Butler, Pa. – Green experts’ claims that air curtains installed on walk-in cooler entrances save significant energy and refrigeration equipment wear-and-tear have now been proven by a fast food restaurant franchisee’s in-house energy test.
Donoghue & Pivirotto Enterprises Inc., Wexford, Pa., which operates four Arby’s stores, performed a two-week audited test on a 10 x 12-foot walk-in cooler at its 3,300-square-foot Arby’s in Butler, Pa. After outfitting the walk-in cooler entrance with an air curtain, the refrigeration circuit compressor ran 1.75 hours less during one week, a 27 percent reduction in compressor run-time and equipment wear-and-tear. That adds up to nearly 100 fewer operating hours per year, for an estimated annual savings of $447 and a 1.6-year payback on the air curtain.
Aside from operational savings, the test results are important for restaurateurs, foodservice operations and food retailers working toward Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) Section 312 compliance. The code mandates air infiltration reduction methods, such as strip curtains, spring-hinged swinging vinyl doors or other options, for all walk-in coolers manufactured after Jan. 1, 2009, but doesn’t specify which is the most efficient. Air curtains require less maintenance, have longer life spans and are safer for employee passage than the alternatives. Now, the Arby’s test proves their energy efficiency as well.
Get the complete test results and payback details. Read the full case study in the PDF below.
