If you’re a winemaker, chances are you already know why you need a winery chiller—but you might not realize what makes them different from standard refrigerators, and why you need to get a dedicated winery chiller to improve your output.
Winery chillers in Eugene, OR are a critical part of the winemaking process. When you make wine, there is a recommended range of fermentation temperatures. If you let the fermentation vessel reach a higher or lower temperature, it can affect the final quality of the wine. In general, it’s best to let the wine slowly ferment at cooler temperatures. However, since the fermentation process generates heat, you need a way to control the ambient temperature so the extra heat doesn’t ruin the product. Winery chillers are designed to meet these precise demands.
How winery chillers work
Winery chillers are designed to keep wine at temperatures between 20 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Glycol chillers are the most popular type of winery chiller, thanks to glycol’s ability to cool wines to subzero temperatures.
Glycol chillers have a heat exchanger and a loop of closed tubing attached. A mixture of water and propylene glycol (which is an anti-freeze product) are sent through the tubing and heat exchanger, which cools the inside ambient temperature to the desired level. Sensors detect when the temperature rises, so the cooler will adjust accordingly.
Glycol chillers are the most popular for a few reasons. First, they’re more effective than chillers that use water alone. Additionally, the glycol acts as a secondary lubricant for the chiller pumps, which helps ensure seamless operation for a longer period of time. They come in a variety of sizes, including chillers for sites with unusual space constraints, and portable chillers. Finally, their closed-loop system makes it easier for owners to avoid the clogging and corrosion that other types of chillers may experience.
In other cases, winery chillers can do the opposite—they can keep the wine at a warmer temperature than indoors. This is a useful feature for wineries in particularly cold areas, or during the winter months. Since red wines are fermented between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it is sometimes necessary to bring the temperature up to get the best results possible.
Winery chiller considerations
There’s an appropriate winery chiller for just about every winemaker, whether you need something to save space, a chiller that can cool and heat or a portable chiller. The most popular size is a two-ton model, but it’s not uncommon to see chillers that hold 20 tons or more. Whichever size you choose will depend on your winery’s size, location and any other special considerations you may have.
If you need help choosing a winery chiller in Eugene, OR, the experts at American Refrigeration Inc. can help. Our team has been helping supply, install and maintain cold storage equipment for over two decades. We can help you choose and install the chiller that’s best for your needs—call us today to get started or learn more!
Every year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implements new rules designed to improve our relationship with the world around us. That means instituting guidelines that keep businesses in line with what’s best for the environment. In 2020, the EPA is zeroed in on the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or HCFC-22 (also known as R-22).
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons fall into a category known as class II ozone-depleting substances. Initially implemented as a substitute material to help ween businesses off of class I ozone-depleting substances, now it’s time for hydrochlorofluorocarbons to be slowly eliminated from society. A question remains, however: how do businesses that rely on refrigeration systems powered by HCFC-22 in Eugene, OR move forward?
Can I use a new HCFC-22 system?
The short answer is no—as part of an international piece of legislation known as the Montreal Protocol, the United States and Canada will be forced to completely eliminate the use of HCFC-22 by 2030. One of the first steps in that transition is to cut off the installation of new, or “virgin,” HCFC-22 systems. As a result, the sale of virgin HCFC-22 was outlawed as of January first.
If not new, go used
Fortunately for those business owners who have an expansive HCFC-22 system, there are some options. For the time being, it’s possible to install a used or reclaimed HCFC-22 system if you’re hoping to expand your refrigeration infrastructure. Anyone who might be thinking of expanding their HCFC-22 system, however, should do so sooner rather than later. On a long enough timeline, parts and equipment for HCFC-22 will become increasingly rare and infinitely more expensive.
Looking at alternatives
There are plenty of options for those people who were planning on expanding or installing an HCFC-22 system. These are refrigerants that adhere to the standards set forth by the Significant New Alternatives Policy, or SNAP. SNAP refrigerants are safe for the ozone (unlike HCFC-22 or R-22 in Eugene, OR) and do just as good a job at keeping your valuable cool. There are numerous SNAP-approved refrigerants—you just need to contact a professional who can help you find the right system for your needs.
American Refrigeration Inc. is your ally
Are you trying to plan your future with a refrigeration system powered by HCFC-22 in Eugene, OR? Before you make any big decisions, place a call to American Refrigeration Inc. Since we opened our doors all the way back in 1995, we have remained committed to providing first-rate service on every job we take on.
We have the extensive experience you need to make sure that your business is making the transition to SNAP-approved refrigerants. In addition, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive array of HVAC, air conditioning and heating services. For the installation, maintenance and repair of any brand of commercial HVAC system, you can count on us.
For the very best service at a price that’s sure to please, come to American Refrigeration Inc. Visit us online or give us a call today to learn more or schedule service.
It’s a new day in the world of refrigeration. As of January 1, 2020, the United States has begun a methodical phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). While the more toxic class I substances have already been eliminated, now it’s time for the U.S. to begin getting rid of class II ozone-depleting substances, also known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons. That’s where your refrigerator comes in.
Most commercial-sized refrigeration units are powered by hydrochlorofluorocarbons (mercifully abbreviated as HCFC-22 or R-22) in Eugene, OR. As of the first of the year, these substances will no longer be produced or imported to the United States. While the continued use of HCFC-22 isn’t illegal, there will arise occasions where it’s advisable to transition your company’s refrigeration system to an alternative refrigerant.
Expansion
If your business is poised for expansion in the coming years, it might be a good idea to start shopping for alternative refrigerants. Why? Due to the phase-out of R-22 in Eugene, OR, new HCFC-22-based systems cannot be legally installed in a commercial setting. Business owners can purchase repurposed or reclaimed HCFC-22 systems, but those may not offer the same reliability as a virgin system.
Price
You might balk at the thought of installing an entirely new refrigeration system, but making the transition to an alternative refrigerant can actually improve your bottom line. Alternative refrigerants run more efficiently than HCFC-22, which amounts to lower monthly energy payments.
What’s more, the longer that R-22 continues as a phased-out substance, the harder and harder it will be to find replacement parts and repurposed systems. Reduced availability means an increased price to replace.
Effort
As HCFC-22 continues to be phased out, repurposed parts will be harder to find. Perhaps even more important, finding an expert who is capable of repairing and maintaining an HCFC-22-powered refrigeration system will be more difficult.
At what point does your time become a factor in the management of your refrigeration system? Regardless of which industry you’re in, you no doubt expected that you could devote the meat of your workday to doing business, not making sure that your refrigerator is working correctly.
Take the next step with American Refrigeration Inc.
If you’re thinking about replacing your R-22 or HCFC-22 equipment in Eugene, OR, then you don’t need to plan alone. Place a call to American Refrigeration Inc., where we have more than 20 years of experience serving the extended Eugene and Portland areas.
In addition to our refrigeration services, we also specialize in commercial HVAC, air conditioning and heating maintenance and repair. It doesn’t matter what type of environment you’re working in—we have the skill and the knowledge to fix anything from an ultra-cooled laboratory environment to a walk-in wine cellar.
Because we understand that your business relies in part on your HVAC systems working properly, we’re happy to offer efficient, effective emergency service 24 hours a day and seven days a week. When you need the best, you deserve American Refrigeration Inc. Give us a call or visit us online today. We can’t wait to hear from you.
Cold storage rooms are frequently used inside factories, shops, warehouses and restaurants for keeping large quantities of goods cool at once. If you’re planning to install a cold storage room somewhere on your premises, it is important you know how to operate them effectively.
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we receive about cold storage rooms in Eugene, OR that should give you some valuable insight into how they work.
Q: What do I need to install a cold storage room?
You’re going to need a sufficient amount of real estate, for starters. Cold storage rooms can be the size of walk-in closets, or they can cover massive areas, depending on the amount and type of goods you need to store. You’ll also need to make sure you have a level concrete floor and foundation on which to install it.
Q: How is a cold storage room constructed?
The process of building a cold storage room will have several phases. First will be the construction of the insulated structure. Once that main structure is complete, the next phase is installation of the refrigeration equipment. Finally, all the trimmings and finishings of the insulated structure can be completed, and then the system will be ready to be put into full use.
Q: What size can I expect a cold storage room to be?
The size of your cold storage room is really up to you, as is the configuration. They can be custom-built to any size. It’s worth checking with other companies in your industry to see what size they use, if you know they have needs similar to those of your company.
Q: What do I need to know about temperature control?
You will be able to control the cold storage room based on the storage temperature you select at the control area. The length of time it takes for the cold storage room to actually reach your desired temperature will depend on your particular application and needs. Factors will include the product head load, the amount of product you’re storing, the total weight, the size of the room and the equipment you’re using.
The good news is that you won’t have to worry about hot weather impacting the operation of your cold storage room, so long as the room has been designed correctly.
Q: What do I need to know about equipment?
Cold storage rooms will require 1Phase 220V or 3Phase 380V systems. Any system larger than a 2HP unit will require that 3Phase supply.
With regard to the condensing unit, usually this will be placed outside in a spot where it can be easily connected to the internal evaporator blower coil with copper tubing and wiring. While you can expect some noise from the freezer unit, it should not be an excessive amount.
For more information about cold storage rooms in Eugene, OR and what you should know about their installation and operation, we encourage you to reach out to American Refrigeration Inc. today.
If you run a restaurant or cafeteria, one of the most important pieces of equipment you will have at your facility is your refrigeration unit. You are likely to have several units, whether they be walk-in freezers or refrigerators or standard reach-in refrigerated containers. If you’re looking to add new refrigeration options, you might be wondering whether a reach-in container or a cold storage room in Eugene, OR is the better way to go.
It’s important to note that one does not necessarily have to replace the other, and there are benefits to each type of system. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of refrigerated containers in particular.
Reach-in refrigeration: Advantages and disadvantages
The biggest benefit associated with reach-in refrigerated containers is that they will take up less space. You don’t have to dedicate nearly as much real estate to them as you do to walk-in units. Their very nature also makes them more flexible with regard to where you can place them. As long as there is a power source and enough space to put them there, you have versatile options for how you will lay out your kitchen spaces. Compare this to a walk-in freezer, where once you have it set up, there’s no moving it—it is a part of the architectural design of your space.
There are ADA-compliant models available for reach-in refrigeration units and freezers, and any unit you get will come with shelving already installed. You will need to consider, though, that reach-in units will give you much less storage capacity than what you’d get from a walk-in unit. This is why reach-in units are generally used in conjunction with walk-in units, and not as a replacement or substitute for them.
However, despite the less available storage space, accessing the items you’ve stored there is much more convenient. All you have to do is open up the door and reach in, rather than step in and walk to the area where your specific item is stored. While the self-contained nature of reach-in refrigeration units can add some heat and noise to the room, the level of extra convenience they provide cannot be understated, especially for items you use frequently in your commercial kitchen. They enhance the productivity of your kitchen space and ensure you spend less time hunting down ingredients and food items.
Reach-in refrigeration units also have more energy-efficient models than what you’d find from walk-in units. While walk-in units can use less power when used in place of multiple reach-ins, individual reach-ins have much better levels of efficiency and come in Energy Star models.
Installation is simpler, and most reach-in models are much more affordable than walk-ins.
These are just a few examples of some of the biggest pros and cons associated with the use of refrigerated containers and reach-in refrigeration units as opposed to cold storage rooms in Eugene, OR. For more information about the services we provide and the kinds of refrigeration you should seek for your commercial kitchen, contact American Refrigeration Inc. today.
