Top tips to reduce your refrigeration energy costs

Refrigeration is a key consumer of energy. Given that energy can make up 70% of the running costs of a small business, it’s crucial to ensure that this cost is carefully monitored. All the measures you take to reduce energy consumption should be monitored so you can be sure which are are successful. Reducing energy consumption is not only good for your bottom line but also for your sustainability goals, which can be used as a positive marketing statement. More and more consumers are making buying decisions based on the environmental credentials of a business. So, if you’re updating your refrigeration to more energy-efficient models, make sure you shout about it.

Refrigeration costs for businesses

As we know, commercial refrigeration represents a significant proportion of the running costs of a business, so it’s important to think about how it’s used. Consider the needs of your business. It might be possible to streamline your operation so that you need less refrigerated space. You might be able to store some products out of customer-facing areas in extremely energy-efficient units, without customers opening and closing the doors constantly. Spend some time studying your customers’ habits, and the flow through your business, to evaluate the minimum refrigeration space that you need. It can be easy to simply replace like with like, without thinking about the changing needs of your business. Also bear in mind that modern units will give you more useable space for the same footprint, so you may not need such a big unit as you are anticipating. By streamlining your business, you may be able to reduce energy costs.

Set up your refrigeration correctly for optimum efficiency

Once you’re confident that you have the correct refrigeration for your business needs, then make sure it’s set up correctly. Are your units at the correct temperature for the produce? There is no point in keeping a refrigerator colder than it needs to be. Are all the vents around the unit uncovered, with sufficient space around them to operate correctly? If the vents are blocked, this will cause the refrigerator to work harder, which, in turn, will use more energy. Ensure that your staff are properly trained on how to use the units correctly. From minimising door open times, to ensuring correct stock levels, these will all help to keep your refrigerator working efficiently.

Maintenance saves money

Remember that maintenance and servicing saves money in the long run. A refrigerator that is struggling to keep to temperature, or running poorly, will be using more power. By ensuring that you follow a regular schedule of maintenance, you will be optimising the performance of your refrigerator and hence reducing energy consumption. Regular health checks of your refrigerator, such as checking the door seals, will help find issues early and allow you to repair the refrigerator to help it perform to the optimum.

Upgrading is an investment

While it can feel like upgrading is a large cost, it can be a better financial solution for the longer term. Modern refrigeration is designed with an increased emphasis on energy efficiency. The changes to the energy efficiency ratings mean that a modern fridge is far more efficient than an old refrigerator could ever be, an old A+++ is equivalent to a modern B or C. With technological solutions including LED lighting upgrades, modern thermostats and night blinds, upgrading to a more energy-efficient unit will help to reduce your energy consumption and your monthly outgoings. Careful cost analysis will often prove that your investment is quickly repaid in energy savings.

Come to the team at Fridgesmart to reduce your refrigeration energy costs

If you’re looking to reduce your business energy consumption then evaluating your refrigeration is a good starting point. By considering how you use your refrigeration, you can choose to upgrade to a more streamlined business model. Combining this with newer, more energy-efficient units, can have an impressive impact on your energy consumption and, ultimately, your bottom line. Here at Fridgesmart, we are always on hand to discuss your refrigeration with you. Whether you’re planning an upgrade in the future and want to evaluate the potential cost-saving, or you need an emergency replacement, we can help. We have an excellent range of commercial display fridges here, which are designed to meet the needs of different businesses and budgets. For help and advice, our experienced and knowledgeable team are always on hand. Call us today on 0115 9413640.