Do you know about EPREL?

Behind the not-so-catchy name lies a reference guide for purchasing new freezer or refrigeration “plug-in” units for your store. The site can serve as a benchmark for which purchase is best. At FlexMeter, we’ve cross-checked our own measurements against EPREL’s and found quite high discrepancies. Our conclusion is that the site is useful for initial comparisons, such as filtering out the worst climate offenders when buying new equipment, but it cannot replace specific in-store measurements that take actual conditions into account, such as room temperature, fill levels, placement, etc., all of which significantly affect the energy consumption of plug-in refrigeration and freezer units.

In connection with STOP THE POWER THIEF projects, we are often asked which refrigeration and freezer units are the smartest to buy. It naturally depends on many factors, but EPREL provides an overview of energy consumption, energy class, and more. You can then compare this information with the prices to get the most cooling and freezing capacity for your money, both in terms of purchase and daily operation.

However, the measurement conditions for the reported figures are not clarified, such as temperature settings, room temperature, or whether a lid was used for the model. It’s assumed that a standard setting is used, which may not reflect the store’s actual consumption pattern.

With just a few details, you can get specific information about the refrigeration or freezer units you’re considering buying, and if the information isn’t available, don’t hesitate to contact FlexMeter. We may have already measured the same unit in a STOP THE POWER THIEF project and can help you find the most energy-efficient and sustainable solution for your refrigeration or freezer purchase.

Did you know that:

  • With proper adjustment, you can save about one-third of the energy consumption on your plug-in refrigeration and freezer units.
  • Refrigeration and freezer units with lids use significantly less energy.
  • Sales are NOT significantly affected by using lids on refrigeration and freezer units.

Contact FlexMeter for more information.