9+1 tips to reduce the operational costs of your cold storage

There is no doubt that the professional design and precise construction of a cold store or cold storage are the foundations of success. But a lot also depends on how you run your cold storage space, as you can save a lot of money on running costs by following these few tips.

The drastic increase in energy prices in most businesses recently has made owners, technical managers or operations staff even more aware of how to manage energy use more efficiently and responsibly.

This is especially true for businesses involved in industrial or commercial refrigeration, where normal or deep-freeze cold rooms and cold storage are integral parts of the daily business.

Here are 9+1 tips on how to reduce the running costs of your cold storage:

1. Regular maintenance
   

   Don't neglect regular maintenance of your cold store. Clean the cooling fans, replace dirty filters and check the refrigerant leaks in the refrigeration system. A well maintained system runs more efficiently and uses less energy.

2. Setting the optimum temperature
   

   Set the temperature of the cold chamber within the recommended range. Do not cool the space unnecessarily to a cooler temperature, as this will only increase energy consumption.

3. Opening and closing doors smartly

   Make sure that the door of the refrigerator compartment is only open for as long as absolutely necessary. Don't leave it open unnecessarily for long periods of time, as heat will seep in and the refrigeration system will need more energy to cool the chamber back down.

4. Ergonomic design

   Arrange the product storage in your cold store to allow fast and efficient loading and unloading. Use shelves and holders to keep products organised and avoid lengthy searches. Simple and efficient systems help minimise door opening time.

   

   
   
5. Possibility of heat recovery

   Check that the cold chamber system uses technology that allows heat recovery. By using this technology, the heat produced by the refrigeration chamber can be used for other purposes (e.g. heating, hot water production.)

6. Regular checking of seals

   Regular inspection and maintenance of door seals, hinges and hinges is important to maintain the energy efficiency of the cold store. Leaking seals can cause hot air to enter the cold chamber.

7. Use of LED lighting

   It's worth replacing the lighting in your cold storage room or cold store with energy-saving LED lighting, which consumes less energy and has a long lifespan.

8. Automated refrigeration systems

   Use automated systems with timers to control the refrigeration and defrosting cycles. This allows the refrigeration chamber to operate only when it is really needed.

9. Adequate ventilation

   Ensure that there is adequate ventilation around the cold chamber. Adequate ventilation helps to avoid heat build-up around the cold chamber, which can improve efficiency.

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Reducing the running costs of a cold store can therefore lead to significant savings in the long term and contribute to the sustainability of your business.

If you are serious about reducing the running costs of your cold store, you should seek professional advice. Our experts can help you choose more energy-efficient systems and optimise operation.