When the EPA announced that the phase-out of R-22 refrigerant would start in 2010, with completion scheduled for 2020, the time seemed relatively far away. That time has flown by, though, and with the deadline now only three years away, business owners whose commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR is still reliant on R-22 refrigerant will need to start evaluating their options.
The R-22 supply
The use of virgin R-22 refrigerant is now illegal, and the only R-22 that can still be purchased and used is the recovered and recycled refrigerant from retired units. In conjunction with the basic principles of supply and demand, with R-22 becoming more and more scarce, not only will it become harder to find, but the prices will stay high because of the limited supply. This means that business owners will either have to find a drop-in substitute for R-22, or consider moving on to an upgraded system altogether.
Total system replacement
While you may be able to use drop-in R-22 refrigerant replacements and alternatives for a time, the best long-term solution is replacing and updating your HVAC system. In addition to providing enough time to eradicate R-22 production and distribution, a part of the reason the EPA set the dates they did was to allow the many air conditioning units that were still using R-22 refrigerant at the time to age to the point of system replacement. This makes the overall transition not only better for the environment, but more economical for business owners as well.
A full system replacement would include replacing the indoor and outdoor units, all of the ductwork and the system’s wiring. While this might sound daunting initially, this solution will be providing you with the opportunity to install a new system with new equipment that allows you to benefit from improved energy efficiency. This also takes away any worry you might have about what types of refrigerants should be used and what you can and cannot do with your HVAC system, giving you as a business owner much needed peace of mind.
Unit replacement
If a total system replacement is not a financially feasible option for your company, you could alternatively consider replacing just the outdoor condenser and the indoor handling unit, and use the existing wiring and ductwork from your current system. This way, you will still be able to reap the benefits of upgraded energy efficiency, but you will be able to cut the installation costs of an entire system by using some of the major components that you already have.
The R-22 phase-out can certainly be confusing, but with the help of our team at American Refrigeration Inc., we can make sure that your business has what it needs for efficient and operation. We even offer remodels if you need to make changes to your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR so that you are in compliance with EPA regulations. If you have questions about the phase-out or would like to learn more about the many services we can offer you, give us a call to set up an appointment today.
Keeping your distillery equipment working properly is essential not only to the efficiency of your production, but also to the quality and taste of your product. Neglecting routine maintenance, service and cleaning of your equipment can lead to major problems that can destroy your equipment altogether. To prevent serious issues from leaving you with broken equipment and hefty replacement costs, keep an eye out for potential maintenance concerns and contact a provider of commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR right away to help address the issue:
Corrosion: One common problem that can be present in distillery equipment is corrosion. In some cases, natural corrosion of distillery equipment is unavoidable, but it can be greatly reduced through the implementation of routine cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning and sanitizing your still regularly is important, not only to maintain the condition of your equipment, but also to preserve the taste and quality of the product that you are producing.
Inefficiency: If you notice consistent issues with the efficiency of your distillery equipment, it might be time to seek help from a company specializing in commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR. A recurring reduction of efficiency can be a sign that there is something off with your equipment that requires maintenance or repair.
Electrical malfunctions: Problems with wiring and electricity can have a big impact on distilleries. If there is something wrong with the electrical wiring of your equipment or your distillery system, it can bring your entire production to a halt, and might even pose a safety concern depending on what the problem is. If you have concerns about the electrical components in your system, or if you are having frequent problems with electrical outages or shutdowns, it’s important to have the issue repaired as soon as possible.
Faulty refrigeration: Refrigeration problems can plague a distillery with low-quality products and a reduced capacity to continue production as usual. The proper functioning of refrigeration equipment is essential for distilleries, which is why it is so important to take any refrigeration issues seriously as soon as you notice them.
Poor brew quality: One of the clearest signs that your distillery equipment should be repaired is a change in the quality or taste of your product. If something tastes different or off, it’s a sure sign that there is something awry with your equipment or your process. These issues can have a big impact on your bottom line when they begin to affect quality, so you should pay attention to changes in product quality and get repairs when necessary.
At American Refrigeration Inc., we are committed to keeping your distillery equipment in the best condition possible. We have years of knowledge and experience working with components for wineries and breweries, including aging tanks, fermenters, wine presses, refrigeration tanks and more. No matter the condition of your equipment, we can offer help assessing potential problems and providing comprehensive commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR to get it working like new again. For more information about how we can help you get your distillery equipment in great shape, contact us today.
The R-22 refrigerant phase-out is nearly complete, and homeowners and commercial businesses alike will need to make sure that their replacement plan is in full effect by 2020. In order to do this, it is important for you to understand some of the new types of refrigerant that are available to you, and an expert in commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR is ready to help.
R-417A
Containing cooling properties that are similar to those of R-22, R-417A can be used with existing R-22 systems, and is the only drop-in replacement option that can be used with mineral, alkyl benzene or synthetic oil. This compatibility and flexibility are the main reasons that this option is being used so frequently in commercial refrigeration. There isn’t a drop-off in production when transitioning from R-22, and R-417A is actually able to operate with lower discharge temperatures and a smaller power requirement. Not only will this refrigerant be better for the environment, but it can also be more efficient at the same time.
R-407C
R-407C is a refrigerant combination of hydrogen, fluorine and carbon atoms, referred to as HFC, that is compatible with newer systems and appliances. The major appeal for this type of refrigerant, though, is that it can also be used in retrofit applications with older R-22 refrigerant air conditioning models because of its thermodynamic properties. This means that the installation of a brand new system would not be necessary. Unlike R-22, this refrigerant doesn’t contain the chlorine that was becoming very harmful to the ozone. This type of refrigerant can be used with packaged air conditioners, industrial chillers and the increasingly popular ductless split systems.
R-410A
While this can’t be used in the same drop-in fashion like the other two options can, R-410A is still one of the leading replacement options because of the large improvement of efficiency that these new systems provide. R-410A is also an HFC, and similarly operates without the presence of chlorine. R-410A uses synthetic oil which is more soluble than mineral oil, leading to less wear and tear on your air conditioning compressor. This type of refrigerant can also absorb and release heat at a better rate when compared to R-22, which will also reduce the strain you place on your compressor and your air conditioning system as a whole.
It is especially important for business owners to make sure their HVAC systems are in compliance with the R-22 ban because they are typically held to stricter guidelines in order to pass inspections and receive certifications. If you are worried at all about these changes or need help finding the best type of system and refrigerant for your business, contact the experts at American Refrigeration Inc. Serving as the premier provider of services for commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR since 1995, we have the knowledge you need to make sure that your system is both compliant and efficient. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you—we look forward to assisting you!
As craft distilleries increase in popularity across the country, it is more important than ever to ensure that you have the highest-quality distillery equipment for your operation, as well as a top-notch source for maintenance, including commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR. While craft distilleries have not always had access to a very large selection of parts and equipment, the recent boom in the world of craft beverages has increased the demand and the availability of quality equipment on the market. In order to ensure the condition of your product and the value of your investment, focus on finding good distillery equipment that will provide you with efficiency and quality.
Choose the right still
The very first piece of equipment on your list should be a high quality still. Historically, options for smaller distilleries have been limited to expensive and cumbersome equipment or ineffective do-it-yourself solutions. In recent years, the craft beverage boom has promoted demand for systems that are cheaper and smaller from manufacturers in the United States and China.
The first thing to consider is the type of still you want. Many breweries choose traditional copper stills that offer a high degree of quality and promote the best finished product. While a good still can often pose a rather steep upfront cost, it is well worth the investment for a piece of equipment that can potentially last for decades while producing great-tasting product. Another consideration is the size of the still that you are looking for. You should find a still that is the right size to accommodate to the scale of your specific operation and your business demands to ensure that you are getting the most out of your investment.
Find the right parts
In order to save money on the cost of equipment without sacrificing quality, there are a few money saving steps that you can take. Instead of purchasing a complete distillery system at once, consider purchasing your still and then shopping around for the other parts and materials that you need. If you want to buy parts new, you can look online or browse manufacturing catalogs to find the best deal on parts. Sometimes, you can find equipment in like-new condition at much lower prices than you would find if you were shopping for brand-new parts. You can sometimes find parts that are typically used for pharmaceutical applications that are in great condition, since the standards and regulations for the pharmaceutical industry often call for frequent replacement.
Find the right source for commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR
Once you find the right distillery equipment for your operation, make sure that you maintain it and keep it in great condition with help from commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR. At American Refrigeration Inc., we understand how important it is for each of your distillery’s parts and pieces of equipment to be working efficiently. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure that you are getting the most out of your equipment investment by providing comprehensive repair services that will keep it in great working condition. Give us a call to find out more about all of the services that we provide.
Energy efficient appliances have become increasingly popular in homes around the country, helping people to lower energy costs and help the environment. However, homeowners aren’t the only ones who can take advantage of energy efficient appliances. Commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR accounts for an extremely significant portion of energy costs for businesses like restaurants and hotels.
Although energy efficient appliances are often disregarded because of their high initial costs, they also offer numerous benefits that business owners can enjoy for years after a purchase. If commercial refrigeration is important to your business, you should consider investing in energy efficient appliances to reap all of the benefits they can provide:
Cost savings: Even though the initial cost of energy efficient appliances may be a big investment, you will likely see an immediate decrease in your energy costs after installation. Because these appliances aim to be more efficient and use less energy, you can save a lot of money over time. Most buyers find that these appliances pay for themselves in the long run.
Reduce energy usage: Using commercial refrigeration appliances that don’t require as much energy helps to lower the overall amount of energy your business uses, even when they run continuously. When many people require less energy to run their businesses, it creates less demand for energy, helping to lower costs even further.
Incentives: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined energy efficiency levels for refrigeration appliances and given these appliances an Energy Star rating. Installing commercial refrigeration appliances with certain Energy Star ratings can help you qualify for tax credits, as well as rebates and incentives in your area that are provided by Energy Star partners.
Better for the environment: Energy efficiency is better for the environment overall because it reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and reliance on fossil fuels. If your business uses energy efficient commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR, customers will likely appreciate that you’re doing your part to help the environment.
Convenience: Since energy efficient appliances are now more common, they add an element of convenience to your business. Most appliances have many special features to make your refrigeration top-notch. These appliances are designed to meet your needs in the most efficient and cost-effective ways possible. Additionally, having energy efficient appliances is an added bonus if you decide to sell your business down the road.
Installing energy efficient appliances for commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR can give your business numerous benefits, including lowering energy costs, potentially receiving government or Energy Star incentives and helping the environment. If you’re interested in purchasing new energy efficient appliances, contact a professional refrigeration company for help with selection and installation of appliances to best meet your needs.
Contact American Refrigeration Inc. to speak with an experienced specialist for help in selecting and installing energy efficient commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR. Our skilled professionals have been serving clients in the heating, cooling and ventilation industry for over 20 years, offering HVAC installation and repair services and other specialty and refrigeration services. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you!
