Running a food business means using refrigerators and freezers all the time. These machines are needed to keep food fresh but can use a lot of electricity. With simple care and a few smart steps, you can cut energy costs and help your equipment last longer.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Commercial Refrigeration
Energy-efficient machines help lower power use and reduce expenses. When your refrigerators and freezers work well, they stay cooler with less effort. Choosing trusted suppliers like Canadian Commercial Appliance (CCA) ensures you get reliable and durable models designed for long-term efficiency. If you’re planning to upgrade your commercial fridge, look for options that combine strong performance with energy savings to help your kitchen operate more sustainably.
Since these units run nonstop, even small changes can make a difference. Energy efficiency also means fewer repairs and less wear on parts. It’s a simple way to save money and keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Choose ENERGY STAR® Certified Equipment
ENERGY STAR® models are built to save electricity. They use better compressors, insulation, and controls that keep things cold while using less power. These features help lower energy bills without affecting performance.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when buying new refrigerators or freezers. Even if the cost is higher at first, the long-term savings make it worthwhile. Energy-efficient models are a smart choice for any business.
Regularly Clean Condenser Coils
Coils remove heat from your refrigerator, but dirt and grease can block airflow. When that happens, the compressor works harder and uses more power. Cleaning the coils helps your machine stay efficient and prevents early wear.
Use a soft brush or vacuum to clean them every few months. For busy kitchens, once a month is best. Clean coils mean better cooling and lower energy use.
Check Door Gaskets and Seals
Door seals keep cold air inside. If they crack or loosen, cold air escapes and power use increases. Checking and replacing bad gaskets keeps your system running better.
To test, close the door on a piece of paper—if it slips out, the seal needs replacement. Tight seals save energy and protect your cooling system. It’s a small fix that helps a lot over time.
Maintain Proper Temperature Settings
Setting temperatures too low wastes energy and adds stress to the system. Keep refrigerators between 1°C and 4°C, and freezers around -18°C. These ranges are enough to keep food safe without using extra power.
Check temperatures often with a thermometer. Even a small adjustment can save energy. Correct settings help keep food fresh and reduce system strain.
Avoid Overloading or Underloading the Unit
Too much food inside blocks air from moving properly. Too little makes the system cycle more often. Keeping storage balanced helps cooling stay even and efficient.
Organize food to leave space for airflow. Avoid covering vents or stacking items too tightly. Balanced storage helps your equipment use less power.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps your refrigerator and freezer working well. Technicians can clean parts, check fans, and fix small issues before they get worse. This helps save energy and prevent sudden breakdowns.
Have your equipment checked twice a year. Routine care keeps your system reliable and reduces costs over time. It’s an easy habit that pays off. Businesses that rely on cold storage also often use other heavy equipment, such as forklifts. For those operations, ensuring safe and consistent fuel supply—like forklift propane in Toronto—is essential to keep logistics running smoothly alongside your kitchen operations.
Upgrade to Modern Refrigeration Technology
Older models use more power and need more repairs. Newer refrigerators have better insulation, LED lights, and smart compressors that use less energy. Upgrading helps lower costs and improve performance.
Modern units also run quieter and cool faster. While the initial cost can be higher, energy savings quickly cover it. Upgrading is a long-term investment that saves money each month.
Improve Kitchen or Storage Layout
Where your refrigerators are placed affects how they run. Units near ovens, fryers, or sunlight use more power to stay cool. Keeping them in shaded, open areas helps them work efficiently.
Leave some space around each unit so air can move freely. Good airflow helps prevent overheating and lowers energy use. A well-planned layout improves both cooling and performance.
Efficient operation and proper record-keeping go hand in hand for any business. Partnering with a trusted accounting service like Starlight Bookkeeping helps you monitor operational costs, track energy savings, and manage expenses effectively. With organized financial data, you can make smarter investment decisions—such as when to upgrade your commercial fridge or schedule equipment maintenance—to ensure your business remains profitable and energy-efficient.
