The Summer Heat Is On!
Don’t let the summer heat run down your refrigeration systems! The weeks are getting hotter, contact ColonialWebb today! The best way to ensure your refrigeration system is prepared for the hot summer months is through proper Preventative Maintenance.
Anyone that has experienced a broken, overheated refrigeration system knows a faulty system of any size can quickly turn into a catastrophe. Preparing your refrigeration units to beat the summer heat is a real necessity! Efficient performance of your refrigeration units 24/7/365 is mandatory in order to have a successful operation. Through proper maintenance and preventative measures, you can keep your system running smoothly, even during the hottest months.
Proper refrigeration maintenance in warmer months is crucial. Make sure you make it through the summer unscathed with these proactive refrigeration equipment tips:
1. Preventative Maintenance:
This maintenance includes checking the system’s temperature readings inside the refrigeration unit and inspecting the discharge, liquid and suction lines in the condensing unit. Preventative maintenance should also include checking refrigerant levels, verifying the thermostats and pressure controls, cleaning and lubricating the motors, and cleaning the coils and drain pans.
2. Invest in Automated Alarm Monitoring:
Modern facility and alarm monitoring systems can alert you and your staff immediately if something is wrong with your refrigeration units. This technology also offers proactive refrigeration equipment performance monitoring. These monitoring systems can measure and report on suction pressures, coil temperatures, compressor run status and overall energy usage. Monitoring can also minimize product loss, since businesses typically have about four hours to restore appropriate temperature settings before product loss becomes an issue. This time period can be even shorter during the peak of summer.
3. Refrigeration Location:
Make sure refrigeration equipment is located away from exterior walls and windows. These walls and windows can let in heat, which can hurt the efficiency of your refrigeration and potentially cause it to break down quicker.
4. Upgrade Anti-Sweat Controls:
Newer refrigeration equipment comes with heaters to prevent condensation. New anti-sweat controls that regulate these heaters can be easily installed and reduce the energy used by 70 percent.
5. The Paper Test:
Energy can also be lost through worn refrigeration seals. To test a seal, try to slip a piece of paper under your refrigerator and freezer doors. If it slides under the door, it’s time to replace the seal.
6. Install Strip Curtains:
Loading docks and freezer doors put a huge strain on refrigeration, ventilation and cooling systems. Strip curtains can reduce unwanted airflow and energy costs.
7. Electronically Commutated Motors (ECMs):
Replace traditional refrigeration fan systems with ECMs that regulate fan speed and can cut energy use by 65 percent.
8. Use LED Lighting:
Replace fluorescent tubes with more energy-efficient LED strips. This can help reduce your energy use by 60 percent. LEDs are ideal for refrigeration because, unlike fluorescents, they give off little heat and last longer in colder environments.
9. Upgrade Old Refrigeration Systems:
Refrigeration systems more than 10 years old have high-energy costs. Replace your old system with an ENERGY STAR-certified product and save on energy costs over its lifetime.
10. Energy Efficiency Incentives:
Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency to find other financing and incentives for energy efficient refrigeration upgrades.
