Regular restaurant refrigeration service can significantly increase the efficiency and life expectancy of your commercial refrigeration equipment. Commercial refrigeration can account for 40 to 50 percent of a restaurant's total energy bill, according to Restaurant Business. There are numerous ways you can save on energy costs by implementing routine preventative maintenance and performing a few energy-efficient tasks. Learn how you can save on refrigeration energy costs.
1. Install Strip Curtains
Strip curtains act as a barrier from the cool walk-in to the warmer air inside the restaurant. Minimize the escape of cold air and the entrance of warm air into the walk-in unit by installing heavy-duty strip curtains in the doorway.
2. Train Staff Properly
Employees are often responsible for a large amount of energy loss in restaurants. Do not allow staff members to prop open cooler doors for any extended period of time. Also remind employees to turn off the lights when exiting the walk-in unit, as bulbs left on in an empty cooler can be a large source of wasted energy.
3. Set the Right Temperature
Depending on what type of food is in your refrigeration system, you will need to set the unit to a safe temperature. Be sure not to set the temperature too low on units, as this will waste energy and overwork the refrigeration equipment. According to the California Department of Education, refrigerated storage spaces should be set at 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and freezer storage spaces at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
4. Seal Up the Unit
Keep up with the maintenance on your refrigeration unit as you notice wear and tear. Seal up any cracks around the unit to prevent cool air from escaping. It is common for air to escape around the door when the seal gets too old or begins to break down. Hire a professional to inspect your refrigeration unit to ensure no air is escaping.
5. Stack Items Properly
Ensure that no boxes or other items are stacked around the refrigeration unit coils. Stacking boxes or other items around the coils can restrict airflow. This area should be left clear to avoid damaging the unit and to keep the system working at peak performance.
6. Check the Defrost Settings
Refrigeration units are designed to maintain a product at a certain temperature. When the unit must keep a product at or below the freezing temperature of water, the system evaporator will need to be defrosted on a regular basis to prevent damaging the unit. Set your defrost frequency to the minimum requirements to ensure that it stays in optimal condition.
7. Rid the Compressor of Dust
Over time, dust, dirt and other debris can accumulate in the compressor coils. If not cleaned on a regular basis, this dust buildup can decrease the compressor's ability to work efficiency which can increase your energy bills. It also forces your compressor to work harder than it has to, putting more strain on your refrigeration system.
8. Keep All Drains Clear
In most commercial refrigerators, there are one or more drains. These drains act as pathways for interior condensation to escape the unit. Any excess liquid that goes into the drains then travels to a drip pan where the water is heated and evaporated. If a drain is blocked, condensation can build up in the unit, creating flooded spaces and a harsh environment for the condenser to effectively work.
It's crucial to keep up with commercial refrigeration maintenance to keep your energy costs low and to ensure that your equipment stays in optimal condition. For more information about caring for the refrigeration unit in your restaurant, contact your local restaurant refrigeration service provider.
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