Walk-in coolers are essential in restaurants, convenience stores, and other establishments. Although they’re crucial for keeping beverages cold, they will also significantly drive up your energy costs. There are steps that you should take, however, to make the appliance more efficient. Here are a few suggestions.

How to Make Your Walk-In Cooler More Energy-Efficient

1. Inspect the Gaskets

Make sure that all doors open and close properly, and that they sit flush when fully closed. If there are any gaps, have a refrigeration company technician check the gaskets. A tightly sealed door prevents air leaks, which in turn reduces your costs. You might consider upgrading to magnetic gaskets if your walk-in cooler doesn’t have them; they provide the strong pull needed to create a forceful seal.

2. Check the Lighting

All refrigeration products should ideally be equipped with LED lighting to save on energy costs. Because they don’t utilize much energy to brighten the space, you can trust them to do the job without driving up your expenses. They’re also designed to last longer than standard fluorescent lights, and produce less heat. The benefits outweigh any initial cost that you might incur during installation.

3. Use Efficient Extras

The parts that you use in your walk-in cooler will also affect your costs. Installing vinyl strip curtains is a great idea, for example, if you have plenty of traffic in and out every day. The substantial material will prevent some air from leaking out.

4. Maintain it Regularly

Take the time to assess the condition of your walk-in cooler regularly. Confirm there's no restriction to airflow in any way, and that there’s little to no defrost present. Both the condenser coil and evaporator fan should be clean; if you notice excessive frost buildup, contact your refrigeration company to determine the cause. Sometimes small issues will affect the system enough that it no longer runs efficiently.

Businesses throughout Monroe County, WI, trust in the professionals at Coulee Refrigeration Inc. to handle their walk-in cooler repair and maintenance needs. The family-owned refrigeration company understands how important it is that you don’t suffer any downtime. That’s why they’re committed to handling the work quickly so that your business isn’t affected. Visit them online to learn more about their extensive services, including heating and cooling, or call them at (608) 269-0403 to schedule an appointment.