Introduction: The 2025 DOE Refrigeration Standards
Beginning in January 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is enforcing new energy efficiency regulations on self-contained packaged refrigeration systems. This includes the upright 3-body and 4-body mortuary coolers as well as American walk-in coolers widely used in funeral homes, hospitals, universities, and medical examiner facilities.
At American Mortuary Coolers (AMC), we’ve engineered our systems to meet or exceed these new DOE standards while maintaining the temperature precision and reliability required for professional body storage.
📞 Questions? Call 888-792-9315 or email cool@mymortuarycooler.com for details.
1. What Are the 2025 DOE Regulations?
The DOE is implementing updated energy conservation standards for commercial refrigeration equipment, with the goal of:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improving overall energy efficiency.
- Transitioning to lower-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants.
Key impacts for mortuary refrigeration:
- Self-contained upright coolers (2-, 3-, and 4-body) must use DOE-compliant compressors.
- Walk-in mortuary coolers must meet new insulation and energy efficiency requirements.
- Manufacturers must move toward A5 refrigerants and phase out older systems.
2. A5 Refrigerants: What They Mean for Mortuary Coolers
The refrigerant landscape is shifting. Traditional R-404A is being replaced with A5 refrigerants that meet DOE and EPA environmental standards.
- A5 Class Refrigerants: Flammable, lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-454A, R-454C, and R-455A.
- Benefits: Reduced environmental impact, DOE compliance, greater efficiency.
- Challenges: Different performance characteristics, new safety requirements, and the need for redesigned compressors.
AMC has already introduced DOE-compliant A5 refrigerant systems into its 2025 lineup, ensuring both compliance and reliability.
3. Upright Mortuary Coolers (2-, 3-, and 4-Body Units)
Current Models:
- 3-Body Upright Cooler
- 4-Body Upright Cooler
2025 DOE Changes:
- Upgraded compressors engineered for high ambient environments (including funeral homes near crematories).
- Energy-efficient insulation and airflow systems.
- Refrigerants transitioned to DOE-approved A5 blends.
AMC Advantage:
We design upright coolers specifically for mortuary use, not retrofitted restaurant coolers. This ensures constant 34–40°F performance, even with DOE-driven efficiency upgrades.
4. American Walk-In Mortuary Coolers
Walk-in coolers face stricter DOE requirements for insulation and compressor efficiency starting in 2025.
Changes include:
- Higher R-value insulated panels.
- New digital controls with DOE-calibrated efficiency.
- Standard use of A5 refrigerants.
AMC Walk-Ins:
- Built with modular panels for easy compliance upgrades.
- Designed to hold temperature in 115°F+ ambient rooms.
- Already integrated with DOE 2025-compliant compressors.
5. The Industry Landscape Shift
These regulations will reshape the mortuary cooler market:
- Resellers (like Mortuary Mall): May struggle to source compliant imports.
- Import-heavy distributors (like Mobi Medical): May face delays adapting to A5 refrigerants.
- Direct manufacturers (AMC): Already compliant and ahead of schedule.
For customers, this means:
- Greater reliability from U.S. direct manufacturers.
- Potential price increases from resellers adapting to DOE changes.
- Stronger demand for custom-built solutions.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will my current mortuary cooler be obsolete in 2025?
No. Existing units can continue to operate. The regulations apply to new manufacturing, not retroactive equipment.
Q2: What refrigerant will AMC use after 2025?
AMC has transitioned to A5 refrigerants like R-454A, which meet DOE standards and provide reliable cooling performance.
Q3: Do A5 refrigerants require special safety precautions?
Yes, because they are classified as mildly flammable. AMC builds systems with safe charge levels and compliant designs for mortuary use.
Q4: Will upright coolers cost more after 2025?
Possibly. DOE compliance often raises manufacturing costs. However, AMC’s direct factory model minimizes markups, ensuring the best pricing.
Q5: How does this affect walk-in coolers?
Walk-ins must use higher-efficiency panels and compressors. AMC’s walk-in designs already exceed 2025 DOE standards.
7. Testimonials
Funeral Director – Ohio
“We upgraded to a 4-body upright cooler from AMC. The new DOE-compliant system is quieter, colder, and uses less energy than our old one.”
Hospital Morgue – Florida
“Our new AMC walk-in cooler with A5 refrigerant holds perfectly steady temps, even at 115°F ambient near our crematory.”
University Anatomy Lab – Texas
“AMC explained the DOE 2025 standards clearly and built us a custom upright cooler that will keep us compliant for years to come.”
8. Why AMC Is the True Authority
- Direct U.S. Manufacturer (not a reseller).
- DOE 2025-Compliant: Already producing A5 refrigerant coolers.
- Custom Engineering for upright and walk-in mortuary coolers.
- Proven Reliability: Over 7,500 units sold nationwide.
- BBB Rated & OSHA-Approved Designs.
Conclusion: Prepare for 2025 with AMC
The 2025 DOE refrigeration regulations mark a turning point in the industry. Don’t risk buying outdated or non-compliant systems from resellers. Trust American Mortuary Coolers, the direct manufacturer authority, to deliver upright coolers, walk-ins, and morgue racking systems built for the future.
📞 Call 888-792-9315
✉️ Email cool@mymortuarycooler.com