WREFD24 -Temperature Matters…Absolutely
Announcing this year’s theme, Stephen Gill, Founder of World Refrigeration Day said, “The importance of temperature connects us all, no matter where we live. Temperature control is essential for more than just our comfort and health in homes and workplaces. It’s crucial for preserving food and medicines, and it plays a vital role in many industrial processes at both high and extremely low temperatures. Temperature can mean the difference between life and death; temperature matters – absolutely.”
In the context of supermarkets, the theme “Temperature Matters” underscores the critical role that temperature control plays in ensuring food safety, energy efficiency, and overall shopping experience. Supermarket air conditioning, management of drafts impacting refrigeration, the choice between cases with doors or no doors, and stocking practices are all influenced by the need to maintain optimal temperatures. Here’s how each aspect is vital:
SUPERMARKET AIR CONDITIONING
Supermarket air conditioning systems are designed to maintain a comfortable shopping environment for customers while also ensuring that perishable items are kept at the right temperatures. Efficient air conditioning helps in reducing heat load, which is particularly important in sections with open refrigeration units. Proper air conditioning prevents the warm air from entering the cooling zones, therefore maintaining the integrity of refrigerated products. Additionally an optimized air conditioning system can lead to significant energy savings, reducing the supermarket’s carbon footprint and operational costs.
DRAFT MANAGEMENT
Drafts can significantly affect the temperature stability within a supermarket. Cold drafts in the winter or warm drafts in the summer can disrupt the internal climate, making it challenging to maintain consistent temperatures within refrigeration equipment. Also, directing air conditioning outlets away from display cases reduces the impact of drafts by not displacing the air inside display cases. This inconsistency can lead to higher energy consumption as cooling systems work harder to compensate. Effective management of drafts, through the use of air curtains and strategically placed barriers, ensures that external temperatures do not interfere with the internal environment. This not only helps to preserve the quality of perishable goods but also enhances customer comfort.
CASES WITH DOORS vs. NO DOORS
The choice between refrigeration cases with doors and those without doors also has an impact on temperature control. Cases with doors are more effective at maintaining consistent temperatures, as they minimize the loss of cold air, leading to better preservation of products and lower energy usage. However, cases without doors offer convenience and speed for shoppers. Supermarkets must balance these factors, often opting for hybrid solutions where high-turnover items are in open cases, while more sensitive products are kept behind doors. This approach helps in maintaining food safety standards and reducing energy consumption.
STOCKING PRACTICES
Stocking practices also play a crucial role in temperature management. Overstocking refrigeration units can obstruct air circulation, leading to uneven cooling and potential spoilage of products. On the other hand, understocking can cause energy inefficiencies as cooling systems work to maintain the set temperatures in partially empty spaces.
Proper stocking techniques, such as ensuring even distribution and avoiding overfilling, help maintain the optimal temperature throughout the display cases. Making sure you bring your products down to temperature (in a cool room) before adding to your cases will help with maintaining temperature control.
This not only preserves the quality and safety of the food but also improves the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems.
The Baker Refrigeration and Air Conditioning departments are positioned to help supermarkets navigate the complexities of temperature control.
With decades of expertise in supplying, installing and maintaining advanced refrigeration and air conditioning systems, we ensure that your supermarket can help you achieve optimal temperature conditions.
Whether it’s installing energy-efficient air conditioning systems, identifying drafts to prevent temperature fluctuations, or providing state-of-the-art refrigeration cases with or without doors, we have the solutions to meet your needs.
Our comprehensive approach to temperature management helps preserve product quality and extend shelf life, enhances customer comfort, and reduces operational costs, ensuring that temperature matters—absolutely—in every aspect of your supermarket.
With over 100 years of experience in Australia, we handle all your equipment needs.
One company for your whole store.
