Great question — cutting your commercial refrigeration energy bill can make a huge impact on your operating costs. Refrigeration can easily account for 40–60% of a commercial kitchen or grocery store’s total energy use, so even small improvements pay off fast.
Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to lower your refrigeration energy costs, based on both proven field experience and modern tech upgrades:
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Motors and Fans
• Switch shaded pole motors to ECM (Electronically Commutated Motors).
These motors use up to 70% less energy, run cooler, and last longer.
◦ Ideal for evaporator fans in walk-ins, reach-ins, and display cases.
◦ The technology has an installed ROI of <7 years.
• Install variable-speed fan controls where possible — fans can slow when cooling demand is low.
Tip: Some utilities offer rebates for ECM motor retrofits.
Use Smart Controls and Monitoring Systems
Modern digital controllers and AI-based monitoring systems can:
• Track temperature, humidity, and defrost cycles in real time.
• Optimize compressor runtimes and alert you before a problem causes a failure.
• Identify units short-cycling or running inefficiently.
Smart retrofit kits can reduce energy costs by up to 25%, and prevent food loss at the same time.
Retrofitting Older Units
If your refrigeration equipment is 8–10+ years old, retrofitting with:
• ECM motors
• Smart digital controls
• Floating head pressure controls
can cut total energy use by 30–50% — often cheaper than full replacement.
Optimize Temperature Set Points
• Don’t overcool. Each degree below your needed temperature can raise energy use by 2–4%.
• Ideal set points:
◦ Coolers: 35–38°F
◦ Freezers: –5 to 0°F
• Use high-accuracy thermostats to avoid temperature drift.
Check Door Seals, Gaskets, and Closures
• Worn or torn door gaskets leak cold air, wasting energy 24/7.
• Replace gaskets every 6–12 months or when you see cracks or gaps.
• Use self-closing hinges or strip curtains on walk-ins to minimize warm air infiltration.
Maintain and Clean Coils Regularly
• Dirty condenser or evaporator coils force compressors to work harder.
• Schedule coil cleaning every 3–6 months — it’s one of the simplest ways to save 10–15% on energy.
• Keep airflow clear (don’t stack boxes or supplies right against vents).
Add Night Covers or Curtains
• On open display cases, night curtains can save up to 40% of case energy use during off hours.
• Keep them closed whenever the store is closed or during prep time.
Reduce Heat Load Around Equipment
• Keep refrigeration away from ovens, fryers, or dish machines.
• Ensure proper ventilation around condenser units.
• Install reflective or insulated barriers if relocation isn’t possible.
Regular Preventive Maintenance
• Calibrate thermostats and defrost timers.
• Check refrigerant charge — too low or too high both waste energy.
• Inspect fan blades, belts, and compressor oil levels.
Revolutionize Your Refrigeration with ArtikControl™
Proactive Protection & Peace of Mind
ArtikControl™ continuously monitors your walk-in coolers, freezers, reach-ins, and portable units. When problems arise, instant text and email alerts notify the right people—ensuring failures and temperature issues are addressed before they become costly crises. That means fewer losses, less downtime, and greater protection for your temperature-sensitive products.
Meet “Arti” – Your Intelligent Dashboard
“Arti”, our ArtikControl™ Dashboard, puts you in command of your refrigeration systems with:
- Real-Time Monitoring – Constant visibility into your systems.
- Remote Access – Adjust and oversee operations anytime, anywhere.
- Smart Energy Controls – Optimize performance for maximum savings.
- Scalability – Manage multiple locations and units in one cohesive solution.
Designed with a user-friendly interface, “Arti” empowers on-site staff while offering tailored remote access for stakeholders—from store managers to corporate executives.
Smarter Technology, Bigger Savings
At Refrigeration Technologies, we engineer solutions that deliver both performance and ROI:
- Cut energy costs by up to 30% or more.
- Systems typically pay for themselves in under 7 years.
- Benefit from shorter defrost cycles, reduced compressor run times, and optimized energy use.
- Verified savings by independent administrators and engineers.
With utility rates rising, there has never been a better time to invest in cutting-edge efficiency.
Comprehensive Control & Reliability
ArtikControl™ manages all key components—evaporator fans, room temperature, compressors, solenoids, and defrost heaters—while automatically issuing alarms if conditions deviate from normal. This ensures:
- More accurate budgeting and cost forecasting.
- Elimination of operational inefficiencies.
- Extended equipment lifespan and reduced emergency repairs.
Your ROI: Beyond Energy Savings
Retrofitting your refrigeration with ArtikControl™ not only reduces energy consumption, it enhances operational efficiency and lowers long-term costs. A thorough cost-benefit analysis tailored to your business ensures maximum return based on size, location, and operational needs.
Our Expert Team Has You Covered
Our engineers bring unmatched refrigeration expertise to help you:
- Inspect and evaluate existing equipment.
- Identify hidden inefficiencies.
- Recommend upgrades and retrofits for maximum impact.
We don’t just sell technology—we deliver partnership, savings, and peace of mind.
Ready to save energy and money while protecting your products?
Let our team show you how ArtikControl™ can transform your refrigeration operations.
Discover the Power of ArtikControl™
Refrigeration Technologies helps you reduce food spoilage, maintain precise temperatures, and cut energy costs. With ArtikControl™ WIC & WIF Technologies, these are just some of the advantages every refrigeration owner or operator can experience.
Want to know the most common problems inside walk-in units—and how our solutions deliver peace of mind, real savings, and greater efficiency? We’re here to help.
📞 Call us today at 888-286-3091 or email MYannessa@refrigerationtechnologiesllc.com to learn more.
Do you have a Talking Freezer?
Let ArtikControl™ alert you before small issues become big problems.
Contact Refrigeration Technologies today to schedule your No-Obligation Energy Audit at (888) 286-3091.
We are a US Veteran Owned Company. All the equipment is manufactured in the United States.