The Ideal Temperature for Walk-In Coolers

Have you ever wondered whether or not your walk-in cooler is at the right temperature? If so, this blog post is for you! It's important to keep your unit at the correct temperature to avoid spoilage.

The ideal temperature for walk-in coolers varies depending on their usage. You can measure the temperature just by using a thermometer. Generally speaking, these are the proper temperatures for commercial coolers and freezers:

Reach-in refrigerator: 35-38 degrees

Walk-in refrigerator: 35-38 degrees

Reach-in freezer: -10-5 degrees

Walk-in freezer: -10-0 degrees

Ice cream freezer: -20- -10 degrees

Remember, the temperature within your commercial refrigeration unit may fluctuate at first. Moreover, the larger the unit, the longer it will take for the temperature to stabilize. Before you stock your cooler, refrigerator or freezer with food, give it a day for the temperature to settle.

Can't seem to get your walk-in cooler to reach the ideal temperature? Be sure to do the following:

• Try leaving the doors closed for 10 minutes, and then measure the temperature again
• Teach your employees best practices for refrigerator and freezer doors
• Think about installing a thermostat specifically for your refrigeration unit

Turn to East Coast Refrigeration with any questions or concerns! Get in touch by dialing (631) 249-4556 or visiting us on the web. Don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+, too!

Get Smart: CO2 Refrigeration Myths Debunked

Because CO2 refrigeration is only just becoming more widely used, there are many misconceptions out there. East Coast Refrigeration is here to help differentiate between fact and fiction! Allow us to help you better understand CO2 refrigerant.

Get Smart: CO2 Refrigeration Myths Debunked

Myth: CO2 isn't safe

Contrary to popular belief, CO2 refrigeration is actually very safe. It's categorized as an A1 refrigerant, signifying that it is both nontoxic and not flammable. When installing a CO2 refrigeration system, the same safety precautions that are used for other refrigerants should be practiced. East Coast Refrigeration's expert technicians have experience installing traditional CO2 systems, subcritical cascade CO2 systems, secondary systems and hybrid systems!


Myth: CO2 systems are too expensive

According to The Stellar Group, "In most cases, CO2 cascade systems are less expensive to install and operate than two-stage ammonia systems for low-temperature applications." Furthermore, it's important to consider the following points regarding CO2 refrigeration:

• It's inexpensive to install and operate
• It offers improved energy efficiency
• It reduces ammonia charge as well as PSM compliance expenditures

Myth: CO2 refrigerant is bad for the environment

In terms of the environment, CO2 refrigerant is actually an attractive option. That's because it has an ODP (Ozone Depletion) of zero and a GWP (Global Warming Potential) of one. Moreover, CO2 is a naturally-occurring substance, and it's found in abundance in our atmosphere.

We hope we've cleared up any misunderstandings you may have had about CO2 refrigeration. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to reach out to East Coast Refrigeration at (631) 249-4556. Don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+, too!

Outdoor Refrigeration and Winter Storms

As temperatures in the Northeast continue to drop, we're also seeing more and more snowfall. How will your outdoor commercial refrigeration condenser units hold up? If your unit isn't designed to operate in frigid temperatures, your system's performance may suffer. 

Outdoor refrigeration and winter storms

During serious winter storms and polar vortexes, temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees. This makes it hard for outdoor refrigeration systems to maintain the right temperature. You could end up with a lot of spoiled food if you don't take the right precautions.

How to keep your outdoor commercial refrigeration unit running

There are certain accessories that can help your outdoor refrigeration survive winter storms. For example, consdenser bypass valves can be used to keep condensing pressure consistent. It will even work in subzero conditions!

To prevent refrigerant from becoming sluggish, a compressor crank case heater can be used. It works to keep the compressor warm.

An adjustable low pressure control should be used for all outdoor commercial refrigeration systems.

For more information on outdoor refrigeration and winter storms, contact East Coast Refrigeration at (631) 249-4556. Don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+, too!

Commercial Refrigeration Buying Guide

Ready to invest in a new refrigerator or freezer for your business? Before you dive in, refer to our commercial refrigeration buying guide. We'll cover three tips for choosing the right commercial refrigeration unit for your restaurant or cafe.

1. Pay attention to brand

As with most things, you want to shop trusted brands. East Coast Refrigeration has partnered up with some of the most reputable brands in refrigeration to offer you the best. Our brand partners include:

• Copeland
• Manitowoc
• Vogt
• Hillphoenix
• Baltimore Aircoil
• Trane
• Evapco
• Mycom
• American Insulated Panel
• Vilter
• Bohn
• And more!

 2. Determine what size is right for you

Commercial refrigerators and freezers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It's important to consider not only how much storage space you need, but also how how much space your kitchen has available. Measure your kitchen, doors and interior dimensions.

3. Decide whether you want a top- or bottom-mount condenser

If your kitchen usually runs warm, then you will probably want to choose a bottom-mount condenser. This will put less strain on your commercial refrigeration unit. If your kitchen tends to collect dust and debris, go for a top-mount configuration, which won't trap particles as easily.

What else needs to be taken into consideration when you're shopping for a new refrigerator or freezer for your business? Call East Coast Refrigeration and we'll walk you through it! Dial (631) 249-4556 today. Don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+, too!

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3 Refrigerant Safety Tips

Not all refrigerants are the same, and therefore they all pose different safety risks. Some refrigerants -- like CO2 -- have low, virtually negligible toxicity levels. Others, however, can be dangerous and must be handled appropriately. 

Whether you're an in-house technician or an outside contractor, adhere to these three refrigerant safety tips, courtesy of FacilitiesNet:

1. Training

"The EPA recommends that every organization designate a facility refrigerant compliance manager and implement a refrigerant compliance management plan" reports FacilitiesNet. The first step in doing so is to create a program that outlines refrigerant regulations for your business or organization. It should include:

• EPA regulations
• Policies for refrigerant handling
• A training program
• Signed statement of understanding from employees 
• Regular compliance update training

2. Precautions

Refrigerant technicians need to be aware of best practices. This includes filling cylinders to the correct volume based on temperature, pressure and weight. Be sure that you're using DOT-approved cylinders!

Technicians should also wear:

• Safety goggles
• Safety shoes
• Hard hat
• Long pants
• Gloves
• Long-sleeved shirt

3. Transportation

Cylinders must be tightly secured to an appropriate wheeled device. You should never roll a cylinder filled with refrigerant! Keep an eye out for contamination and leakage into the atmosphere. Technicians should also check for refrigerant type, oils and cleanliness. 

East Coast Refrigeration always strives to be as safe as possible when dealing with refrigerant. We urge you to do the same! Failure to follow the safety tips outlined above could have serious consequences. Feel free to call East Coast Refrigeration at 631-249-4556 for additional safety tips. Plus, don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.