If you oversee a bar, restaurant, or grocery store, you know that any downtime for your commercial refrigeration system can be catastrophic. Unexpected industrial freezer repairs are an expense you absolutely want to keep to a minimum.
Walk-in coolers and freezers are complex systems involving numerous moving parts, demanding consistent maintenance, and adhering to scientific principles. That’s why we’ve compiled an exhaustive guide covering everything you need to know about commercial refrigeration and urgent freezer maintenance. Keep reading to discover crucial energy-saving strategies and best practices for your refrigeration equipment.
In this article, you’ll gain insights into:
- What commercial refrigeration entails
- Industries that rely on commercial refrigeration
- The mechanics behind commercial refrigeration systems
- Five clear indicators that you need commercial refrigeration repair service
- Five essential tips for maintaining your commercial refrigeration equipment
- How to effectively update your freezer maintenance checklist
- Ten top commercial cooler and freezer maintenance tips
- Commercial refrigeration energy standards and guidelines
- Whether to repair or replace your commercial freezer
- How to find local HVAC specialists
- Immediate steps to take if your refrigeration system fails
- Key takeaways from this guide
What Exactly Is Commercial Refrigeration?
Commercial refrigeration equipment refers to the cold storage units specifically designed for commercial environments. This includes reach-in refrigerators and freezers commonly found in supermarkets, specialty food shops, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Walk-in refrigerators and freezers, integral to restaurant kitchens and cafeterias, also fall under the umbrella of commercial refrigeration equipment.
Refrigeration has revolutionized how businesses and homeowners store food and beverages, allowing for extended preservation without spoilage. Commercial refrigeration achieves this by efficiently removing heat to keep both prepared foods and raw ingredients at safe, cold temperatures. Continue reading to understand how modern industrial freezer installations effectively achieve this heat removal.
Understanding the Types of Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
There’s a broad spectrum of commercial refrigeration systems recommended for various business needs:
- Reach-in vertical cases and refrigerators
- Plug-in enclosed vending machines
- Semi-vertical display cabinets
- Horizontal cases
- Deli cases
- Drop-in coolers
- Draft beer systems
- Undercounter refrigerators
- Back bar coolers
- Refrigerated display cases
- Prep tables
While all these diverse types of commercial refrigeration equipment serve different functions and may have unique maintenance agreements, let’s delve into the three primary categories below.
Coolers
Coolers are designed to keep items like food and beverages below average room temperature but above freezing. This equipment is crucial for preventing spoilage by maintaining perishable goods at a consistently cool temperature.
Freezers
Freezers are engineered to keep perishable items completely frozen, thereby preventing spoilage. Goods such as ice cream, microwavable meals, and other frozen products require this complete freezing.
Combination Coolers and Freezers
Combination commercial refrigeration units offer the flexibility of both chilling and freezing perishable items within a single unit.
Which Industries Rely on Commercial Refrigeration?
Several business sectors and industries fundamentally depend on commercial refrigeration. We typically categorize food and beverage companies, supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants as primary businesses that require commercial refrigeration systems.
Beyond the culinary world, hospitals and medical research clinics frequently utilize commercial refrigeration to store sensitive materials under precise conditions. You might also find commercial refrigeration systems in florist shops, where they are essential for preserving fresh-cut flowers and preventing wilting.
Commercial Refrigeration in the Biopharmaceutical Industry
In the critical realms of medicine and biopharmaceuticals, commercial refrigeration plays an indispensable role in safeguarding the integrity and effectiveness of various biological products. From preserving vital vaccines to maintaining the quality of delicate laboratory samples, specialized refrigeration systems are absolutely essential. These units, often far more sophisticated than standard commercial refrigeration systems, must adhere to stringent standards for temperature consistency and reliability to protect their precious contents from spoilage.
The stakes are exceptionally high in these industries, where even minor temperature fluctuations can compromise the quality of stored biological materials, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes. This is precisely where the demand for expert industrial freezer repair services becomes acutely clear. Routine maintenance and prompt repairs ensure that these critical refrigeration units operate at peak efficiency, preventing any interruptions that could impact the storage and transportation of medical and biopharmaceutical products. Furthermore, emergency freezer maintenance is crucial in the event of unexpected breakdowns, offering swift solutions that minimize downtime and protect invaluable inventories.
Precise Temperature Control
Moreover, the integration of advanced technologies in commercial refrigeration allows for precise temperature control and real-time monitoring. These capabilities are vital for adhering to global regulatory standards. Effective industrial freezer repair and emergency freezer maintenance services guarantee that these systems continue to function optimally, supporting the intricate logistics involved in the distribution of pharmaceutical products. From clinical trials to routine healthcare delivery, the reliability of these refrigeration systems directly influences patient health outcomes worldwide.
Investing in high-quality commercial refrigeration solutions, alongside dependable industrial freezer repair and emergency freezer maintenance, is paramount for the medical and biopharmaceutical sectors. This not only ensures compliance with stringent health and safety standards but also enhances the overall efficiency of medical care delivery by preserving the integrity of critical medical products.
Regardless of whether you use commercial refrigeration to store food and drink, flowers, or medical components, it’s essential to understand how the equipment functions. Keep reading to learn how to identify critical issues before they escalate.
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How Commercial Refrigeration Works
The Cooling Process
All refrigeration systems operate based on a fundamental principle known as the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This principle dictates that when two objects of different temperatures come into proximity, heat will always transfer from the warmer object to the colder one. Consequently, commercial refrigeration systems leverage a specialized refrigerant solution to efficiently transfer heat from the food or items within the refrigeration unit’s storage area to the refrigerant itself.
Refrigerant solutions also abide by a second physical principle: gases cool as they expand and heat up as they compress. As the refrigerant cycles through the refrigeration system, it undergoes a series of controlled pressure changes to enhance both efficiency and speed. This process effectively removes heat from the refrigerated space, keeping it cold, much like a large-scale commercial air conditioner.
The Refrigerant
The refrigerant is absolutely central to the successful operation of modern commercial refrigeration systems. Historically, Freon was the most common refrigerant found in air conditioning units and refrigerators. However, it was discovered that Freon contributed to damage to the Earth’s ozone layer, leading to increased solar radiation reaching the planet’s surface and impacting global climate.
Currently, Freon is phased out in the United States. Other refrigerants, such as tetrafluoroethane, are now taking its place, continuously improving the efficiency and environmental friendliness of modern refrigeration systems.
Today, the commercial refrigeration system has evolved into a massive industry. The chilling process can range from high-temperature cooling to achieving extremely low-temperature freezing.
Storing Food & Beverages
Freezers hold fundamental importance in the food business. A malfunctioning refrigeration system could potentially jeopardize your entire company’s operations.
Commercial refrigeration presents ongoing challenges for technicians, owners, and installers. You might need a new industrial freezer installation, which involves considering networks, specific parts, costs, and more.
Commercial refrigeration systems operate using a closed circuit with either an absorption system or a vapor compressor to cool or dehumidify the air. The general refrigeration principle involves expanding a liquid into a gas, which then absorbs heat from the local area. One of the simplest components of the refrigeration cycle is the commercial refrigeration compressor.
The Role of Compressors in Commercial Refrigeration
Compressors in commercial refrigeration enable the refrigerant to circulate through the system’s circuit. The compressor functions within a commercial cooler much like a heart in a living creature, driving the essential flow.
How Compressors Work
Power for the compressor comes from an electric motor integrated into the system. This process helps to manage the pressure within the refrigerant system.
First, the refrigerant flows from the compressor through a condenser. During this phase, the vapor converts into a liquid form and releases heat.
In air-cooled process chillers, the moisture level is higher than the air flowing through the condenser. Conversely, in water-cooled process refrigerant systems, the refrigerant vapor maintains a higher temperature than the water passing through the condenser.
How Condensers Work
The refrigerant completes its process in the condenser. It then moves through a metering device or expansion valve, where its pressure significantly drops.
Finally, the refrigerant reaches the evaporator, where the absorbed heat causes it to vaporize. The evaporator efficiently collects heat from the space that requires cooling. After this heat absorption, the refrigerant returns to the compressor, and the entire cycle begins anew.
Whether you manage a restaurant or a school, you understand the critical importance of keeping your commercial cooler in excellent working condition. When a problem arises, it can spoil your stored items if you don’t find a quick solution.
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5 Signs You Need Commercial Refrigeration Repair
You simply cannot afford downtime because commercial refrigerators are essential appliances, particularly for convenience stores, restaurants, and liquor stores. Businesses rely heavily on the efficiency of a quality refrigerator. Typically, a well-maintained commercial refrigerator offers an extensive lifespan without major issues.
However, there are times when your commercial refrigerator ultimately fails. Furthermore, large businesses operating with commercial refrigerators can face severe losses if their units malfunction. This indicates it might be time to replace your old commercial refrigerator with a new one.
When your commercial refrigerator begins to wear out, certain signs point to the need for a new industrial freezer installation. Let’s explore these indicators below.
1) Excessive Condensation or Frost
Efficient commercial refrigerators maintain a precise balance between the hot and cold atmospheres within the unit. However, if you start noticing excessive frost or condensation inside your refrigerator, it’s a clear sign that your unit isn’t functioning correctly and isn’t cooling as it should. To check for condensation, examine the rubber seals around your refrigerator door.
In case of a malfunction, you’re likely to see condensation, mold, or mildew on these rubber door seals. If the condensation on the rubber sealing is mild, you might be able to simply replace the worn-out seal yourself, and the fridge could be fine.
However, if there’s excessive condensation inside the refrigerator, it might stem from improper temperature settings or inadequate maintenance. You can try adjusting the temperature yourself. But if temperature issues persist and worsen, it could lead to spoiled food and beverages stored inside your fridge.
The risk of business loss can multiply with even a single day of your commercial refrigerator malfunctioning. Be extra vigilant for excessive condensation and frost as part of your freezer maintenance checklist.
2) Severe Motor Defects
Another significant indicator that you need to promptly replace your commercial refrigerator is a motor breakdown. Many refrigerator problems originate with motor failures. While it’s normal for the back of your refrigerator to feel regularly warm, if it’s transmitting excessive amounts of heat, something is clearly wrong with your unit.
Overheating in refrigerators often occurs due to dirty coils. The coils located at the back of your refrigerator are designed to dissipate heat. If they are dirty and insulated, they can’t release heat effectively. In this situation, there’s a defect in your fridge. As part of your freezer maintenance checklist, you can clean these coils by brushing or vacuuming them.
Other motor issues include the refrigerator motor continuously running at maximum speed and producing loud noises. This type of motor defect can be caused by a failing temperature control board. Constant energy transmission to the fan motors and compressor also leads to the refrigerator becoming too cold and releasing extra energy, resulting in outrageously high energy bills. Consult a technician for assistance, but if the motor noise persists, invest in a new refrigerator to prevent a potentially costly breakdown.
3) Excessive Food Expiration
Food spoilage and premature expiration are clear warning signs for commercial owners that their refrigerators are on the verge of failure. Sometimes, food takes longer to cool or expires faster than its expected date. To ensure your refrigerator is working correctly, immediately examine the gasket on the door. Dirty or worn-out gaskets cannot effectively trap cool air and keep warm air out as they should.
You might consider replacing your gasket, which is often feasible and inexpensive. However, if the issue persists and your food still takes longer to cool, it indicates the unit cannot regulate to the required temperature. This leads to unnecessary energy consumption and a heightened need for emergency freezer service.
In such cases, you’ll incur greater losses from higher HVAC energy bills and the cost of spoiled food. Therefore, it would be a wiser investment to purchase a new and efficient commercial refrigerator for your business.
4) Your Temperature Settings Are Not Responding
Your commercial refrigerator should ideally operate at a specific temperature, often around zero degrees Celsius (or its Fahrenheit equivalent) for optimal performance. However, if the temperature inside feels excessively cold, or if you begin to observe ice forming on every object in the refrigerator, it could indicate severe underlying issues.
One of the first freezer maintenance tips in this situation is to defrost the unit and then carefully observe its subsequent functioning. If the problem persists, it might be time to consider investing in a new industrial freezer installation.
5) High Electricity Bills
Finally, if you notice an unusually high energy bill, even though you’ve been using the appliance for the same period, it may be due to a defect in your refrigerator. Hire a technician to inspect and resolve the issue. However, investing in a new refrigerator would likely be more beneficial than facing continuous repairs and higher energy bills in the long run.
You might also consider calling a repair technician to inspect and remedy issues with the coils and the motor. Replacing the coils could be an option if the malfunction is mild.
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5 Tips for Maintaining Your Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
Proper refrigerator and freezer maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your appliance. Much of the maintenance is consistent across both residential freezers and commercial walk-in coolers.
So, here are our top five freezer maintenance tips. Performing these regularly should help keep your appliances working efficiently for many years.
1) Maintain Door Seals
Checking the door seals should be a regular part of your maintenance checklist. These seals create the barrier that keeps cool air inside and warm air out, making them arguably one of the most critical components.
Check them once a month using the dollar bill test. Place a dollar bill in the doorframe, leaving some sticking out, and then close the door. Attempt to pull the note out. If it slides out easily, your door seals might need repair or replacement.
Beyond testing, give the door seals a thorough cleaning every six months. In a commercial setting, you might need a strong cleaner. A simple mixture of sodium bicarbonate and water also works wonders.
You might find that food particles accumulate in the door seal. In such cases, you can remove these with a damp cloth and then use a small brush (like a toothbrush) for deeper cleaning.
2) Keep Your Freezer Well-Stocked
All refrigeration appliances, from residential freezers to commercial walk-in coolers, perform best when they are nearly full. They require thermal mass, which means having enough frozen or chilled stock inside to maintain a stable temperature.
An empty freezer is more susceptible to temperature fluctuations when the door is opened compared to a full one. This simple practice helps reduce the need for commercial cooler repair because the cooling unit doesn’t have to work as hard.
Keeping a commercial unit full in a busy restaurant or supermarket shouldn’t be too challenging. In a residential setting, you can fill your refrigerator with jugs of water. If doing this in a residential freezer, ensure you account for the water’s expansion when frozen—in short, don’t overfill sealed containers.
If you consistently find yourself needing to fill empty space, it might indicate that you need a smaller refrigerator or freezer. While a larger unit can be convenient, smaller ones are often more energy-efficient.
3) Regularly Verify the Thermostat
One of the most frequent causes of walk-in cooler maintenance issues is a malfunctioning thermostat. This holds true for home refrigerators and freezers as well. If left unchecked, a thermostat can gradually start to read the incorrect temperature.
Fortunately, this is easy to prevent by adding regular checks to your freezer maintenance checklist. Purchase an independent thermometer and verify that your appliance is maintaining the correct temperature.
You can confirm the correct operating temperature in your owner’s manual, as commercial and residential units often have different ideal working temperatures. If you notice discrepancies with the temperature your unit’s thermostat reads, it’s easy to call a professional before you require emergency freezer service.
4) Clean Your Condenser Coils
This step might not be feasible on all commercial units, as it depends on their specific cooling system design. However, wherever possible, ensure you keep the condenser coils clean.
This task is relatively easy on a residential freezer because the coils are usually grouped together, providing quick access. You should include this cleaning as part of your routine walk-in cooler repair and maintenance.
To clean the condenser coils, follow these steps:
- Unplug the unit from the wall and move it to gain access to the coils.
- If the coils are located on the front, remove the grille to expose them.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and gently run it over the coils.
- You might need a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining dust.
- Reassemble everything and plug the unit back in.
Ideally, you should perform this at least twice a year, or even more frequently depending on the unit’s location and environment. Make it a regular part of your freezer maintenance checklist to inspect the condenser coils and clean them as needed.
5) Clean the Freezer Inside and Out
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is the regular cleaning of the unit itself, both inside and out. If you work in a kitchen, you likely already incorporate this as part of your walk-in cooler repair and maintenance routine.
However, it’s equally important in a residential context. While cleaning the outside primarily contributes to appearance, it supports the overall cleanliness of the freezer. Regular cleaning should be an integral part of any refrigerator or freezer maintenance schedule.
Even though many appliances feature automatic defrosting, you can integrate this with your manual defrosting routine if your unit doesn’t. In either case, manually defrost your freezer at least once a year. You’ll know it’s time when a significant amount of ice builds up around the sides.
To defrost, remove all food items and unplug the unit. After the ice melts, you can drain the water through the built-in drain. Then, you can begin the cleaning process.
Cleaning a freezer is relatively straightforward. Use a mixture of dish soap and hot water, starting from the top and working your way down. Clean the inside first, and then proceed to the outside. Once you’ve wiped everything down, rinse it with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a towel.
If there’s any glass, clean it with vinegar. Avoid harsh chemicals whenever possible, as you don’t want to risk contaminating food with them.
Don’t delay in replacing your refrigerator parts when needed!
How to Update Your Freezer Maintenance Checklist
Hopefully, the five freezer maintenance tips outlined above will help prolong the life of your appliance. Start by creating a comprehensive freezer maintenance checklist and commit to following it as consistently as possible.
Commercial refrigerators and deep freezers are indispensable for restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses in the food industry. These appliances consume a significant amount of energy, operating around the clock to help preserve your inventory.
According to the EPA’s latest retail food refrigeration standards, regulators are pushing for commercial refrigerators and deep freezers to be 30% more energy-efficient compared to 2009 standards. The overarching goal is to help businesses save money and energy while also protecting the environment. Buried within these new standards are numerous opportunities for companies to reduce energy consumption—if you know where to look.
Here are several commercial fridge maintenance recommendations based on EPA guidelines and our walk-in freezer maintenance checklist:
10 Commercial Cooler & Freezer Maintenance Tips
Your commercial cooler or walk-in freezer demands continuous maintenance to operate smoothly. Emergency repairs are expensive, and if you deal with perishable goods, a breakdown could lead to substantial losses for your business.
You can prevent frequent malfunctions through consistent, appropriate care. A proactive walk-in cooler repair schedule and diligent commercial fridge maintenance ensure the prolonged operation of your equipment.
Restaurant owners and other commercial refrigeration equipment operators often neglect refrigeration maintenance until it’s too late. However, for anyone running a restaurant, warehouse, or storage facility, overlooking such a crucial part of your business can lead to numerous problems, including sanitation issues, increased energy costs, and a tremendous waste of valuable revenue. Instead of incurring significant expenses on replacement refrigeration equipment or emergency service calls, you should follow this comprehensive walk-in freezer maintenance checklist:
1) Consistently keep your cooler or freezer clean.
Simple soap and water are often sufficient to address spills and grime. Conversely, harsher industrial chemicals may damage your metal surfaces. Ensure you promptly clean up any spills to prevent dangerous “freezer burns” that can compromise your commercial fridge maintenance efforts.
Sizable amounts of food in a restaurant’s commercial cooler almost always lead to spills and messes. A scattered pile of vegetables here, some run-off oil there – combined ingredients will only exacerbate storage issues over time.
Ignoring processed food waste has severe consequences. One of the most common indicators of a worn or rusted commercial cooler is extensive freezer burn resulting from accumulated waste like food.
Cleaning your equipment’s surface area shouldn’t take more than a few hours. Begin with a soft brush or cloth, gradually scrubbing the shelves, drain pans, and tubes with a detergent-based or vinegar solution.
Follow up by removing the shelf drawers, submerging them in water for a few minutes, and then rinsing them thoroughly. By performing this regularly, you can establish a proper walk-in cooler repair schedule.
2) Routinely inspect your blades and evaporator fan coils.
You should regularly clean your ventilation systems as part of your commercial cooler repair routine. Replace older parts as needed. Be aware that powerful chemicals might harm the refrigerator and some chemicals can even make your walk-in fridge toxic, potentially leading to premature emergency freezer service.
A neglected commercial cooler can result in the contamination of any stored food due to mold and bacteria, which could be disastrous for your bottom line. Even worse, you might end up violating health codes.
To prevent this, keep a close eye on mold and dirt accumulation in your system. A foul smell is a clear sign that mold is beginning to build up, so act immediately once you detect it.
3) Inspect your door seals and hinges quarterly.
When cleaning commercial refrigeration equipment, never overlook the door seals and gaskets. These areas tend to accumulate dirt, sticky substances, and all sorts of debris. When a seal becomes clogged, it impairs your commercial cooler’s ability to self-regulate, potentially leading to a costly commercial cooler repair.
Ensure your hinges are well-lubricated and that your seals are closing properly. Avoid propping the door open for extended periods, as this interferes with your baseline temperature. Remember to keep the door closed as much as possible.
Failing to close a door will prevent your system from properly cooling and preserving food. Additionally, you’ll incur higher energy bills and future walk-in cooler repairs. We strongly advise taking serious precautions with your refrigerator door.
4) Ensure your condensing unit follows regulations.
The cooled air condenser coil is a vital component for any commercial cooler repair. If the coil collects dust and debris over time, the fridge has to work significantly harder to maintain cool temperatures.
Replacing this coil can be expensive. You can avoid this costly replacement during commercial fridge maintenance by regularly monitoring the coil. A staff member should wipe down the coil at least once a week.
Although refrigeration inherently involves moisture, this doesn’t mean you should allow liquid or spills to accumulate in your system. Excessive moisture can cause your system to freeze over time, leading to frequent emergency freezer service calls. Regularly check the shelves and condenser coil for spills and excess water.
When in doubt, consult the EPA’s guidelines on safe substitute refrigerants and other freezer maintenance tips for more detailed information.
5) Leave space in your commercial cooler.
Temperature fluctuations within your cooler could indicate that a piece of your equipment is failing. Fortunately, cooler control systems usually store a minimum history to assist technicians in diagnosing a problem. However, be cautious about storing too many items in your cooler, as this can also cause temperature fluctuations.
While you’ll naturally want to maximize the space in your commercial cooler, filling your walk-in cooler to its absolute full capacity exposes it to serious risks and can shorten its lifespan. Stacking too many items in your fridge puts a strain on the motor and condenser coil, leading to longer operation times and higher utility bills. These are scenarios you’ll want to avoid when managing your commercial fridge maintenance.
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6) Form a maintenance program.
Scheduling routine upkeep will guarantee that your equipment operates to manufacturer standards. A licensed refrigeration contractor should be able to easily identify early indications of deterioration. Early discovery prevents expensive crises and could significantly impact your profits for that quarter. We recommend securing a maintenance agreement from a trusted HVAC technician.
Establishing a regular budget for system checks makes it less likely you’ll face major commercial refrigeration repair services later. When a licensed refrigeration contractor performs a walk-in cooler repair checklist, they’ll often note any issues in real-time during their inspection. During emergency freezer service, a licensed refrigeration contractor will check electrical connections, worn parts, and regulatory compliance as part of their comprehensive inspection.
These commercial cooler repair tips and freezer maintenance tips can substantially increase the lifespan of your equipment. Refrigeration is, of course, one of many HVAC components essential for a successful business operation. Reputable companies offer a range of industrial freezer installation services and a catalog of equipment for the food service industry.
7) Turn on anti-sweat heaters.
Anti-sweat heaters offer an excellent solution when ambient conditions cause condensation on display doors. They effectively prevent water from condensing on the exterior of your refrigerated display cases, allowing customers to clearly see your product at all times.
By upgrading to anti-sweat controls, you can gain the benefits of anti-sweat display doors while simultaneously minimizing energy costs. These controls manage the operation of anti-sweat heaters, ensuring they only run when genuinely needed. This approach offers the best of both worlds – a pristine appearance at minimal expense. Anti-sweat heaters are also a key consideration in any walk-in cooler repair schedule.
8) Check door gaskets and auto-closing mechanisms.
Always ensure that your door equipment is in good condition. Humid air can infiltrate refrigeration compartments if these parts are not functioning correctly, which can negatively impact heat transfer within the system.
State-of-the-art technology typically demands less electricity than older models, operates more quietly, and boasts a longer lifespan. Investing in new motors is often worthwhile to avoid emergency freezer service. A bonus benefit of this measure is the potential reduction in your energy bill.
Regular door inspections help ensure that your fridge motor only runs when necessary. This is particularly effective at preserving produce, which can dry out when exposed to excessive airflow. Regular inspections can also help you avoid spending hard-earned revenue on emergency commercial refrigeration repair services.
9) Install motion detectors for case lighting systems.
Motion detectors will automatically turn lights on and off when your fridge doors are opened. Implementing LED lighting can dramatically reduce energy costs. Not only do LEDs consume less energy, but they also generate less heat. Consequently, you’ll require less electricity to keep your products cool.
Furthermore, LED lights significantly improve the visibility of any items within your refrigerator. This feature is especially important for high-demand products like meat or produce. In grocery stores, for example, customers are naturally drawn to fresh, well-lit, and visible products.
10) Switch to Energy-Star products.
The best commercial refrigerators and freezers are proven to maintain food at precise temperatures. In a demanding environment like a hot kitchen or a cold storage site, you’ll frequently deal with door openings. Equipment that meets Energy Star criteria will lead to significant savings on your next industrial freezer installation.
Commercial Refrigeration Energy Standards & Guidelines
A walk-in freezer maintenance checklist that incorporates Energy Star products indicates that these units are at least 20% more energy-efficient than standard models. This trend includes components such as ECM evaporators, condenser fan motors, hot gas anti-sweat heaters, or high-efficiency compressors. All of these parts contribute to significantly reducing energy consumption and commercial cooler repair bills.
Keep reading to learn about industry standards and guidelines relevant to industrial freezer installation.
1) Energy Department Efficiency Standards
In 2014, the Climate Action Plan established standards aimed at reducing carbon pollution by approximately 142 million metric tons over the subsequent three decades. This standard has the potential to save businesses as much as $11.7 billion in utility costs. These standards are projected to make commercial refrigerators about 30% more efficient than previous benchmarks. Government standards, such as the Climate Action Plan, are driving the next generation of emergency freezer service.
The Energy Star program has been instrumental in improving efficiency across more than 60 product categories since its inception in 1992. Between 1993 and 2009, energy consumption per household decreased by approximately 14%. Today, around 80% of refrigerators are Energy Star-qualified.
2) Energy Star Qualified Refrigeration Products
Commercial refrigerators and freezers that earn an Energy Star badge are typically around 40% more energy-efficient than standard models. Thanks to advancements in compressors and insulation, modern commercial refrigerators are considerably more energy-efficient than their predecessors.
These new freezer maintenance tips emphasize that it is strongly in companies’ best interest to minimize their products’ energy use as much as possible. These products not only have a positive impact on the environment but also significantly increase the lifespan of your equipment.
Commercial refrigerators and freezers must maintain constant cold temperatures, meaning they operate 24 hours a day.