Eliminate old samples in your freezer

Problem: Researchers are reluctant and too busy to discard old samples. They may reside in freezers and walk-in environmental rooms for years or decades, taking up space and requiring additional freezing.

Solution: Perform regular cleanouts.

Benefits: If one or two freezers can be eliminated, this saves 2-4 kWh per day, or 700-1400 kWh per year, equaling $85-170 per year. This keeps samples from getting lost by being better organized.

Costs: It takes good management and about 3-5 hours per year, or one half hour per month.