How to optimise your multideck’s energy efficiency

Investing in energy efficiency commercial refrigeration equipment has the potential to reduce energy consumption and encourage more sustainable practices, as well as having a significant impact on your operating costs.

This blog post will provide practical advice on reducing energy use and the associated costs, while also ensuring your multideck fridge performs optimally.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the fridge and its components

The benefits of a regular cleaning and maintenance routine for your multideck are numerous. Of course, a clean and tidy fridge creates a visually appealing display for customers and promotes a positive image. It also has a crucial role to play in maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. Importantly, cleaning and maintenance will increase efficiency, reduce energy consumption and will ultimately extend the life of your unit.

All the surfaces in your multideck should be regularly cleaned inside and out. It’s important to pay close attention to vents and filters; if these become clogged with dirt and dust they won’t run at maximum capacity. Similarly, the condenser and coils need to be kept clean to prevent overheating.

Ensure the door seals are dirt free and properly attached, as any gaps can cause cold air to escape and increase energy usage. Clean the lights to make sure they are as bright as possible and not dimmed by dust.

Be sure to follow a regular maintenance schedule, so any problems can be identified and repaired before they lead to a breakdown.

Setting the correct temperature and regularly monitoring it

Setting and maintaining the correct temperature for the products stocked in your multideck is fundamental to ensuring energy efficiency, as well as helping the items remain the best possible quality and your customers are satisfied, retuning to your store again and again.

The optimal temperature will vary by product, although official guidelines advise temperatures should be between 1°C to 7°C.

Multidecks, such as those in TEFCOLD’s Galaxy+ range, are loaded with features such as fully automatic fan-assisted cooling to help you run your fridges in the most efficient way and ensure optimal quality for your products.

Ensuring proper ventilation and airflow around the fridge

When the airflow around a multideck is limited, key components such as the fridge’s coils, condenser and motor will have to work harder, leading to higher energy use. This, in turn, will have an impact on your energy bills.

Airflow is compromised if there are too many products held within your multideck, or if they’re packed in too tightly. Implementing a stock rotation policy, such as first in first out, will ensure older products are used first and will reduce the likelihood of your fridge becoming overcrowded.

Similarly, a multideck needs to adequate space around it to ensure air expelled by the vents can flow freely.

At TEFCOLD, our experts are always able to advise on the optimal size model to suit your setting, and with a number of size options in our Galaxy+ range there is certain to be one that suits your needs.

Upgrading to energy-efficient models with advanced features

Advances in technology mean that many of today’s multidecks come with features to automatically optimise energy efficiency, taking the work and the worry out of reducing your energy use.

TEFCOLD’s Galaxy+ fridges come with many built in energy saving features, with all models in the range awarded the prestigious A or B energy rating.

Galaxy+ models feature built in night blinds as standard, meaning that cool air stays inside the unit while your business is closed. Similarly, digital temperature controls and fan assisted cooling ensure your products are stored at a safe and consistent temperature, while an innovative design allows optimal airflow throughout the cabinets. Horizontal and vertical LED lighting help showcase products clearly while also producing less heat and reducing energy consumption.

Minimising door openings

If your staff or customers are opening your multideck’s doors unnecessarily, even briefly, this will overwork your fridge’s components, leading to an increase in your energy use.

Keeping your displays clear and simple to navigate will help customers easily view and select products without the need to rummage around with the doors open.

Consider investing in models with self-closing doors, such as those in the Galaxy+ range, which will ensure your fridge is never accidentally left open.

Educating staff on best practices for energy conservation

‍It’s crucial all your staff understand why energy efficiency is important; not only to help your bottom line, but to support a more sustainable approach to business.

Fortunately, many people are already on board with energy efficient practices and it’s likely your efforts will be met with support by employees. However, it can be beneficial to organise training sessions as a reminder.

Ask your staff to regularly check and clean your multidecks and set a clear schedule for when this should happen, and who is responsible. Ensure they’re aware of any red flags that could indicate fridges are not working correctly, such as excessive condensation or unusual noises.

As well as encouraging your staff to monitor refrigeration, discuss issues affecting your business in other areas; this might include practices as simple as turning off lights of closing the front door during colder weather.

How can TEFCOLD help?

Taking simple steps to optimise your multideck’s energy efficiency can significantly reduce your operating costs, while sending a positive message to your staff and customers about your approach to sustainability.

Key to this is understanding how to correctly maintain your fridges, while also recognising when investing into more energy efficient equipment could actually save you money.

If you’d like to discuss the evolving needs of your business, please don’t hesitate to contact TEFCOLD’s team of experts today.