Which Supermarkets Use CO2 Refrigeration?

As society becomes more aware of greenhouse gas emissions, more American supermarkets are switching to CO2 refrigeration systems. We at East Coast Refrigeration specialize in installation and repair of this type of refrigeration system.

Curious about which supermarkets use CO2 refrigeration? Let's take a look at a few.

1. Caputo's Fresh Market in Carol Stream, Illinois

According to ACHR News, the 300,000 square-foot supermarket recently installed Hillphoenix’s Advansor line, which uses CO2 refrigerant. The store's CEO, Robertino Presta, says he expects to recoup its higher up-front cost "through lower refrigerant and energy costs." East Coast Refrigeration brand partner Hillphoenix even trained the store's crew on how to service and maintain the new refrigeration system.


2. Hannaford in Turner, Maine

This grocery store chain actually opened the first CO2 refrigerant-only store in the US. It uses a CO2 transcritical system that, according to the Environmental Investigation Agency, reduces Hannaford's carbon footprint by a whopping 3.4 million pounds a year. (That's the equivalent of taking more than 300 cars off the road!)

3. Pick ‘n Save in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Since 2014, the Pick n' Save in Menomonee Falls has eliminated the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, instead opting for CO2. "We strive not only to give our customers a great shopping experience, but also to contribute to the communities in which we do business," said Roundy's CEO Robert Mariano.

Interested in bringing CO2 refrigeration to your supermarket? Contact East Coast Refrigeration at (631) 249-4556. We service the entire Northeastern US! Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube for more tips.

Tips for Managing Grocery Store Energy Costs

According to National Grid, "Grocery stores in the U.S. spend an average of $3.95 on electricity
and 24 cents on natural gas per square foot annually." Much of these expenses represent refrigeration.

Manage grocery store energy costs by adhering to the following tips:

• Buy ENERGY STAR refrigerators and freezers to save energy and money
• Look for rebates for your purchases from ENERGY STAR Partners
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed when possible to avoid costly temperature fluctuations
• Set freezers to -14 to -8 degrees; set refrigerators to 35 to 38 degrees
• Clean cooling coils to maintain system efficiency
• Remove accumulated ice as well
• Make sure all doors have tight seals to keep warm air out

If you're considering upgrading to new, more efficient refrigeration equipment, contact the supermarket refrigeration specialists of East Coast Refrigeration at (631) 249-4556. We have everything you need, from display cases to condensing units.

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What to Think About When Buying a Walk-In Cooler

A basic ingredient in any commercial kitchen is the refrigerator. If you anticipate needing more than 8 feet of refrigerated space, then you should probably look into a walk-in cooler or freezer. Here's what to consider before making a purchase:

1. Food type

What foods do you plan on storing in your walk-in unit? If you're going to be storing mostly frozen food, then look for a walk-in freezer. On the other hand, if you'll be storing fresh food such as produce and meat, browse walk-in coolers.


2. Delivery frequency

Another thing to think about when buying a walk-in commercial refrigeration unit is how often you'll require food deliveries. This ties into size: The smaller the unit, the more often you'll need food delivered. It also affects cost, depending on how accessible your location is.

3. Location

Don't forget to consider the placement of your commercial refrigeration system. It's going to be loud and hot, so reserve a safe spot for it. This could be on your roof or on the side of the building.

There's a lot to think about when buying a walk-in cooler or freezer. You can count on the design team at East Coast Refrigeration for help every step of the way! We'll work with you to specify the proper equipment needed for your business. Contact us at (631) 249-4556 today.

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What is Adiabatic Cooling?

Adiabatic condenser cooling can help improve refrigeration efficiency. If you're the curious type, you may be wondering how exactly it works. Below, the experts of East Coast Refrigeration explain:

1. To pre-cool the air, water is sprayed into the air supply of an air-cooled condenser
2. This cooled down air boosts the condenser's effective capacity, allowing the compressor to work less
3. Because it's working less, your system will consume less energy, saving you money

Adiabatic cooling is especially effective during the summer months. In fact, it's usually turned off when temperatures dip. 

While installing an adiabatic cooling system can be expensive initially, "you're likely to recoup your investment within two years," advises Carbon Trust. Moreover, reducing the load on your compressor can increase its lifespan and decrease the likelihood of repair costs. 

To learn more about how East Coast Refrigeration installs adiabatic cooling, give us a call today: 631-249-4556. Allow us to help increase your system's efficiency and lower your costs!

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How Parallel Compressor Racks Work

Many grocery stores are turning to parallel compressor rack systems to refrigerate cases. "Its basic design consists of a bank of parallel-connected compressors and accessories mounted on a common base, piped to a common discharge suction and liquid header," reports ACHR News.

Let's take a closer look at how it all works:

Capacity control

With a parallel compressor rack, only the compressors needed to carry a given load will run. This is favored over individual compressors, which need to be constantly running to power individual refrigerated cases.

Backup plan

When you have parallel compressor racks, you've always got a backup plan in place. If one compressor breaks down, the other compressors typically will be able to handle the load.

Design flexibility

Rack system design plans will vary, because it's created with a specific refrigeration load in mind. East Coast Refrigeration will work with you to specify the proper equipment needed for your commercial or industrial refrigeration application.

Whether you are considering a new parallel rack system or an upgrade to your current system, you can trust our expertise! Contact East Coast Refrigeration today at (631) 249-4556. Don't forget to visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube for more tips.

Commercial Refrigeration: Which Unit Is Right for Your Business?

There's no one commercial refrigerator for every business. East Coast Refrigeration offers everything from reach-in coolers and freezers to undercounter refrigerators. So, which unit is right for you?

Commercial refrigeration for kitchens...

• Reach-in refrigerators are commonly found in commercial kitchens. It usually contains the most frequently used food items, like produce and bottled drinks.
  
• Undercounter refrigerators are ideal for commercial kitchens with limited space. These commercial refrigeration units fit underneath the counter, offering additional work space above.

Commercial refrigeration for retail shops...

• Refrigerated display cases are popular in convenience stores and delis. They are perfect for displaying packaged foods and drinks.
  
• Refrigerated deli cases are specifically designed for sandwich shops and supermarkets. Here, you'll find deli meat and cheeses. 

Commercial refrigeration for bars...

• Back bar coolers store bottled drinks and offer easy access for bartenders. Glass doors are recommended; they allow customers to view all options.
  
• Draft beer systems allows you to offer cold beer from up to four kegs. If you want to offer brews on tap without building a big, walk-in cooler, this is for you.

As you can see, you have a lot of options when it comes to commercial refrigeration. Allow the East Coast Refrigeration team to evaluate your systems and provide detailed analysis along with recommendations. Give us a call today at (631) 249-4556.

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