Methods and sources

Data provenance

Commercial equipment metrics are retrieved from the EPA ENERGY STAR ice-machine dataset. The processing program checks required numeric fields, counts rejections and records source timestamps. Full source pagination is verified at the API row-count level, but individual models still require quality and local market checks.

Annual operating-cost calculations

Let P = pounds of ice per day, D = operating days per year, E = certified kWh per 100 pounds, R = electricity price in dollars per kWh.

Electricity = (P × D / 100) × E × R

For W = gallons of potable water per 100 pounds and S = combined water/sewer dollars per 1,000 gallons:

Water cost = (P × D / 100) × W × S / 1000

Only matching equipment/ice categories with adequate rated production are compared.

Important limitations

• Certified performance ratings are not actual site bills.
• Prices, installation, service, refrigerant impacts and unmeasured water consumption are excluded.
• We do not claim dealer approval, rebates, tested compatibility or guaranteed savings.
• We do not yet publish a complete catalog or independently audited procurement recommendations.