The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) provides acquisition guidance for water-cooled ice machines, a product category covered by FEMP-Designated efficiency requirements.
FEMP's efficiency requirements and acquisition guidance apply to ice making head and self-contained unit type water-cooled ice machines that generate cube ice at 60 grams (2 ounces) or lighter using the batch ice making process. Remote condensing units and ice machines that use the continuous ice making process (i.e., flake and nugget) are excluded. The ENERGY STAR Program covers air-cooled ice machines.
This acquisition guidance was updated in December 2021.
Meet Energy Efficiency Requirements for Water-Cooled Ice Machines
Federal purchases must meet or exceed the minimum requirements shown in Table 1. These ice machines must be connected to a cooling tower; single-pass cooling using city water is not allowed. If access to a cooling tower is not available or if the cooling tower does not operate year round, then an ENERGY STAR-qualified air-cooled ice machine must be used.
| Table 1. Efficiency Requirements for Water-Cooled Ice Machines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Type |
Harvest Rate |
Maximum Energy Use |
Maximum Potable Water Use |
| Self-Contained Unit | 50-100 | 7.6 | 22 |
| Self-Contained Unit | 101-150 | 6.6 | 22 |
| Self-Contained Unit | 151-200 | 5.8 | 20 |
| Self-Contained Unit | > 200 | 5.2 | 20 |
| Ice Making Head | 50-300 | 5.5 | 20 |
| Ice Making Head | 301-400 | 4.5 | 18 |
| Ice Making Head | 401-500 | 4.1 | 19 |
| Ice Making Head | 501-750 | 4.1 | 18 |
| Ice Making Head | 751-1,435 | 3.5 | 20 |
| Ice Making Head | > 1,435 | 3.3 | 20 |
Energy use in Table 1 is measured in accordance with AHRI Standard 810 (I-P)-2012 with Addendum 1: Performance Rating of Automatic Commercial Ice Makers.
Make a Cost-Effective Purchase: Save $185 or More by Buying FEMP-Designated Products
FEMP has calculated that the required water-cooled ice machine model saves money if priced no more than $185 (in 2020 dollars) above the less efficient model; the best available model saves $286. These calculations are for a 250-lb/24-h self-contained-type water-cooled ice machine operating 250 days per year (typical for food service facilities preparing two meals per day).
Table 2 compares a less-efficient model that just meets the current federal energy conservation standard for this product type, a model meeting FEMP efficiency requirements (required), and the best available model, and shows the lifetime cost savings of purchasing an efficient product.
The values in Table 2 are calculated using current federal guidelines (NISTIR 85-3273-36, April 2021), which shows that the FEMP required model saves approximately 234 kWh and 1,968 gallons annually. This results in estimated lifetime savings of $185 over the less efficient model. In food service facilities that prepare three meals a day, seven days per week (e.g., military installations and Veterans Affairs medical centers) the savings will be greater.
| Table 2. Lifetime Savings for Water-Cooled Ice Machines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Best Available Model | Required Model | Less Efficient |
| Annual Ice Production | 46,875 lb | 46,875 lb | 46,875 lb |
| Energy Use Rate | 4.8 kWh/100 lb | 5.2 kWh/100 lb | 5.7 kWh/100 lb |
| Annual Energy Use | 2,250 kWh | 2,438 kWh | 2,672 kWh |
| Annual Energy Cost | $194 | $210 | $231 |
| Potable Water Use | 18 gal/100 lb | 18 gal/100 lb | 22 gal/100 lb |
| Condenser Water Use | 3.96 gal/100 lb | 4.12 gal/100 lb | 4.32 gal/100 lb |
| Annual Water Use | 10,295 gal/100 lb | 10,369 gal/100 lb | 12,337 gal/100 lb |
| Annual Water Cost | $51 | $51 | $61 |
| Lifetime Energy Cost | $1,508 | $1,610 | $1,795 |
| Lifetime Operating Cost Savings | $286 | $185 | === |
Performance Column
Annual Ice Production: Shown in pounds per year, calculated at 250 lb/day multiplied by 250 days/year multiplied by a 75% duty cycle.
Energy Use Rate: Shown in kilowatt-hours per 100 lb of ice made (kWh/100 lb of ice).
Annual Energy Use: Assumes water-cooled ice machines operating 250 days per year, producing 250 lb of ice daily (46,875 lb annually).
Annual Energy Cost: Calculated based on an assumed electricity price of $0.09/kWh, which is the average electricity price at federal facilities.
Annual Water Use: Sum of potable water and condenser water use (in gallons per 100 lb ice) multiplied by annual ice production.
Lifetime Energy Cost: Future electricity price trends and a 3% discount rate are from Energy Price Indices and Discount Factors for Life-Cycle Cost Analysis–2021: Annual Supplement to NIST Handbook 135 (NISTIR 85-3273-36).
Lifetime Operating Cost Savings: The difference between the lifetime utility cost (electricity plus water) of the less efficient model and the lifetime utility cost of the required model or best available model.
Best Available Model Column
Calculated based on the highest efficiency model identified in publicly provided manufacturer data as of December 2021; values shown are rounded to the nearest dollar. More efficient models may be introduced to the market after FEMP's acquisition guidance is posted.
Required Model Column
Calculated based on the current FEMP-designated efficiency requirements; values shown are rounded to the nearest dollar. Federal agencies must purchase products that meet or exceed these requirements.
Less Efficient Model Column
Based on products currently available on the market at time of analysis.
Determine When FEMP-Designated Products Are Cost-Effective
An efficient product is cost-effective when the lifetime energy savings (from avoided energy costs over the life of the product, discounted to present value) exceed the additional up-front cost (if any) compared to a less efficient option. FEMP considers up-front costs and lifetime energy savings when setting efficiency requirements. Federal purchasers can assume FEMP-designated products are life cycle cost-effective. In high-use applications or when energy rates are above the federal average, purchasers may save more if they specify products that exceed FEMP's efficiency requirements (e.g., the best available model).
Purchasing Requirements
Federal laws and requirements mandate that agencies purchase ENERGY STAR-qualified products or FEMP-designated products in all product categories covered by these programs and in any acquisition actions that are not specifically exempted by law.
These mandatory requirements apply to all forms of procurement, including construction guide and project specifications; renovation, repair, energy service, and operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts; lease agreements; acquisitions made using purchase cards; and solicitations for offers.
FAR Contract Language
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 23.206 requires agencies to insert the clause at FAR section 52.223-15 into contracts and solicitations that deliver, acquire, furnish, or specify energy-consuming products for use in federal government facilities.
To comply with FAR requirements, FEMP recommends that agencies incorporate efficiency requirements into technical specifications, the evaluation criteria of solicitations, and the evaluations of solicitation responses.
Products meeting ENERGY STAR or FEMP-designated efficiency requirements may not be life cycle cost-effective in certain low-use applications or in locations with very low rates for electricity or natural gas. However, for most applications, purchasers will find that energy-efficient products have the lowest life cycle cost.
Agencies may claim an exception to federal purchasing requirements through a written finding that no FEMP-designated or ENERGY STAR-qualified product is available to meet functional requirements, or that no such product is life cycle cost-effective for the specific application. Learn more about federal product purchasing requirements.
Federal Supply Sources and Product Codes
The federal supply sources for energy-efficient products are the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide programs that help federal agencies buy products with positive environmental attributes.
Identification codes for product categories covered by sustainable acquisition requirements are provided by DLA and the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC).
Under the Multiple Award Schedule program, GSA issues long-term governmentwide contracts that provide access to commercial products, services, and solutions at pre-negotiated pricing.
Take Action
- Review the Multiple Award Schedule program.
- Visit the GSA Advantage! online shopping network.
- Learn about efficient, healthy buildings and environmentally responsible purchasing from the Sustainable Facilities (SF) Tool.
- Review the Multiple Award Schedule program.
DLA offers products through the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia and online through FedMall (formerly DOD EMALL).
Take Action
- Visit FedMall.
Products sold through DLA are codified with a 13-digit National Stock Number (NSN) and, in some cases, a two-letter Environmental Attribute Code (ENAC). The ENAC identifies items that have positive environmental characteristics and meet standards set by an approved third party, such as FEMP and ENERGY STAR.
USDA's BioPreferred Program was created to increase the purchase and use of biobased products. Federal law, the FAR, and Presidential Executive Orders direct that all federal agencies and their contractors purchase biobased products in categories identified by USDA.
Take Action
EPA offers several resources for choosing which products to buy. The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program helps federal government purchasers utilize private sector standards and ecolabels to identify and procure environmentally preferable products and services.
Take Action
- Learn more about the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program.
- Review federal purchasing specifications, standards, and ecolabels.
- Get an overview of the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) and procuring environmentally preferable electronic products.
- Learn more about the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program.
UNSPSC is a worldwide classification system for e-commerce. It contains more than 50,000 commodities, including many used in the federal sector, each with a unique eight-digit, four-level identification code. Manufacturers and vendors are beginning to adopt the UNSPSC classification convention and electronic procurement systems are beginning to include UNSPSC tracking in their software packages. UNSPSCs can help the federal acquisition community identify product categories covered by sustainable acquisition requirements, track purchases of products within those categories, and report on progress toward meeting sustainable acquisition goals.
Take Action
- Review FEMP's table of product codes for ENERGY STAR and FEMP-designated covered product categories.
Water-Cooled Ice Machine Product Codes
DLA's ENAC for air-cooled ice machines is "GC."
The UNSPSC for ice cube makers is 24131901. The UNSPSC for ice flake makers is 24131903.
Buyer Tips: Make Informed Product Purchases
Water-cooled ice machines should only be used when they can be connected to a cooling tower that operates year-round. Federal agencies should not use single-pass or once-through cooling, a practice where potable water is used to remove waste heat from the condenser and then disposed of down the drain. Federal water efficiency best management practices advocate against this practice. FEMP's Best Management Practice for Single-Pass Cooling Equipment recommends that ice machines and other equipment using single-pass cooling be modified to recirculate water or be eliminated altogether. In situations where connecting to a cooling tower is not possible or the cooling tower does not operate year-round, install ENERGY STAR-qualified air-cooled ice machines instead.
The type of ice maker purchased has energy use implications. Ice making head-type water-cooled ice machines do not contain storage bins, but are generally designed to accommodate a variety of bin sizes. Federal buyers need to be aware that the additional energy use associated with the storage bins is not included in the reported energy consumption for these products. Because self-contained units have an ice-making mechanism and a storage bin integrated into the same cabinet or housing, the energy use associated with the storage is included in the reported energy use.
Due to their high electricity demand, ice machines should be operated during off-peak hours if possible. This operating method requires purchasing larger storage bins and installing a clock or timer to prevent the machine from making ice during peak hours (usually between 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.). This operating strategy reduces the demand charges, resulting in additional cost savings.
User Tips: Use Products More Efficiently
Proper maintenance of water-cooled ice machines is important, especially of solenoid valves that control the flow of water through the condensers. When these valves fail in the open position, water flows through the condensers regardless of if the machine is operating or not. This unnecessarily increases loads on cooling towers.
Hard water leaves mineral deposits or scale on the evaporator plate and other components of the ice-making mechanism. Commercial ice machines typically include a self-cleaning function that periodically rinses scale off these components. In most cases, the owner or service technician can adjust the frequency of the cleaning function to accommodate differences in water quality. It is common to find ice machines with self-cleaning set to maximum regardless of water quality; be sure to check and adjust the setting to match the water quality in your area.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provided supporting analysis for this acquisition guidance.