Walk-in coolers and freezers must now meet tougher energy efficiency standards
What happened
The US Department of Energy has tightened energy conservation standards for commercial walk-in coolers and freezers. This means new units sold will have to use less energy to operate.
Why it matters
Commercial refrigeration units are a constant drain on the power grid. Making them more efficient reduces the overall demand for electricity, which can lower operating costs for businesses and reduce carbon emissions. This change is part of a long-term effort to make common appliances and equipment more energy efficient, piece by piece.
The signal
Watch for new models of walk-in coolers and freezers to appear on the market that advertise their compliance with these new standards, and whether manufacturers pass on any increased production costs.