Energy use at a glance

• Commercial frozen yogurt machines, also known as soft-serve machines, use a lot of energy. One unit alone may draw 2.5 kilowatts (kW) to 6 kW of electricity, depending on features; number of compressors; cooling system (air-cooled versus water-cooled); and efficiency of the condenser, fan motor and beater motor for blending product in the freezing cylinder.
• Frozen yogurt machines emit excess heat ranging from 7,200 British thermal units (Btu) to 12,000 Btu per machine. This in turn increases the cooling load in the surrounding space – and air-conditioning costs for the store.

Tips and strategies to help you save

• Two methods for cooling the motors in a soft-serve machine are:

  – Air-cooled with a fan: Exhaust heat from frozen yogurt machines via duct away from adjoining machines and outside the shop.
  – Water-cooled (if store’s ventilation can’t effectively exhaust hot air): Another option to consider, instead of the system that recycles regular water and increases your water costs, is installing a water cooling system that uses propylene glycol (antifreeze) in a closed-loop chiller located outside.
  – Clean condensers on air-cooled machines at least once a month to prevent dust, lint and debris from building up.
• Consider staggering start-up every 15 minutes for one or two frozen yogurt machines at a time to reduce electricity demand (kW).

Actual savings may vary and will depend on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, equipment installed, usage rates and similar factors.

“The free smart thermostats have helped my business achieve significant savings.”
—David P., Newbreak Church

Energy use at a glance

Faith-based facilities typically have fewer operating hours and experience large swings in occupancy. Brief the congregation on how to use systems and the importance of turning things off and/or down.

• Lighting and cooling represent the most significant electrical loads in congregational buildings.
• “Plug loads,” such as amplified musical instruments, audio-visual equipment, and microphones, can consume up to 30% of electricity.

Tips & strategies to help save

• Install or use dimmers/occupancy sensors to lower or control lighting levels in daylight areas.
• Turn off commercial coffee pots when not in use as they can consumer up to 1800 watts each.
• Check out the rebates available for commercial kitchens or come try out energy-efficient kitchen equipment at our Energy Innovation Center.

– Ice machines: Larger ice machines are generally more efficient than two smaller ones; make ice during the off-peak hours; consider installing a timer.

Actual savings may vary and will depend on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, equipment installed, usage rates and similar factors.