For supermarkets, display refrigerators are essential for both merchandising and food preservation purposes. However, energy-efficient use of these appliances is a significant concern for many. This article will guide you on how to use display refrigerators economically.
1 Do Display Refrigerators Use a Lot of Electricity?
Do display refrigerators consume a lot of energy?
Display refrigerators require a constant power supply for effective food preservation. The power consumption depends on the capacity and usage. A smaller display refrigerator with a capacity of under 300 liters and a power output of 162W will use approximately 1.1 kWh per day, totaling around 37 kWh monthly.
Larger display refrigerators with a 600-liter capacity and a power output of 296W will consume around 1.6-1.8 kWh per day. On the other hand, a three-door display refrigerator with a capacity of over 1200 liters and a power output of 555W will use up to 8.7 kWh daily.
While display refrigerators do consume a significant amount of electricity, the power usage depends on various factors, including the refrigerator’s temperature, the surrounding environmental temperature, and the quantity of food stored within. Notably, there are energy-saving Inverter models available that differ from conventional display refrigerators in this regard.
2 Tips for Energy-Efficient Use of Display Refrigerators
Place the Display Refrigerator in a Well-Ventilated Area
Ensure the display refrigerator is in a well-ventilated space.
For optimal performance, keep the display refrigerator away from heat-generating appliances and areas with high humidity. Avoid direct sunlight, and maintain a safe distance from heat sources like induction cookers or ovens. Additionally, prevent direct sunlight from falling on the refrigerator, as this can cause it to overheat or work continuously at high power.
Ensure the refrigerator is placed on a level surface, maintaining a safe distance from other appliances. Particularly, keep a minimum gap of 10cm from the wall to allow adequate airflow and cooling of the heat exchanger.
Adjust the Temperature Accordingly
Adjust the temperature to suit the conditions.
Depending on the outdoor temperature, you can adjust the refrigerator’s temperature accordingly. It is essential to avoid setting the temperature to the highest level (level 6) as this will increase energy consumption. Instead, set the temperature between 6-8 degrees Celsius, equivalent to level 2-3 on the control panel, to reduce power usage.
Minimize Opening the Refrigerator Door
Refrain from frequently opening the refrigerator door.
To conserve energy, limit the number of times you open the refrigerator door. Each time the door is opened, cold air escapes, requiring the refrigerator to use more electricity to cool down again.
Therefore, it is best to avoid frequently opening and closing the refrigerator door. When accessing the refrigerator, quickly get what you need and close the door to minimize heat escape. This reduces the refrigerator’s workload and lowers energy consumption.
Avoid Overloading the Refrigerator
When using a display refrigerator for food preservation, avoid common mistakes. Do not leave the refrigerator empty or overload it with food. Instead, maintain a balanced amount of food.
Overloading the refrigerator with food will reduce its cooling efficiency and potentially affect the quality of the stored fruits and vegetables.
However, if the refrigerator is too empty, it will consume more energy. In such cases, you can use small Styrofoam boxes to fill the gaps between the food items. This helps concentrate the cold air on the food, improving the overall preservation process.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintain the display refrigerator through regular cleaning.
To ensure safety and optimal performance, regularly clean and maintain the display refrigerator after a certain period of use (approximately every 3-4 months).
Clean both the interior and exterior of the refrigerator to maintain the heat exchanger’s cooling capacity. Additionally, regularly inspect and maintain the electrical wiring to reduce the risk of short circuits and fires due to damage or broken wires.
By following these tips on energy-efficient use of display refrigerators, you can effectively preserve food while reducing energy costs and extending the lifespan of the appliance.
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