Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers
As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), “walk-in cooler” and “walk-in freezer” (WICFs) mean an enclosed storage space refrigerated to temperatures, respectively, above, and at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit that can be walked into, and has a total chilled storage area of less than 3,000 square feet. The terms “walk-in cooler” and “walk-in freezer” do not include products designed and marketed exclusively for medical, scientific, or research purposes. 10 CFR 431, Subpart R. Manufacturers have been required to comply with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy conservation standards for WICFs since 2009.
Current Standard | Current Test Procedure |
Ongoing Rulemaking for Standards | Ongoing Rulemaking for Test Procedure |
Helpful Links
Recent and Ongoing Activities
On September 5, 2023, DOE published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR), in which DOE proposed amended energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers. Specifically, DOE proposed to amend standards for walk-in non-display doors and walk-in refrigeration systems.
On September 28, 2023, DOE published a notice of data availability summarizing and addressing comments that were considered but not discussed in the September 2023 NOPR.
On March 14, 2024 DOE published a Federal Register notification of data availability (NODA), updating portions of its analysis for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers based on information DOE received in response to DOE’s September 2023 NOPR. DOE requests comments, data, and information regarding the updated analysis.
DOE has published a Federal Register final rule amending the test procedures for walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers to harmonize with updated industry standards, revise certain definitions, revise the test methods to more accurately represent field energy use, and to accommodate a wider range of walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer component equipment designs. On October 25, 2023, DOE published a Federal Register notice correcting errors and omissions in that final rule. Neither the errors and omissions nor the corrections affect the substance of the rulemaking or any conclusions reached in support of the final rule.
For the latest information on the planned timing of future DOE regulatory milestones, see the current Office of Management and Budget Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. All planned dates are preliminary and subject to change.
Standards
Notice of Data Availability (2024)
Notice of Data Availability (2023) |
- Federal Register 88FR18555 (March 14,2024)
- Federal Register 88FR66710 (September 28, 2023)
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| Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
- Federal Register, 88FR60746 (September 5, 2023)
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| Notice of Availability of Preliminary TSD and Request for Comment |
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| Request for Information |
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The walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers standards rulemaking docket EERE-2017-BT-STD-0009 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
Public Meeting Information:
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
Test Procedure
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Final Rule; Correction Notice
Final Rule
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| Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
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| Request for Information |
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| Hot Gas Defrost Unit Coolers; Final Rule |
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| Hot Gas Defrost Unit Cooler; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
- Federal Register, 85FR60724 (September 27, 2020)
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Final Rule; Further Delay of Effective Date
Final Rule
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The walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers rulemaking docket EERE-2017-BT-TP-0010 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
Public Meeting Information
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
Current Standard
WICFs manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6311(20), must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 10 CFR 431.306.
To determine that WICFs that are currently manufactured or distributed into commerce are in compliance with DOE standards, manufacturers must follow the test procedure methods specified at 10 CFR 431.304.
Helpful Links
Compliance
DOE has established regulations on certification, compliance, and enforcement in the CFR at 10 CFR Part 429. These regulations cover statistical sampling plans, certified ratings, certification reports, record retention, and enforcement. More information on these regulations is available here.
Waivers
For information on current test procedure waivers, see DOE’s Waivers webpage.
For information about obtaining test procedure waivers, see 10 CFR 430.27.
Exceptions
DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals has not authorized exception relief for WICFs.
For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.
Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
For information on further guidance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions on all covered products, see DOE’s Further Guidance database.
State Exemptions to Federal Pre-emption
DOE has not exempted any state from this energy conservation standard. States may petition DOE to exempt a state regulation from preemption by the Federal energy conservation standard. States may also petition DOE to withdraw such exemptions. For details, see 10 CFR 431, Subpart V and 10 CFR 431, Subpart W.
For more information related to this product, please email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov
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