As schedules shift and industries work to meet new health and safety guidelines, many restaurants, supermarkets and foodservice businesses are looking for ways to keep their business running smoothly and support their bottom line.
Small but meaningful changes to heating and refrigeration systems can help reduce energy waste, lower overhead costs and improve performance. While planning for the difficult road ahead amid the Covid-19 pandemic, consider these as areas of opportunity to make a positive, lasting change.
Quick Refrigeration/HVAC Checklist
- Verify Functionality: Verify existing temperature controllers, HVAC units and timer controls are working properly. Replace or upgrade components that may be damaged or performing at less than 100%.
- Shifting Service Hours: Review current service hours and adjust temperature, defrost and lighting control schedules to align with daily operations.
- Evaluate New Needs: Pair any newly installed coolers, freezers or display cases with an energy-saving temperature control.
- Maintain Proper Ventilation: Monitor indoor ventilation systems and upgrade controls where appropriate.
Shifting Service Hours
Limitations on in-person dining and shifting consumer priorities have forced many operators in the foodservice industry to adjust their operating hours. While some restaurants have moved to a shortened schedule, other food businesses like supermarkets and convenience stores have expanded hours and undertaken new services, such as delivery and online ordering.
LAE by Intermatic solutions like the AT2-5 Temperature Controller help businesses get the most out of their refrigeration and heating systems through accurate scheduling and precise temperature management. Built-in features like “Economy Mode” allow operators to adjust temperatures for low-peak periods with the press of a button. This reduces energy waste and ensures heating and refrigeration equipment is only running when needed.
Likewise, the versatile DTAV40 Defrost Timer can be used as a standalone defrost solution or retrofit with an ICUBE™ Adaptive Defrost Module to increase energy efficiency, all without replacing the existing enclosure.
New Refrigeration Needs
Another way many restaurants have coped with a reduction in in-person dining is by offering grocery items and at-home meal kits to customers. As a result, there’s often a new need for front-of-house coolers and display cases. Start off on the right foot by pairing new equipment with energy efficiency controllers like the LAE by Intermatic AT1-5 and AT2-5.
By the same token, if your business is installing a more temporary piece of equipment like a consumer-grade refrigerator or reach-in display freezer, consider adding a simple plug-in timer at the outlet to limit energy use during off-hours.
In addition to display cases and coolers, LAE by Intermatic solutions can be a quick replacement or upgrade for a range of applications, including walk-in coolers, reach-in coolers, blast chillers/freezers, dough retarders, industrial ovens and more.
Monitoring Ventilation Systems
Beyond food storage and refrigeration, air quality is a major priority for patrons and staff within the foodservice industry these days. Now is a great time to evaluate ventilation needs and upgrade controls where appropriate.
DIN rail-mounted solutions like the FM1D offer industrial-grade performance and can be installed in minutes. The digital control allows for either 24-hour or 7-day scheduling, automatic adjustment for Daylight Saving Time and a helpful manual override for ad-hoc needs.
To learn more about our full lineup of customizable refrigeration controls and replacement solutions, visit Intermatic.com/LAE or contact our team of technical support specialists today.