BTU Performance in the Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer: Where it Matters

The publication of BTU (British Thermal Unit) removal capacity numbers in ultra-low temperature freezer literature has drawn interest from facility planners, service technicians and LEED supervisors charged with the responsibility of green laboratory development and management. The listing of BTU removal capacity or BTU output in general specifications can contribute to an information anomaly that will confuse even the most astute purchaser. These specifications generally do not explain what BTU performance actually means, how BTU data is measured and under what conditions, and whether such BTU information actually contributes to understanding the life cycle cost of an ultra-low temperature freezer.