Beat the cost-of-living crisis with energy-efficient refrigeration

The cost-of-living crisis is all-encompassing and concerns every level of society. Commercial kitchens, restaurants, cafes, takeaways, delis and other food and drink businesses aren’t immune.

On this page, we’ve put together a summary of the importance of energy-efficient refrigeration. Planning and selecting the right unit could save you thousands of pounds, even if the fridge costs more upfront. Here’s what to watch out for when investing in a new commercial fridge:

 

The importance of energy efficiency

We could sum up the importance of energy efficiency in so many ways. Here are a few of the most obvious.

 

• Money – the cost-of-living crisis means everything costs more, and very few people can afford these extra costs. The less you’re spending, the better.
• Environment – although we’ve made significant strides in the past few years, we’re still using far too much non-renewable energy. Energy-efficient devices do their bit for the planet.
• Economy – the more money businesses make, the more money circulates, and the more tax revenue is generated. That’s good for the local and broader economy. Energy-efficient commercial fridges and freezers cost much less overall, so are more attractive to buyers. 
• Electrical draw – energy-efficient commercial units require less electricity to run. This means there’s less draw on the electrical circuitry, and you’re less likely to encounter problems.

Energy ratings of commercial fridges

2021 saw a significant revamp of energy ratings because manufacturers continued to improve designs and meet the latest criteria. Before that, almost all fridges and freezers were rated an ‘A’ or above (A+, A++, A+++). The new ratings make the best units more obvious.

In the new ratings system, commercial and residential units are classified from A to G3. Because of the change in standards, anything above a ‘D’ would be considered very good in today’s climate. If you find a C, B or A, that’s brilliant. Hardly anything is an ‘A’ currently, because space has been left for future technological developments and improvements.

Fridges and freezers are rated based on their power draw – how much electricity they need to function. Many factors can influence this, including unit size, features, cooling space, temperature range and the type of door or front. Manufacturers calculate the power draw using a series of standardised tests, which are later independently verified.

What’s the lifetime cost of a commercial fridge?

Some commercial fridges and freezers are more expensive than others. Sure, many factors tie into this: size, materials, ease of installation, and so on. But is a higher quality fridge worth the extra cost?

Top-quality units are often defined by their features, such as more efficient fans, better compressors, long-term warranties, customer support, self-closing doors and more. 

They’ll cost you more upfront. What about the long run, though? 

If a particular fridge costs half as much to run for a year, how long will it be before it pays itself back? Probably only three or four years. After that, you’ll find that the more expensive option has a cheaper total cost of ownership. So, it’s worth remembering that the lifetime cost of a commercial fridge is not just about the initial purchase price. 

According to the Carbon Trust, commercial refrigeration can account for up to 43% of a business’s energy consumption in the food and drink sector. This high level of energy usage can lead to significant energy costs for your business, particularly if margins are tight. 

Investing in energy-efficient refrigeration equipment can significantly reduce your energy usage, costs and carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future. This can also be a selling point for environmentally conscious customers who are more likely to support businesses prioritising sustainability.

It’s also important to consider maintenance costs, repairs and replacements. A cheaper fridge may seem like a better option upfront, but if it breaks down frequently or needs to be replaced sooner than a higher-quality fridge, the total cost of ownership can quickly add up. 

So, investing in an energy-efficient commercial fridge with a long-term warranty and reliable customer support could save your business money in the long run by reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

Get free advice and recommendations from Fridgesmart

Fridgesmart is a UK-wide supplier of commercial fridges, freezers and catering equipment. We have a huge inventory stored in warehouses around the country. This means we’re ready for next-day delivery if you need it.

We always recommend getting the best quality fridge or freezer you can. Due to the abovementioned factors, these usually work out cheaper in the long run and give you less hassle.

All the units we hold are tried and tested. Each comes with a quality guarantee and a warranty to prove it. That said, we do our best to provide options to all budget ranges, so you’ll notice a varying line up.

For more information about energy ratings and how to pick the best commercial fridge or freezer for your business, click on the Live Chat. Our experts are online during regular working hours and ready to help with whatever you need. Alternatively, drop us a line at hello@fridgesmart.co.uk or call us on 01792 677169. 

Commitment-free recommendations come from decades of experience in the industry and close relationships with our customers, past, present, and future.

We look forward to hearing from you.