How to select a -86°C freezer to bring down the energy consumption of your lab

Due to the increased costs of electricity, regulations, and environmental awareness, more attention is brought to the energy efficiency of laboratory equipment nowadays. In particular, Ultra Low Temperature Freezers (ULTs) can be one of the most energy-intensive pieces of equipment. For instance, an average 25-cubic foot ULT unit uses approximately 20 kWh of energy per day –as much as a small house. What are the key factors to look at when selecting an energy-efficient ultra low freezer?