes energy efficiency and best practices in lab cold storage. Small changes can make a big difference—start optimizing your freezer use today!