5 Ways to Reduce commercial fridge freezer Energy Usage

August 26, 2025 4 minutes

Here are five practical methods to cut down electricity use in your commercial fridge freezer. Icoldbox can help boost your energy savings with remote temperature monitoring.

Did you know 64% of Americans eat out at least once a week?

Feeding so many people means foodservice businesses need lots of resources, especially for inventory, staff, and utilities. Unfortunately, these costs, particularly utilities, have been rising steadily, making operations more expensive.

Electricity prices in the US have gone up about 1.8% each year for the past 25 years. Some states, like Hawaii, have faced even bigger hikes—almost 3.9% annually.

Because power costs keep climbing, business owners want to find ways to save energy. Commercial refrigeration, including walk-in fridges and freezers, is a key area to focus on. It accounts for as much as 44% of a foodservice’s energy bills, more than any other expense.

Cutting energy use in commercial fridge freezer is essential for controlling overall costs.

Want to learn how to lower energy expenses in your food business? Keep reading to find out.

What is the average energy use of a typical commercial fridge freezer?

Foodservice buildings rank among the most energy-hungry commercial properties in the US. On average, they consume about 38 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per square foot each year. This is roughly five to seven times higher than other commercial buildings. In busy quick-service restaurants, energy use can be ten times greater due to added demands like heating and HVAC systems.

Commercial refrigeration systems use so much power mainly because they run nonstop. To keep food fresh and safe, cold storage like walk-in coolers and freezers must stay below 40°F and 32°F, respectively. Energy efficiency also drops when glass doors on lowboys, reach-in fridges, or display cases aren’t sealed well.

Several factors push this energy use even higher:

Constant operation wears down key parts such as compressors, condensers, and fan motors. As these components become less efficient, the system draws more electricity to maintain cold temperatures.
Your location affects consumption too. Extreme external temperatures make refrigeration units work harder just to stay effective.
Frequent door openings during busy hours let warm air inside, forcing the equipment to cool down repeatedly. Limiting door usage helps stabilize temperatures and saves energy.
Overcooling to regulate temperature often leads to more defrost cycles, which consume a lot of power.
Wear and tear can cause refrigerants—which manage heating and cooling—to leak. Without enough refrigerant, temperatures rise, causing the system to use extra energy. This can even lead to food thawing and spoiling, resulting in waste.

Five tips on how to reduce the energy cost of a commercial fridge freezer

On average, foodservice businesses spend $2.95 per square foot each month on electricity, with $1.30 of that going to refrigeration. This uses up about 3-5% of total revenue. Fortunately, small changes can lead to big savings. For example, switching to LED lighting alone can boost energy efficiency. Saving just 20% on electricity can increase profits by 1%. These benefits are achievable with a few simple actions.

Preventative Maintenance: Have your team check refrigeration parts every month. If the compressor, condenser, evaporator coils, or air filter are covered with ice or dust, clean them promptly.
Gasket Replacement: Door gaskets are rubber seals that keep cold air in and hot air out. They often wear out because they’re held on by glue. Inspect gaskets weekly and replace them as soon as you notice wear.
Upgrade Equipment: Although budgets can be tight, replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient models pays off. Look for Energy Star-certified units, which use 10-50% less energy. Plus, you might qualify for tax rebates.
Evaporator Fan Controllers: Evaporator fans circulate air to cool your unit. When fewer people use the fridge, fans often run unnecessarily. Installing fan controllers can reduce airflow and save energy automatically during slow periods.
Use Remote Temperature Monitoring: A gradual rise in refrigerator temperatures often signals wasted electricity. Remote sensors track your cold storage’s conditions continuously, helping you spot problems early and avoid excess energy use.

Tip	Description
Preventative Maintenance	Check and clean key parts monthly, such as compressors, condensers, coils, and filters.
Gasket Replacement	Inspect door seals weekly and replace if worn to prevent air leaks.
Upgrade Equipment	Replace old units with Energy Star models to save 10-50% energy and possibly get rebates.
Evaporator Fan Controllers	Install controllers to reduce fan airflow during slow periods and save electricity.
Remote Temperature Monitoring	Use sensors to monitor fridge temperature and detect issues before wasting energy.

Becoming energy efficient with remote monitoring

Without precise temperature data, restaurants risk overcooling or undercooling their food. When refrigeration units get old or unreliable, operators often lower temperatures more than needed to avoid food entering the danger zone.

Although this helps prevent spoilage, it also leads to higher energy bills.

Even if you set your commercial fridge freezer to the right temperature, it won’t always stay steady. Many common issues can disrupt the balance inside cold storage—equipment problems, power outages, or staff frequently opening doors and letting warm air inside.

This is where GlacierGrid’s remote temperature monitors come in handy. They help operators spot if they’re overcooling and reveal chances to save energy. GlacierGrid also shows when equipment needs tuning or if a faulty part requires quick repair.

GlacierGrid’s wireless sensors work around the clock, monitoring temperature and humidity inside walk-ins, freezers, and other refrigeration units. These insights give restaurant owners a clearer picture of their equipment performance and energy use, helping cut electricity costs.