The point of standards and standardised evaluations is to come up with a measurement methodology which is consistent across units tested and testing sessions.

The point of standards and standardised evaluations is to come up with a measurement methodology which is consistent across units tested and testing sessions. The Energy Star Test Procedures for refrigerators and freezers is defined in this document: <https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/specs/ENERGY%20STAR%20Laboratory%20Grade%20RF%20Draft%202%20Test%20Method%202013-09-20.pdf https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/specs/ENERGY%...> [PDF] Refrigerators and freezers are tested unloaded. Which suggests that the Energy Star programme should report a less efficient energy usage as compared with normal loading of a refrigerator/freezer, which will reduce air exchange and the need to re-cool air.