Your walk-in cooler is one of the biggest energy users in your business. Whether you operate a restaurant, grocery store, or foodservice facility, it runs 24/7 to keep products safe and fresh — which means even small inefficiencies can add up to major costs over time.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we help businesses across Nevada lower operating costs through smart refrigeration maintenance and system optimization. Here are practical ways to make your walk-in cooler more energy-efficient without sacrificing performance.
Keep the Door Closed as Much as Possible
Every time your cooler door is opened, warm air enters and cold air escapes, forcing the system to work harder to recover. Encourage staff to plan trips inside the cooler efficiently and keep doors closed whenever possible.
Tip: Install automatic door closers or strip curtains to minimize temperature loss during busy periods.
Inspect and Replace Door Gaskets
Leaky or cracked door gaskets allow cold air to escape continuously, increasing energy use. Even a small gap can lead to major efficiency losses.
What to do: Inspect gaskets monthly. If you see cracks, tears, or looseness, replace them immediately. Fresh seals help maintain temperature stability and reduce compressor strain.
Clean Condenser and Evaporator Coils Regularly
Dirty coils make it harder for your cooler to remove heat, which leads to higher energy consumption and reduced cooling performance. Dust, grease, and debris buildup are common in high-traffic foodservice environments.
Solution: Schedule professional coil cleaning at least twice a year as part of your commercial refrigeration maintenance program.
Maintain Proper Airflow Inside and Around the Cooler
Blocked airflow inside or outside your cooler causes uneven temperatures and longer compressor run times.
Inside the cooler:
- Keep products organized and away from air vents and evaporator fans.
- Don’t overfill shelves or stack boxes against walls.
Around the cooler:
- Make sure outdoor condensers have at least two feet of clearance on all sides.
- Keep the area free of dust, debris, and snow (especially important in Nevada winters).
Monitor Temperatures Consistently
A walk-in cooler that runs colder than necessary wastes energy. The optimal range for most coolers is 35°F to 38°F.
Tip: Use a digital thermometer or temperature monitoring system to track readings and ensure accuracy. If your cooler constantly fluctuates or struggles to maintain set temperatures, it may need service or calibration.
Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
Traditional lighting inside walk-in coolers produces unnecessary heat that your system must work harder to offset.
Upgrade to:
- LED lights — which generate less heat and use up to 75% less energy
- Motion sensors — to ensure lights only run when someone is inside
These upgrades are simple, affordable, and deliver quick returns on energy savings.
Check and Calibrate Thermostats
An improperly calibrated thermostat can make your system run longer than necessary. Ensure temperature controls are accurate and functioning properly.
Buffo’s Refrigeration technicians can test and calibrate thermostats during regular maintenance visits to optimize temperature regulation and reduce energy waste.
Defrost Systems Properly
Frost buildup on coils reduces heat transfer and causes the unit to run inefficiently. Automatic defrost cycles should be set correctly to prevent unnecessary ice formation.
If you notice heavy frost or ice accumulation, contact a refrigeration repair company to inspect the defrost system before it causes performance issues.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Routine preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your walk-in cooler efficient and reliable. During maintenance visits, technicians clean coils, test refrigerant pressures, inspect door seals, check electrical components, and verify system performance.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we provide customized maintenance plans for restaurants, grocery stores, and foodservice operations throughout Nevada. Regular upkeep not only saves energy but also helps prevent costly breakdowns.
Upgrade Older Equipment
If your cooler is more than 10–15 years old, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model may deliver significant long-term savings. Newer systems use improved insulation, high-efficiency compressors, and ECM fan motors that can lower energy consumption by 20% or more.
Buffo’s Refrigeration can help assess your current system and recommend the most cost-effective solutions for your business.
Schedule Service Today
Improving energy efficiency isn’t just good for the environment — it’s good for your bottom line. Contact Buffo’s Refrigeration today to schedule a maintenance visit or request a free energy-efficiency assessment. We proudly serve Nevada and surrounding areas with expert commercial refrigeration repair, installation, and maintenance services.
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