Starting next year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will begin enforcing its 2017 rule that mandates minimum energy efficiency requirements for walk-in coolers and freezers (WICFs). The new standard requires significant energy reductions in WICFs that have a total chilled storage area of less than 3,000 square feet, as well as in condensing units and unit coolers that provide one refrigeration load. On January 1, 2020, medium-temperature dedicated condensing systems must meet the new regulation, and on July 10, 2020, low-temperature dedicated condensing systems and unit coolers must comply.
Ever since the mandate was announced two years ago, equipment manufacturers have been working hard to produce components and equipment that meet the new energy requirements. Contractors also need to prepare for the new regulations because, as the ones responsible for assembling WICFs in the field, they must ensure that all components are certified compliant for both new and replacement applications.