Buzzword: Vacuum-Insulated Panel

Energy Management Consumer Reports Buzzword
What it means. A vacuum-insulated panel, or vacuum-insulation panel (VIP), is an airtight shell around a thin, rigid-foam core from which the air has been evacuated. The R-value per inch of a vacuum-insulated panel is at least 20 and can climb as high 100, according to U.S. Department of Energy data. This means that a vacuum-insulated panel offers far greater thermal resistance (R-value) than conventional insulation. Indeed, most fiberglass and cellulose insulation has an R-value per inch of 3 to 5.

AcuTemp ThermoCor vacuum insulated panel

Energy star? AcuTemp's ThermoCor VIP.

And since a vacuum-insulated panel can be formed into flat panels and other shapes, it's ideal for use in appliances like refrigerators and freezers. (An AcuTemp ThermoCor vacuum-insulated panel is shown.)

Why the buzz? Vacuum-insulated panels have been around for years, but until the GE GSH25JFX[WW] side-by-side refrigerator arrived in our labs for testing, we hadn't seen this type of insulation on an appliance. In the testing for our May 2010 report on refrigerators, the GSH25JFX[WW] delivered markedly higher energy efficiency than its predecessor and maintained the same solid temperature performance.

Vacuum-insulated panels get a lot of credit for the enhanced efficiency, says GE. In overhauling the refrigerator, GE replaced the standard insulation with VIPs and also added high-efficiency fans and motors.

One upside for consumers is that GE dropped the price of the GSH25JFX[WW], from $1,100 to $1,000. GE took advantage of the federal Manufacturers' Energy Efficient Appliance Credit, which gives appliance manufacturers a $200 tax credit for every refrigerator they make that consumes at least 30 percent less energy than the current maximum amount allowed for a refrigerator of that type and size.

If our initial experience with vacuum-insulated panels is any indication, this technology could be a VIP—a very important player—in the development of more energy-efficient appliances.

—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: If you need a new refrigerator now, you might want to take advantage of a cash for appliances rebate. Check out our Energy Saving & Green Living guide for more energy-efficiency news.