The DOE has proposed new standards designed to reduce the amount of energy consumed by beverage vending machines, a move that is projected to cut energy use by 25-65% relative to the least efficient machines currently sold, as well as saving $400 million to $1.1 billion for property owners over the devices’ 30-year life.
The new standard would update current rules and establish new guidelines for combination vending machines that offer both beverages and snack items.
New components such as compressors and fan motors with improved efficiency and better heat exchangers will be key for compliance with the new rules, and energy-saving control strategies in both lighting and refrigeration will also be important.
The new requirements are expected to be published in February 2016, with the rules taking effect three years later.
