Laboratory Refrigerators & FreezersGeneral Purpose Freezer
Thermo Scientific TSE1220FA Laboratory Refrigerator Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the 11.1 cu. ft. general-purpose laboratory freezer, with verified specifications.
- Volume11.1 cu. ft.
- TypeGeneral Purpose Freezer
- Energy use1.84 kWh/day
- Est. yearly cost$114
About the Thermo Scientific TSE1220FA
Thermo Scientific model TSE1220FA is an 11.1 cu. ft. general-purpose laboratory freezer that meets ENERGY STAR energy requirements for laboratory-grade cold storage. The cabinet measures 23.4 in. wide, 25.9 in. deep and 74.8 in. high.
It has one solid door, 5 shelves or drawers, an access port for probes or monitoring cables, and automatic defrost.
Rated energy use is 1.84 kWh per day, 43.2% below the ENERGY STAR maximum of 3.24 kWh/day for its size and type. Its daily energy use is lower than 17% of the 19 laboratory refrigerator models in our database.
In the ENERGY STAR test the unit held an average cabinet temperature of −19.3 °C (−3 °F) and showed a peak temperature variance of 12.0 °C.
Specifications
| Brand | Thermo Scientific |
|---|---|
| Model number | TSE1220FA |
| Product type | General Purpose Freezer |
| Total volume | 11.1 cu. ft. |
| Form factor | Upright |
| Width | 23.4 in. |
| Depth | 25.9 in. |
| Height | 74.8 in. |
| Number of doors | 1 |
| Glass doors | 0 |
| Solid doors | 1 |
| Door style | Swinging |
| Shelves or drawers | 5 |
| Access ports | 1 |
| Defrost type | Automatic |
| Daily energy use | 1.84 kWh/day |
| Steady-state energy use | 1.72 kWh/day |
| ENERGY STAR maximum (MDEC) | 3.24 kWh/day |
| Below ENERGY STAR maximum | 43.2% |
| Average cabinet temperature in test | -19.3 °C |
| Peak temperature variance | 12.0 °C |
| NSF/ANSI 456 (vaccine storage) certified | No |
| Refrigerant(s) | R-600a (isobutane) |
Safety information
- Plug the unit into a dedicated, properly grounded receptacle that matches the nameplate rating. Do not use extension cords or power strips, and protect the plug from being knocked loose — consider a plug lock or a labeled "do not unplug" receptacle.
- Do not store flammable or volatile chemicals in this unit unless it is specifically rated and labeled for flammable-materials storage. Ordinary laboratory refrigerators contain ignition sources inside the cabinet.
- Use two or more people, or a suitable lift, to move the unit, and secure it against tipping as the manufacturer directs — tall uprights can be top-heavy when loaded.
- Decontaminate the interior before service or relocation if it has held biological or hazardous materials, and follow your institution's biosafety procedures.
- Disconnect power before cleaning the condenser or performing any maintenance behind panels.
- Wear insulated gloves when handling items or racks from the freezer; surfaces at these temperatures can cause cold burns.
Installation and first-time setup
Plan the location before delivery. This unit is 23.4 in. wide, 25.9 in. deep and 74.8 in. high; check doorways, elevators and corridors, and allow the side, rear and top clearances the manual specifies for airflow plus room for the door to swing open fully.
- Choose the location
Pick a level floor in a room that stays within the ambient temperature range in the manual, away from direct sun, heat sources, supply-air diffusers and high-traffic doorways.
- Let it stand
If the unit was transported on its side or tilted, leave it upright for the period stated in the manual (often several hours or overnight) before switching it on.
- Level and secure
Adjust the leveling feet or lock the casters so the cabinet is stable and the doors close and seal on their own. Install any anti-tip hardware supplied.
- Power up empty
Switch the unit on with nothing inside and let it reach its setpoint and stabilize — usually a few hours — before loading.
- Set alarms and monitoring
Program high and low temperature alarm limits, test the audible alarm, and connect any remote alarm contacts or monitoring system through the access port.
- Verify temperature
Before storing critical materials, confirm performance with a calibrated, independent thermometer or data logger over at least a day, ideally checking several shelf locations.
Using your laboratory freezer
Temperature settings
Laboratory freezers are commonly operated around −20 °C (−4 °F); vaccine freezers are typically held between −50 °C and −15 °C (−58 °F and +5 °F) as directed by the vaccine manufacturer. This unit averaged −19.3 °C in its certification test. Set the controller to the temperature your protocols require and allow 24 hours after any change.
The certified peak temperature variance of 12.0 °C reflects how much temperature varied across the cabinet and over time during testing — useful when deciding where to place your most temperature-sensitive materials.
Loading for stable temperatures
- Leave space between items and between items and the walls so air can circulate; never block the air vents or fan grilles.
- Do not load large quantities of warm material at once — stage loading so the unit can recover.
- Keep an up-to-date inventory map so doors are opened briefly and items are found quickly.
- Use racks and boxes sized for the shelves so the door seals fully and air can flow.
Defrosting
This unit uses automatic defrost, so frost is managed without emptying the cabinet. Brief temperature rises during defrost are normal; place data-logger probes in buffered media to avoid nuisance alarms.
Alarms and power failures
Respond to every temperature alarm promptly and record the event. During a power outage keep the door closed; a full, well-loaded unit holds temperature longer. Critical units should be on emergency power circuits, and a plan for moving contents to a backup unit should be in place before it is needed.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Daily | Check and record the displayed temperature (and min/max readings) and confirm no alarms are active. |
| Every week | Check door gaskets for frost, ice or debris and wipe them clean; make sure doors close and latch fully. |
| Every month | Clean the interior and spills with a mild detergent or a disinfectant compatible with the liner; test the alarm. |
| Every 3–6 months | Disconnect power and vacuum or brush the condenser coil and clean any condenser filter. Dusty labs need more frequent cleaning. |
| Every year | Have temperature probes and displays calibrated or verified against a reference, replace alarm backup batteries, and have a technician check refrigeration performance. |
Keep a maintenance and temperature log for each unit; regulatory programs and accreditation bodies often require it.
Troubleshooting
If an alarm sounds, first protect the contents — move critical materials to a backup unit if temperature cannot be restored quickly — then work through the checks below.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| High-temperature alarm | Door left open or not sealing; large warm load; dirty condenser; room too hot. | Close and check the door and gasket; allow recovery time; clean the condenser; check room temperature and clearances. |
| Temperature varies between shelves | Blocked air vents; overloading; items against walls. | Rearrange contents to leave airflow gaps; keep vents clear. |
| Frost or ice buildup | Frequent or long door openings; worn gasket; defrost due. | Minimize door openings; replace a damaged gasket; defrost as described above. |
| Unit runs constantly | Dirty condenser; high ambient temperature; gasket leak. | Clean the condenser; improve room ventilation; inspect gaskets. |
| Condensation on the exterior or glass | High room humidity; door not fully closed. | Lower room humidity if possible; check door alignment and seal. |
| Unusual noise or vibration | Cabinet not level; fan obstruction; loose panel. | Level the cabinet; check for items touching fans; contact service if noise persists. |
| Alarm or error code displayed | Brand-specific diagnostic code. | Error codes are not standardized; consult the code table in your manufacturer's manual. |
Energy use and running costs
The Thermo Scientific TSE1220FA is rated at 1.84 kWh per day under the ENERGY STAR test method. Running continuously, that is about 672 kWh a year — roughly $114 per year at $0.17 per kWh.
ENERGY STAR sets a maximum daily energy consumption (MDEC) of 3.24 kWh/day for a unit of this type and volume. This model uses 43.2% less, saving about 511 kWh ($86.87) a year compared with a unit at the limit. Its margin below the limit is larger than 83% of the 19 laboratory refrigerator models in our database.
Real-world consumption rises with room temperature, frequent door openings and frost buildup, and lab cooling equipment also adds heat that the building's HVAC must remove.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of the Thermo Scientific TSE1220FA?
It has a total volume of 11.1 cubic feet with 5 shelves or drawers.
What are the dimensions of the Thermo Scientific TSE1220FA?
It measures 23.4 in. wide, 25.9 in. deep and 74.8 in. high. Add the clearances specified in the manual for airflow and door swing.
How much energy does the Thermo Scientific TSE1220FA use?
It is rated at 1.84 kWh per day, about $114 a year at $0.17/kWh, and 43.2% below the ENERGY STAR maximum for its class.
Can the Thermo Scientific TSE1220FA be used for vaccine storage?
It is not listed as NSF/ANSI 456 certified. Laboratory-grade units can be suitable for vaccine storage, but check your immunization program's requirements, which may specify purpose-built units, before using it for vaccines.
What refrigerant does the Thermo Scientific TSE1220FA use?
The certification lists R-600a (isobutane). This is a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant with very low global-warming potential; it is flammable, so service requires specially trained technicians.
Does the Thermo Scientific TSE1220FA defrost automatically?
Yes. It uses automatic defrost, which manages frost without emptying the cabinet.
Is the Thermo Scientific TSE1220FA ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes. It appears on the ENERGY STAR list of laboratory-grade refrigerators and freezers, with a certification date of April 2026.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified laboratory refrigerators & freezers dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified April 26, 2026), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with Thermo Scientific. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact Thermo Scientific or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
Report a problem with this guide
Spotted a wrong value, a broken link or something unclear? Tell us and we will review it.