No matter what purpose you’re using a walk-in cooler for, it’s important you make sure the system is properly designed so you don’t waste money keeping it cool. This means having proper insulation levels so you are able to more effectively maintain a cool temperature.
When you run your own business, it’s important to place an emphasis on efficiency in as many areas of your operation as possible. Insulation can help you maintain the efficiency of your commercial walk-in coolers in Eugene, OR, as it keeps temperatures regulated at your desired level of coolness while also lowering the costs of utilities, as your equipment won’t have to run as constantly to maintain that temperature. It also is beneficial in that it protects your inventory—by keeping the inside of the cooler at your desired temperature, you don’t have to worry about losing any products that have to be refrigerated.
Considerations when looking at commercial walk-in coolers
As you shop around for a walk-in cooler, consider the temperature you’ll be keeping your unit at while it’s in operation. Temperature and insulation often go hand in hand, and different temperatures may require different types of insulation.
The quality of the insulation you look at is measured by R-value, also occasionally called R-factor. The R-value gauges how resistant a material is to heat flow. The type of foam that gets used in insulation, as well as the age of that foam, are two of the biggest factors in determining what the materials’ R-value is.
The average R-value for insulation in the walk-in cooler industry is 25, though keep in mind that the different types of foam and different thicknesses can actually increase the R-value of that insulation well beyond that 25 benchmark. This is something, therefore, that you’re going to want to make sure you ask any commercial walk-in cooler dealer about when you’re comparing units and attempting to make a decision for your business.
Insulation that has a higher R-value will make it easier for your walk-in unit to keep its temperatures cool. Because the machine won’t have to work as hard to keep running, this will extend the life of the compressor and its components, and lower the costs of operating the unit, as it won’t have to constantly run. Keep in mind, though, that R-value does change over time. After a few years, it’s likely that your insulation’s R-value will decrease. Make sure that, when you’re shopping, you base your decision on a projected R-value at least five years out, rather than what you can expect that insulation to provide right out of the box in terms of R-value. The projected R-value of the insulation will primarily be determined by the average operating temperature of your walk-in cooler.
R-value might not seem like the most interesting aspect of your cooler shopping, but it’s an important metric to keep in mind as you make your decision. For more information about commercial walk-in coolers in Eugene, OR, contact the team at American Refrigeration Inc. today.
When your car has a flat, you know it’s time to get a new tire. When a light bulb blows, you know it’s time to change it. When your oven stops heating, you know it’s time to buy a new appliance. What about your commercial walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR? How can you know when it’s time to replace this piece of equipment?
Since this is a significant investment, it’s important to make the right call. Replacing a unit when simple repairs may suffice is a waste of resources. On the flip side, replacing it too late can cause inventory loss and damage to surrounding structures. Use this guide to determine when you should pull the trigger on this purchase:
Frost buildup: Are you losing inventory to frostbite? Are your employees frequently scraping away ice buildup inside your commercial walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR? This frost is a sign that your freezer has leaks. Gaps in components or between panels allow air leaks, which cause excess moisture. A leaky unit should be replaced to ensure proper refrigeration.
Regular leaks: Are you finding puddles or streams near your freezer? Water leaks can cause mold and mildew growth, ice accumulation, damage to surrounding structures and slip-and-fall hazards. Avoid health inspection issues and worker injury by replacing your leaky commercial walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR.
Over-spoilage: Are you losing food to spoilage before its expiration date? This can result in a significant loss of inventory and add up to huge amounts of waste. If your products are spoiling before they should, this is a red flag that your freezer is not storing them properly. Rather than sink more money into spoiling inventory, replace your commercial walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR.
Spikes in utilities: Are your utility bills creeping up? Your cooler may be operating inefficiently due to internal issues. The spike in utility bills is an indication that your thermostat could be broken or the motor is draining more energy than it should. If you don’t replace the cooler, your bills will likely continue to rise, and your unit will eventually fail.
Temperature fluctuations: Your commercial walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR should be able to maintain consistent temperatures. If you notice that the unit is struggling to regulate the temperature, it might be time to replace it. First check to see if the cooler needs to be calibrated. If a recalibration does not solve the issue, consider investing in a new unit that can properly maintain cooling temperatures.
Partner with the Pros
Are you experiencing problems with your walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR? Don’t wait to investigate. You may be able to save your unit with some simple repairs. If not, it’s important to replace the unit before you suffer inventory loss or complete failure of your cooler. To keep your unit well maintained, partner with the professionals at American Refrigeration Inc. We’ve been serving the region with premier services since 1995. Our team specializes in walk-in coolers in Eugene, OR, and we offer 24/7 emergency repair. Reach out to us today!
Are you looking for ways to enhance your business? Purchasing the right commercial freezers in Eugene, OR could be the perfect solution. Specifically, blast chillers or freezers offer several benefits that can increase your efficiency and boost your bottom line.
If you’re considering investing in a blast chiller or freezer, review the following perks to decide if it is the right investment for you. For additional information, contact your local commercial freezer experts:
Rapid cooling: Blast chillers or freezers decrease temperatures rapidly. This minimizes the loss from evaporation. It also decreases the size of ice crystals. When large ice crystals form, they can damage food when it is defrosted. The excess moisture causes poor texture and flavor.
Seasonal purchases: Would you like to invest in seasonal items when you can get them at the best price? This is often difficult impossible due to lack of storage options. Blast chillers or freezers can allow a business to purchase items to freeze for long periods of time. They store and thaw well while retaining their freshness.
Loss reduction: One of the most concerning expenses for commercial kitchens is inventory loss. Blast chillers and freezers allow owners to increase storage efficiency and reduce this loss. The final result is a better bottom line.
Baked goods: Have you ever tried to freeze a pie? When it is thawed, it probably lost its flaky texture and its crust fell flat. Blast chillers or freezers cool baked goods rapidly so they retain their shape.
Baked pasta: When pasta is not immediately paired with sauce, it can suffer. Storing it for future use can be tricky. The right commercial freezers in Eugene, OR can make freezing pasta a cinch. Blast chillers or freezers cool pasta quickly to prepare it for future sauces and braises.
Smooth ice creams: Few things can compare to a perfectly smooth ice cream or sorbet. In fact, these products often must have the right consistency to properly create dessert recipes. Due to their ice crystal reduction, blast chillers and freezers allow you to make extra smooth and creamy sorbets and ice creams.
Chilled drinks: Do you ever store drinks at room temperature? Since the customer is expecting a chilled beverage, it’s good to have an option to quickly cool your inventory. Blast chillers and freezers are perfect for quickly cooling down your back stock and providing the refreshing beverage your customer wants.
Fresh seafood: Do you serve mussels, oysters or clams? With blast chillers and freezers, shellfish can be frozen and then thawed to serve. Your customers will never know the difference. Using this “cryo-shucking” method, the seafood tastes as fresh as it did the day it was caught.
Boost Your Business
Would you like to learn more about commercial freezers in Eugene, OR and how they can boost your business? Contact American Refrigeration Inc. today. Our freezer experts have been serving the area with honesty and integrity since 1995. With decades of experience, we offer unparalleled service and products. Reach out to us today with any questions!
In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began a phase-out of the use of R-22 refrigerant (also known as Freon) in residential and commercial HVAC applications, as studies demonstrated its use was harmful to the earth’s ozone layer. That phase-out winds down in 2019—as of 2020, Freon will no longer be made or imported in the United States.
This means that if you’re the owner of a commercial building that has an older commercial HVAC system in Eugene, OR, time is running out for you to decide what you’ll do regarding your current systems that run primarily based on Freon. You’re going to need to either get new equipment altogether, or convert your equipment to an alternative refrigerant.
Considering how quickly the sand is falling out of the hourglass, it’s important to be proactive. Questions to consider include:
When should I convert my R-22 system to an alternative refrigerant? The answer to this question heavily depends on the size and age of the system you’re currently running. Calculate how much it would cost to continue to leak test, repair and run your R-22 system versus how much it would cost to convert. The less available R-22 becomes, the more expensive it will be, and prices are expected to skyrocket after production of R-22 ceases altogether in 2019. These are big factors to consider.
When should I replace or retrofit my system? Again, this largely depends on the size and age of your system. An older HVAC system that might need to be replaced in several years anyway is a good candidate to be replaced now rather than trying to convert it a few years before you’d just need to replace it anyway. However, if it’s in good shape and you still intend to get years of use out of it, converting can make a lot of sense.
The new standard refrigerant
There are many different alternatives to R-22 already available, but the standard moving forward is expected to be R-410A, also known as Puron. This substance is a hydrofluorocarbon that does not damage the ozone, and actually provides greater efficiency than Freon. This is the refrigerant manufacturers have been most commonly using since the EPA reports came out in 2010.
Puron is more efficient than Freon because it absorbs and releases heat better, which means the compressor runs cooler and prevents overheating. It also uses synthetic oil for lubrication, which is much more soluble than the types of mineral oil used in Freon applications. These are the primary reasons why manufacturers have embraced it as the new standard in the world of refrigerants. As such, you’ll likely have much better success converting a Freon-based system to a Puron-based system, just due to how prevalent it is becoming in the industry.
For more information about the R-22/Freon phase-out and what you can do to prepare your facility over the next year or two, contact the team at American Refrigeration Inc. to discuss your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR.
R-22, also known as Freon, has historically been one of the most common refrigerants used in air conditioning units and other cooling applications. However, its use has been steadily getting phased out since 2010 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to some of the negative effects it has been shown to have on the earth’s ozone layer.
Since that time, there has been a massive reduction in how much R-22 is being produced in the United States, leading to a significant increase in the cost of R-22 for homeowners. By 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced or imported in the United States at all, which means homeowners who have older AC units that rely on that coolant will likely need to upgrade to a new unit.
Therefore, if you are still using R-22 as your primary refrigerant for your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR, it’s time to start preparing for the full phase-out, which is less than two years away.
How do I know if my HVAC system uses R-22?
If you have an older air conditioner or heat pump, there’s a chance it’s reliant on the use of R-22. You can check your unit to make sure of this before you start worrying about paying for a replacement.
First, look at the nameplate on the side of the outdoor unit. It may very well indicate the presence of R-22 with a note that says “Contains HCFC-22” or “Contains R-22.” You can also check the owner’s manual for the equipment if you have it, or contact the company that installed the equipment in your business for you.
If you have the manufacturer’s name and the model number of the equipment, you can also look up the information online to find all the specifications you need, including the type of refrigerant used by the system. If you schedule a tune-up of your HVAC system, you can have your service technician tell you the type of refrigerant the system takes.
What else do I need to know?
Fortunately, if you had your system installed after 2011, there’s nothing to worry about—you’re very likely not affected at all by the R-22 phase-out. Even if your system was installed before then and/or uses R-22 refrigerant, you still don’t need to be concerned unless your system requires some type of repair that would involve adding or removing refrigerant.
Still, the phase-out is important to keep in mind when you consider the costs of making repairs to your system. Knowing that the refrigerant your system uses is obsolete, you might decide it’s more worthwhile to purchase an entirely new system, especially if your system is already on the older side.
Going forward, the most popular choice for refrigerant is expected to be R-410A, a hydrofluorocarbon that does not damage the ozone, and is even more efficient than R-22.
For more information about the phase out and how it could affect you, contact the team at American Refrigeration Inc. about commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR.
