There is no doubt that maintaining the temperature of your commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR will be the largest expense this summer for your food business. Fortunately, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy offers tips for keeping your appliances efficient when the outdoor temperatures start to rise. Here is what you can do to help your commercial refrigerator remain a vital asset, while also controlling your costs:

• Watch anti-sweat heater usage: While there is a temptation to keep these on at all times, the only time you need them is when you see condensation buildup. You will either notice it on the inside of a refrigerator door or a cooled food display case. Add automation so the anti-sweat heater activates when necessary. This will save you money and also reduce continued wear on your commercial refrigeration.
• Check door gaskets and auto closers: Energy leakage often arises from the refrigeration doors. This can happen for a couple of reasons. First, the gaskets eventually wear out and start to let cold air escape, which increases demand on the cooler or refrigerator. Second, employees may leave doors open slightly, or any auto closers installed on your appliances may quit working. You will want to educate your employees on being sure to close doors, but also keep an eye on your auto closers to make sure they work.
• Clean coils: Dust accumulation on coils also reduces cooling and leads to inefficient heat transfer. If you can see the coils, vacuum them out frequently so they can continue to serve you well. However, if these are less accessible, arranging for regular maintenance and cleaning of your appliances will assure their long-term efficiency and functioning.
• Be aware of space: Your refrigeration system needs adequate space for ventilation. Check for airflow around the coils and any obstacles blocking air circulation. When there is no airflow, the refrigerator and the coils work harder which drains energy, raises utility bills and eventually leads to failure.
• Consider motion-sensing lighting: If your refrigeration system includes a display case, know that the lighting systems can also be an energy drain. By installing motion sensors, they will only turn on when needed, and that leads to more utility savings.
• Install night curtains: Rather than keep your display coolers exposed, invest in night curtains so they can stay cool even when not in use. In the morning, they will not have to work as hard to get to optimal temperature.

Typical commercial refrigeration can consume up to 17,000 kilowatt-hours of energy, and commercial freezers can go as high as 38,000. However, these systems are necessary to keep your food safe for customers. While the Energy Department is working on standards to make these essential pieces of equipment more efficient, you can make efforts today to enjoy improved efficiency.

For assistance with repair and maintenance for commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR, contact American Refrigeration, Inc. We work on many models and offer special expertise to the food industry when it comes to HVAC demands.