Industrial Refrigeration: How to Increase System Efficiency

Many businesses that rely on industrial refrigeration -- like those in the pharmaceutical or food processing industries -- could benefit drastically from a properly engineered refrigeration system. By taking a closer look at your industrial refrigeration facilities, you can extend equipment life, reduce costs and keep your business energy efficient.

Let's take a closer look:

Direct benefits

• Lower energy costs
• Improved equipment reliability
• Increased equipment lifespan

Indirect benefits

• More refrigeration capacity
• Improved safety
• Room for growth without expanding the electric infrastructure

Challenges

• System differences
• Budgeting time and money for evaluating a new system

Opportunities

• Lowering a system's head pressure
• Raising suction pressure
• Installing variable-frequency drives (VFDs) on trim compressors, condenser fans and air evaporator fans
• Taking advantage of heat recovery
• Improving compressor sequencing and capacity control
• Improving the hot gas dwell period
• Converting liquid injection oil to outside oil cooling
• Reducing parasitic loads

If you think it's time to have your industrial refrigeration evaluated, contact East Coast Refrigeration. Our design team will customize a unique industrial refrigeration system to meet your standards for quality and reliability as well as efficiency.

Give us a call today at (631) 249-4556. For more tips, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Why Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Is So Important

Do you preform regular maintenance on your commercial refrigeration equipment? If you expect your system to last, it's crucial that you give your equipment periodic TLC -- not just emergency service.

East Coast Refrigeration offers preventative maintenance to keep your business's equipment running smoothly. Here are some of the benefits of commercial refrigeration maintenance:

• Increased efficiency
• Breakdown and repair prevention
• Reduced likelihood of equipment downtime
• Decreased utility costs
• Regular proactive service visits
• More cost-effective than annual repairs or service

Commercial refrigeration maintenance should include care of all of the following areas:

• Evaporators
• Compressor units
• Condensers
• Fan blades and motor
• Interior
• Gasket seals
• Holding temperatures
• Lighting

If you're ready to sign up for a commercial refrigeration maintenance program, contact East Coast Refrigeration today. We service a wide selection of equipment for commercial and industrial refrigeration applications. Give us a call at 631.249.4556. We're available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year!

For more tips, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

3 Reasons to Upgrade to CO2 Refrigeration

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the first transcritical CO2 grocery store refrigeration system was installed in 2005 in Italy. Since then, more than 1,000 European supermarkets have implemented the system architecture with great success.

Upgrading to CO2 refrigeration offers many benefits. Below, we take a look at three important ones:

1. Decreased operating costs

Systems using CO2 refrigeration consume less energy per ton of refrigeration than other refrigeration systems. This is especially true when comparing CO2 refrigeration systems to traditional systems at part load, which tend to be less efficient.


2. Environmental benefits

CO2 has a global warming potential (GWP) of one, while hydrofluorocarbons have GWPs up to 4,000 times greater. Supermarkets in particular pump a lot of greenhouse gas gas into the atmosphere; upgrading to CO2 refrigeration could potentially put an end to this.

3. Preparedness for phaseouts 

According to ACHR News, "while nothing has yet to be announced, the industry should anticipate the future emergence of state and federal regulations to improve carbon footprints and further encourage the deployment of environmentally friendly CO2 systems." HFCs are already being phased out!

To learn more about upgrading to CO2 refrigeration, contact us at (631) 249-4556. East Coast Refrigeration is a leader in the industrial and commercial refrigeration industry!

For more tips, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

All About Adiabatic Cooling

What is adiabatic cooling? Online technology media company TechTarget defines it as "the process of reducing heat through a change in air pressure caused by volume expansion."

These innovative, eco-friendly cooling systems rely heavily on fans to cool. But in periods of particularly high temperatures, a spray system kicks in. The goal is to limit water consumption and expand equipment lifespan.

Adiabatic coolers not only use very little water, but they're also cleaner and safer than alternative systems. Cooling towers, on the other hand:

• depend on a continuous spray of water to keep condenser coils cool
• have high evaporation rates
• can harbor legionella bacteria
• require chemical treatment

Adiabatic cooling is a smart cooling method that saves water and energy. To learn more, contact East Coast Refrigeration today at (631) 249-4556. For more tips, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

How to Keep Ice Clean & Safe

A recent investigation by Daily Mail uncovered a dirty truth: The ice found in drinks from some of our favorite fast food joints could be contaminated with high levels of bacteria.

The study took a look at ten restaurants in Britain, including McDonald's, Burger King and Starbucks. Six of the eateries contained more bacteria than water found in toilets, and four had enough microbes to be considered a hygiene risk.

How could this be? Experts point to insufficient ice machine maintenance and care.

Here's how to make sure you business's ice is safe to serve:

• Make sure you're properly cleaning ice machines and ice bins
• Establish a regular cleaning and sanitizing routine
• Practice clean ice-handling habits
• Store all ice scoops in an uncontaminated location
• Clean, rinse and disinfect ice scoops once every four hours
• Change water filters according to the manufacturer's instructions

Is your business's ice machine in dire need of repair or replacement? East Coast Refrigeration specializes in commercial ice machines, ice storage and commercial ice delivery systems.

We are a warranty service provider for all of our brand partners, including Vogt, Manitowoc and Scotsman. Give us a call at (631) 249-4556 to learn more!

For more tips, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

How East Coast Refrigeration Can Serve You

Since 2005, East Coast Refrigeration has provided commercial and industrial refrigeration service to the entire Northeast. We serve a variety of industries, from food processing to retail. Let's take a closer look at how we can serve you.

 

Commercial refrigeration services in the Bronx

East Coast Refrigeration offers a full line of commercial refrigeration products. Here's just a taste of the equipment we service and install:

• Ice machines
• Ice storage and delivery systems
• Walk-in coolers freezers
• Condensing units and industrial compressors
• Foodservice equipment
• Chillers
• HVAC units

Our commercial refrigeration products can be used for a number of applications including foodservice, distribution, grocery stores, and small manufacturing and food processing plants.

Industrial refrigeration services in Brooklyn

 

We also design and install industrial refrigeration systems aimed at extending equipment lifespan, reducing costs and making your business as energy efficient as possible. Allow us to customize a unique industrial refrigeration system that meets your needs -- in quality, reliability and efficiency. Products we offer include:

• Reciprocating and screw compressors
• Pressure vessels
• Evaporative condensers
• Cooling towers and chillers

Applications include manufacturing, food processing and packaging, and cold storage.

To learn more about our process, call East Coast Refrigeration today at 631-249-4556. We offer 24-hour emergency service, so don't hesitate to contact us this holiday season!

For more tips, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

What's New in the Foodservice Industry

Many of our clients work in the foodservice industry. So here at East Coast Refrigeration, we do our best to keep up with news and trends within the business.

In 2015, the industry grew by 3.9 percent -- almost a full percent higher than last year. And foodservice operators remain optimistic about the new year as well.

Here's a look at where the foodservice industry is headed in 2016:

 

1. An increase in made-to-order foods. "Convenience-store respondents reflect an evolution, with seven in 10 operators making food on site, one in 10 offering made-to-order smoothies and 43% preparing sandwiches to order," reports CSP Magazine. Consumers are beginning to prefer fresh and custom-made foods, as opposed to grab-and-go options.

2. A need for new equipment. Thirty-two percent of retail foodservice businesses and 34 percent of restaurants plan to invest in new cooler and freezer storage equipment in 2016. This trend likely has to do with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's push toward alternatives in commercial refrigeration.

3. An uptick in competition. The foodservice industry is expanding, due in large part to an increase in convenience stores, evolving supermarket offerings and Internet retailers. That's why it's more important than ever to stay abreast of industry developments and give shoppers what they want.

Looking to invest in new refrigeration equipment in the New Year? East Coast Refrigeration specializes in all types of foodservice equipment. Call us at 631-249-4556 for expert recommendations.

For more tips, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Top Trends for Supermarket Retailers

If you own or manage a grocery store, take note: Consumer demands and industry regulations are changing. As we head into the New Year, get on board with the following trends for supermarket retailers:

1. A focus on fresh. The issue isn't whether or not you offer fresh food, but it's how you advertise it. Back up your freshness claim with numbers and data. You may also want to try incorporating in-store demonstrations to engage shoppers and show off your store's fresh foods.

2. Changes to refrigerant regulations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is continuing to phase out traditional refrigerants that many supermarkets were built on. Regulatory changes means grocery stores will have to upgrade to newer, eco-friendlier systems. Ask the experts of East Coast Refrigeration about switching to CO2 refrigeration systems.

3. Increased complexity. Consumers want more than your average grocery store. They want larger spaces, fresher food, and a cohesive brand experience. It's important to have a flexible store infrastructure -- this will allow you to adapt to shoppers' needs and preferences as they change.

You can count on us to make sure your supermarket is up-to-date and operating as efficiently as possible. Allow East Coast Refrigeration to help your grocery store navigate the trends in 2016 and beyond. Call us at 631-249-4556 to learn more.

For more tips, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Industrial Refrigeration Market to Reach $33.90 Billion by 2020

In 2014, the global industrial refrigeration market was worth a whopping $22.57. That number is only expected to grow exponentially over the next five years.

According to a report from P&S Market Research, growth within the food processing industry and an increase in refrigerated warehouses in developing areas in India, China and Brazil will help bring the market to $33.90 billion in 2020.

Products such as evaporator units, industrial racks and compressors will account for a majority of the market. Emerging markets for industrial refrigeration include Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East.

Industrial refrigeration involves a combination of several mechanical and electrical parts from a variety of manufacturers. The pieces are organized into a comprehensive system engineered and installed by a service provider.

East Coast Refrigeration is a leader in the industrial and commercial refrigeration industry. We service Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, New York City, and the entire Northeastern United States. Give us a call at 631-249-4556 for an industrial refrigeration system designed for your specific needs.

For more tips, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Beer Storage Temperature Guide

If you own a restaurant or bar, you probably sell quite a bit of beer. In fact, many businesses report that most of their profits come from beer sales.

But if you're not serving beer at the right temperatures, connoisseurs will immediately write you off. There's no one temperature for beer, either; it varies greatly based on type.

If you're having difficulty achieving the designated temperatures for each beer, contact East Coast Refrigeration. We can help ensure your refrigeration systems are the right temperature and consistency! 

To get in touch, give us a call today at 631-249-4556. Our design team will work together with you to specify the proper equipment needed for your bar or restaurant!

For more tips on commercial and industrial refrigeration, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

What's Driving the Transcritical CO2 Market?

As regulations related to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and greenhouse gases (GHGs) continue to expand, the refrigeration industry is being forced to look for eco-friendlier alternatives. Transcritical CO2 technology appears to be a viable option -- one that's energy efficient and has a low global warming potential.

 Here's what makes CO2 refrigerant preferable:

• Safe
• Clorine-free
• Non-flammable
• No ozone depletion potential
• High vapor pressure
• Thermodynamic properties change rapidly with climate variations

Here's what's driving the transcritical CO2 market: 

• Increased regulations pertaining to the usage of CFCs and GHGs
• Greater awareness about ozone depletion potential and global warming potential
• Heightened awareness about global warming

Demand is expected to be especially high in Europe and North America,. Europe has dominated the market, and will continue to, thanks to stringent governmental regulations. However, North American countries are expected to get on board as well, in favor of energy and cost-saving technologies. This trend is anticipated to take off in Australia and Japan too.

East Coast Refrigeration is at the forefront of CO2 refrigeration systems. To learn about the types we offer, give us a call at 631-249-4556. For more tips on commercial and industrial refrigeration, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Hillphoenix at the White House Industry Leader Roundtable on Sustainability

Hillphoneix, a designer and manufacturer of commercial refrigerated food display cases and application systems, attended the White House Industry Leader Roundtable on October 15, 2015.

The company's president and CEO, Paul Sindoni, joined other business leaders to discuss how commercial refrigeration manufacturers and food retailers can do their part in reducing global warming emissions and increasing energy efficiency.

"We’re proud of the progress our company and industry have made over the last year," Sindoni said in a press release. "Hillphoenix installed 50 HFC-free Advansor CO2 Booster systems in supermarkets and convenience stores — an increase of more than 220 percent. Our Close the Case initiative put doors on over 12.3 miles of open refrigerated cases and prevented approximately 87.1 million pounds of harmful emissions from going into the atmosphere. Plus, we installed the country’s first CO2 ice rinks — showcasing broader applications for our sustainable refrigeration technologies."

East Coast Refrigeration is an industrial refrigeration dealer for Hillphoenix equipment. We are experienced and factory trained on all major manufacturers and factory authorized distributors of Vogt Ice, MGR Equipment, Keith Walking Floor and Kloppenberg Ice Bins.

Ready to learn more about CO2 refrigeration? Call East Coast Refrigeration at 631-249-4556 today! Our expert technicians are happy to discuss this environmentally-friendly option with you.

For more tips on commercial and industrial refrigeration, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Preparing Your Restaurant for the Holidays

There is no question about it, the holiday season is a very busy time. If you are a restaurant owner, now's the time to start thinking about the extra measures needed for the surplus of customers that will be visiting your establishment throughout the season. Below we list a few tips to help ensure you are ready for the rush:

Hire extra staff— No matter the season, customers expect a restaurant to have fast and friendly service. Hiring extra staff may feel like an unnecessary added cost, but during busy times, you will find it to be very beneficial. Customers are more likely to leave happier and recommend your business to their friends and family.

Add some seasonal flare to the menu— The holiday season is the perfect time to add some fun seasonal items to your menu. Whether it’s a holiday cocktail or a new dinner entree, customers will be excited to try something different. Let your chef come up with a creation that will make your restaurant unique to all others this December.

Decorate— Nothing sets the holiday mood more than a room decorated with joyful decor or playing some seasonal tunes. Keep your customers jolly and remind them that it is truly the most wonderful time of the year!

Proactive Maintenance— Make sure all your refrigeration equipment is up-to-date and working at its best. The last thing you need is having your refrigerator fail on you during one of the busiest times of the year. Hire a professional to check all your equipment before things get busy.

At East Coast Refrigeration, we are ready to help this holiday season! To keep your equipment operating efficiently, we offer a comprehensive proactive maintenance program that meets your individual needs. Feel free to contact us at 631-249-4556.

For more tips on commercial and industrial refrigeration, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Common Reasons for Compressor Failure

Think of the compressor as the heart of your refrigeration system. It pumps refrigerant gas away from the evaporator and into the condenser. And just like a heart, compressors need love and attention to ensure a healthy, long life.


If you don't properly care for your commercial refrigerator's compressor, it could fail. Unfortunately, this is often the case. Let's take a look at some common reasons for compressor failure:

1. Slugging

This happens when a system's compressor delivers liquid instead of gas. Listen for a loud knocking noise, which is a good indicator of this problem. It's important to have it looked at right away; otherwise, your refrigeration system could be severely damaged.

2. Flooding 

When refrigerant is returned as droplets instead of vapor, flooding develops. This can wash oil off of bearing surfaces, causing them to wear away and overheat. The expansion device should be inspected when flooding occurs.

3. Insufficient lubrication

Compressor failure due to loss or lack of lubrication is extremely common. It can happen for a number of reasons, from flooding to insufficient oil from the start. This leads to overheating due to extreme friction.

Other common reasons for compressor failure include:

• Contamination
• Overheating
• Electrical problems

If you're unsure why your refrigeration system's compressor has failed, call up the experts of East Coast Refrigeration at 631-249-4556. We offer 24-hour emergency service -- that's right, even on weekends and holidays.

For more tips on commercial and industrial refrigeration, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Can Industrial Refrigeration Be Used to Store Electricity?

The School of The Built Environment and Architecture at London South Bank University (LSBU) recently received a research grant to study cryogenic energy storage (CES), a new technology that could help us store surplus renewable energy.

According to an article published by ACHR News, as energy increasingly comes from renewable sources, like solar and wind, there's also an elevated risk for fluctuations in supply. That's because weather patterns can be unpredictable.

As it stands, we don't have an effective way to store energy from periods of high production. However, that could all change if LSBU's research project, dubbed CryoHub, has a breakthrough. Professor Judith Evans explains how CES could be used to create and store electricity:

CES essentially uses cheap, off-peak electricity to convert air into a liquid, which can then be stored over a long period of time in a storage vessel. Turning the liquid back to gas, by removing it from the store and applying heat to it, will produce a huge increase in volume and pressure — enough to power a turbine to generate electricity which can then be supplied back to the grid.

Because the liquid can be taken out of storage on demand, the technology can be used to restore electricity to the grid when energy demand is predicted to outstrip supply. It could also be used locally, also saving grid energy. CES is therefore a great complement to renewable energy sources, as it effectively safeguards against any periods of intermittent supply and helps to stabilize the energy grid.

The goal is to improve CES efficiency and make rolling it out on a large scale more feasible. To achieve this objective, CryoHub is looking to integrate it with "pre-existing large refrigeration facilities found in industrial refrigeration warehouses and food processing plants." The union may be able to enhance CES performance.

CO2 & Transport Refrigeration

Here at East Coast Refrigeration, we understand the benefits of CO2 refrigeration systems -- from environmental protection to electricity savings. This natural refrigerant is already being used in commercial refrigeration. Now, it's being considered for transport refrigeration.

 
Trucking Info reports that Carrier Transicold is already using CO2 in transport refrigeration units on sea containers. David Appel, president of Carrier Transicold & Refrigeration Systems issued the following statement in early October:

We are committed to expanding our proven, environmentally responsible natural refrigerant systems for road transport. Specifically, we are building on our expertise with the natural refrigerant carbon dioxide (CO2), which has a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) than current synthetic refrigerants and their alternates.

Trucks in the US currently use R-404A, a hydrofluorcarbon (HFC) refrigerant, which is cleaner and safer than Freon. Switching to CO2, however, would be an even better option.

To learn more about CO2 refrigeration systems, give East Coast Refrigeration a call today at 631-249-4556. Don't forget to find us on Facebook and Twitter for all things commercial and industrial refrigeration!

How Supermarkets Can Cut Energy Costs

One of the best ways for supermarkets to cut energy costs is to upgrade their refrigeration systems. That's because nearly 60 percent of a grocer's electricity consumption comes from refrigeration. If your store's refrigeration equipment is outdated, an energy upgrade could save your bottom line.

Here are key upgrades that can help every supermarket cut back on energy consumption:

1. Adding doors to open cases

Open refrigeration cases waste energy by letting cool air out into the rest of your store. Retrofitting an open case for doors will help reduce refrigeration load as well as total power load.

2. Replacing fan motors

Upgrading evaporator-fan motors in walk-in units could cut energy costs significantly -- up to $100 per motor. In refrigerated display cases, the upgrade can save nearly $40 per fan.

3. Maintaining equipment

Avoiding repairs will only cost you more in the long run. Keep on top of potential issues by signing up for frequent tune-ups.

East Coast Refrigeration's maintenance program offers the following benefits for grocery stores:

• Ensure that systems are running efficiently and properly
• Early detection of potential issues before they become expensive repair
• Reduced likelihood of equipment downtime
• Lower utility costs through greater efficiency
• Ensure regular proactive service visits
• More cost-effective than annual repairs or service

Ready to learn more about how supermarkets can cut energy costs? Give East Coast Refrigeration a call today at  631-249-4556. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for even more tips!

Commercial Refrigeration & Food Poisoning Prevention

No matter what industry you're in, it's crucial that you be careful with the food you serve your customers. Food poisoning is quite frankly not something any business owner wants to deal with. Food poisoning-causing bacteria and viruses can be transmitted to customers in a number of ways. Here are some preventative tips:

• Discard of swollen or misshapen canned and vacuum-packed foods
• When cooking, bring food temperature to a minimum of 140 degrees to kill off any bacteria
• Always wash hands after handling raw meat
• Wash all fruits and vegetables before serving
• Maintain good personal hygiene 
• Keep commercial refrigeration equipment clean and sanitized
• Make sure all employees follow proper hand-washing and surface-cleaning practices
• Ensure your refrigeration equipment does not exceed 40 degrees
• Keep your commercial freezers at 0 degrees or lower
• Wipe away refrigerator spills right away avoid cross-contamination 
• When it comes to food deterioration, when in doubt, just throw it out

Is your commercial refrigeration equipment running up to par? If you're unsure, call in the experts of East Coast Refrigeration at 631-249-4556. We can do an analysis on your equipment and make recommendations to boost efficiency and improve food quality.

For more tips, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Our Latest YouTube Video

Love watching videos and interacting on YouTube? At East Coast Refrigeration, we do too! That's why we've created a series of videos that help clients and prospects better understand our business. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for instant access to clips on everything from commercial refrigeration to supermarket cases!

In this blog post, however, we're going to focus specifically on our latest video. Watch below to learn more about our walk-in refrigeration repair and installation services:

 
From an 8-by-10-foot walk in box to a custom 100,000-foot refrigerated warehouse, East Coast Refrigeration provides installation, replacement and repair. We custom manufacture walk-in coolers and freezers by partnering directly with leading manufactures, so you can be assured that we'll meet all of your needs.


Here at East Coast Refrigeration, we pride ourselves on offering affordable, reliable products, with matched performance that are designed for all types of applications. To top it off, we make the process as easy as possible for you.

Simply call us at (631) 249-4556 to get started. We'll schedule a visit so we can better understand your business, as well as take some preliminary measurements. From there, we then engineer the equipment -- tailor-made specifically for your needs!

To learn more about our process, visit the East Coast Refrigeration website today. Don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Checklist

How's your commercial refrigeration equipment running? If you don't perform routine maintenance, it can be impossible to know.

Refer to the following checklist to extend the lifespan of your commercial refrigeration units and prevent frequent emergency service:

Evaporators

• Monthly...
• Check for ice accumulation
• Every six months...
• Tighten loose electrical connections
• Look for unusual fan blade patterns
• Apply motor lubricant
• Inspect defrost heaters
• Clear drain pan and check for blockages
• Wipe down evaporator coil

Compressors 

• Every six months...
• Tighten loose electrical connections
• Check electrical components for wear and tear
• Make sure control system is operating
• Keep the oil level between 1/3 and 2/3 of the sight glass
• Make sure defrost controls are functioning
• Check the refrigerant line insulation for wear and tear
• Look for signs of wear and tear on hose lines
• Replace any lost valve caps or unit covers 

Condensers 

•  Every six months...
• Clean and wash the condenser coil
• Make sure condenser fans are operating correctly

Refrigerant

• Check refrigerant levels regularly
• Look for oil seepage 
• Inspect piping for chafing or stress
• Test leak detectors for proper function

If you don't feel comfortable performing any of these tasks, contact East Coast Refrigeration at (631) 249-4556 and ask about our maintenance program. We'll ensure your commercial refrigeration systems are running efficiently!

For more tips, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.