Cold storage can be a very expensive part of a business’s power bill. Fridges and freezers run 24/7 and can account for a large portion of a shop’s or a food business’s power consumption. Th
e good news is that there are several relatively simple cost saving measures that can
be implemented to cut costs. This guide looks at ways of reducing energy bills in commercial refrigeration systems, most of which are very low cost. The expert technicians at ColdTec offer specialist [Industrial Refrigeration Services]to businesses in the UK he
lping companies to keep their cold storage costs low. Use these practical tips to start cutting costs today.
Why is Refrigeration Used So Much?
Cooling requires a very hard working compressor to expel heat from the cabinet for the whole day. If something is wrong with the system it works even harder. Dirty parts and leaky doors and hot rooms all add to the load.
Keep Condensor Coils Clean
The condensor coils rid the cooling system of heat and these can become dirty and greasy over time. If the condensor is dirty, the compressor has to work much harder.
Make sure the coils are cleaned at least every three months and more regularly in a highly dusty or greasy kitchen. Always turn the power off before cleaning. Use a brush or vacuum to clean off any dust or dirt Avoid using sharp objects that could damage the delicate fins. Clear away any obstructions that could stop the free flow of air.
Check Door Seals
A worn door seal allows warm air to enter the cabinet while the cold air escapes. This causes a greater load on the system.
Check all door seals monthly for damage or wear. Close the door on a piece of paper to check if it slips out easily, the seal needs to be replaced. Damaged or stiff seals should be replaced as a priority. A new seal will save much more in energy costs.
Set Temperatures Correctly
Many organisations run their machines at a lower temperature than they need to. Every degree below freezing adds to the energy bill. Make sure that each unit is set to the correct temperature based on the goods it stores and complies with food safety standards.
- Chilled rooms are usually kept between 2 degrees and 8 degrees
- Freezers are usually kept below -18 degrees
- Use a simple thermometer to check temperatures
- Make sure the defrost cycle is set to a period that suits the use of the cabinet
Too many defrosts will waste power and too few will cause excessive ice build up. Not all defrosts are necessary, and the dial may not always show the real temperature.
Check Wall and Door Panels
The walls and roof of a cold room are made of panels with a good level of insulation, usually high density PIR panels. Weak or damaged panels let in warm air throughout the day. Good quality seals at the edge of the door also prevent the entry of warm air. Some busy businesses like coldroom contractorshave rapid roll doors that open upwards, reducing the time they are open.
Book In Regular Servicing
Planned cold room maintenance is a major way to cut power bills. A qualified technician can check for low gas levels and worn fan motors and faulty controls. A system with insufficient gas will work harder to expel the heat and reduce its capacity. A faulty fan motor will move less air, increasing the load. A reliable maintenance plan will also help meet UK refrigerant gas regulations
Encourage Good Daily Practices
Good daily practices are often overlooked, with many businesses finding that their doors are being left open with staff rushing in and out. Try to establish a routine where staff only open the doors for the shortest time. Make sure that warehouse lighting doesn’t add to the load. Make sure that stock is picked in a sensible order so that staff can open a door and take what they want. Install strip curtains in any walk in cold rooms to reduce entry of warm air. Make sure that shelves are not overloaded as cold air cannot circulate properly in a full fridge.
Never place hot food in a fridge or freezer, because it will add greatly to the load. Keeping the stock in a good order also makes it easier for staff to locate goods on the shelf. These daily tips should all help to keep costs down, at no additional expense.
Upgrade Equipment Where Possible
Older systems can consume much more power than modern units. If you have commercial refrigeration which is more than ten years old, consider upgrading to modern equipment that uses less power and is more efficient. Modern compressors and fans use less energy, and many units have power saving inbuilt controllers that reduce the load depending on the current needs of the machine.
Consider the energy rating of any new equipment, and try to budget for a system that has a long term life cycle over a lower initial purchase price. You do not need to replace your whole system if you are budgeting for an upgrade. Start with the oldest and least efficient unit.
Fit LED Lighting and Night Covers
The lighting in display fridgescan be a major source of heat entering a fridge. Switch to energy saving LED lamps or fit night covers on display cabinets after they have been closed. Glass doors on open front units are an even more effective way of retaining cold air.
Monitor Your Usage
You cannot control what you cannot measure. Keep track of your meter readings ideally at the same time every week. Take note of any sudden rises in usage which may indicate a problem with a unit. Smart temperature sensors can alert you if a unit starts to behave unexpectedly.
Questions To Ask When Hiring A Service
Make sure that you choose the right service provider. Ask a few simple questions before hiring the service of a refrigeration engineer.
- Are the engineers all F-Gas qualified?
- Are you an approved contractor, such as with [Refcom](https://www.refcom.org.uk/)?
- Will I receive a full report and quotation?
why Choose ColdTec?
ColdTec has years of expertise in commercial refrigeration and can service or repair or upgrade your system to meet the needs of your business. Our engineers are all F Gas qualified and we are an approved Refcom contractor and ISO 9001:2015 certified. We offer a full written quotation and use only genuine parts. Emergency service is also available if a unit should fail.
FAQs
What uses the most power in a commercial fridge?
The main compressor requires the largest amount of power. Dirty coils and faulty door seals also increase the load.
How often should I clean condenser coils?
Every three months is a good rule of thumb and more often in a greasy kitchen.
Does a lower temperature save money?
No the lower you go the more power is used. Set the machines to the lowest safe operating temperature.
What should I do if my cold room stops working properly?
Keep the doors closed to retain cool air and move stock at risk to another storage unit. Contact an emergency maintenance provider for assistance.
Conclusion
Reducing energy bills in commercial refrigeration can be simple by following a few basic tips. Keeping the coils and seals clean and setting the correct temperatures will all help to cut costs. Good daily practices and regular servicing will help to extend the working life of your equipment and save you money. Use the simple tips in this guide to start saving, and get your meter readings the next time you go to your site to see what your costs are. Start with the small improvements and then budget for the larger changes. Use the advice of a professional [refrigeration service](https://cold-tec.co.uk/service/) to help meet your needs.
Contact Us
Name: ColdTec Cooling Service
Phone: 020 3773 1250 +442037731250
Email: info@cold-tec.co.uk
Address: Unit 7 177 Hook Road Surbiton KT6 5AR
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