Beverage and snack vending machines, often installed for "free" by an independent vendor or contractor, are electricity-intensive for the building's utility bill payer. Energy Star estimates that, at a rate of 9 cents per kilowatt hour, the standard vending machine uses $311 in electricity per year.
There are several strategies to reduce these costs:
- Request that your contractor install an Energy Star-qualified vending machine, especially if you are nearing the end of your contract. Energy Star-qualified vending machines use about half the electricity that standard machines use. Find out more from Energy Star, including sample procurement language.
- Install vending machine controls. These controls include a motion sensor to power on machine lights and vending equipment and cycle cooling every 1-3 hours, estimated to cut machine operating costs in half. One brand is the VendingMiser™ - visit the vendor web page for more information. Utility rebates may be available. Contact Energy Smart for assistance at (651) 292-4652.
- Remove the bulb from your vending machine. If you have access to the inside of your machine, consider de-bulbing to save energy.
What Language Can I Use With My Vending Contractor to Request Energy Star-Qualified Machines?
Energy Star provides the following procurement language:
"The vendor must provide vending machines that earn the ENERGY STAR and meet the ENERGY STAR specifications for energy efficiency. The vendor is encouraged to visit www.energystar.gov for complete product specifications and an updated list of qualifying products."
Resources:
Energy Star Qualified Vending Machine Fact Sheet
Success Stories:
- The State University of New York at Buffalo worked with Pepsi to switch 132 vending machines to units that have earned the ENERGY STAR. As a result, the University saves over 250,000 kWh of electricity and $20,000 each year. (Visit this Energy Star page for more info.)
- At the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor campus, more than 130 refrigerated pop machines are ENERGY STAR qualified. Even more, all machines have an occupancy sensor device called a VendingMiser® that powers down the machine after periods of inactivity to cut energy costs
even further. (Visit this Energy Star page for more info.)
For more energy efficiency tips, check out Quick Tips for Energy Efficiency.