With the economic downturn in our country and with frequent increases in electricity bills, looking for ways to save has became a priority for the population.
A refrigerator’s high energy consumption can be a villain for expenses. Therefore it’s always important that the equipment’s maintenance is up to date, avoiding unnecessary expenditures.
The reasons a refrigerator has high energy consumption are many. Below, we list possible problems and solution measures which can be performed by a contractor.
Factors that generate high energy consumption:
- Voltage too high
To eliminate voltage problems greater than 132V (nominal 115V) and 240V (nominal 220V) we recommend the use of a voltage stabilizer.
- Wrong wiring connections in the junction box
Check the connections with the aid of the refrigerator’s electric diagram.
- Internal light bulb doesn’t turn-off
Check if the light switch has a problem with a bad contact or incorrect attachment.
- Thermostat doesn’t turn-off
Check if the thermostat bulb’s mounting is correct. Turn the thermostat button to the minimum setting (least cold) and check if the compressor turns-off. If the problem persists, replace the thermostat.
- Thermostat set at the maximum position (coldest)
Turn the thermostat button to the minimum setting (least cold) and check if the compressor turns-off within the use range. Adjust the thermostat and instruct the user on its correct use.
- Thermostat with loose bulb
Properly attach the thermostat bulb.
- Inappropriate thermostat
Determine whether the thermostat model used is the one indicated by the manufacturer. If necessary, contact the refrigeration system’s manufacturer.
- Compressor with high amperage (high current)
We can only consider high amperage if the thermal protector is triggering. If you aren’t sure that this is the fault, make sure the compressor doesn’t have other problems. If necessary, replace it.
- A condenser that’s dirty, covered or lacking air circulation
Clean the condenser and clear the air passages. This tip is very important for commercial equipment.
- Bad door seal
Determine whether the door is incorrectly adjusted or if the gasket (rubber door seal) is damaged or detached. Adjust the door and / or replace the gasket.
- Inadequate refrigerator location
The refrigeration system should not be near stoves, walls exposed to the sun and in locations without air circulation. Under the above mentioned conditions, the cooling system loses efficiency.
- Refrigerator without freezer dividing partition
Check if the dividing partition is being used and if it’s properly installed.
- Refrigerator being used too much
Instruct the user to avoid opening the door too often.
- Soaking insulation (glass wool)
Discover where moisture is entering and fix it.
- Any deterioration or lack of thermal insulation
Find and replace or complete it with the thermal insulation.
- Excess refrigerant fluid charge in the refrigerator
Check for sweating on the refrigerator’s return line. If so, insert the correct refrigerant charge, preferably using a precision scale.
- Lack of refrigerant fluid
Usually an irregular layer of ice forms on the evaporator. Insert a new refrigerant charge.
- System using an inappropriate compressor
Check Embraco’s compressor application table. Replace with the appropriate model.
- Compressor with low capacity
This is a rare defect, but it can be a problem. Go through the other possible defect causes in compressors. If it’s not any of them, replace it with a suitable compressor.
Compressors with high energy efficiency are showcased in Febrava
Embraco develops technologies that help reduce energy consumption. The new solutions, showcased in Febrava, have high energy efficiency, a fundamental aspect that reinforces the company’s strategy focused on sustainability.
Plug n’ Cool
A complete solution, aimed at commercial refrigeration. This is an alternative for remote refrigeration in some applications, which leads to energy and cost savings, as well as being easy to install. The product, which can be used in refrigerated self-service displays, uses the natural refrigerant R-290 (propane) and has low noise and vibration.
NEU Compressors
On-off compressors, robust and up to 20% more energy efficient when compared to others in the market with the same cooling capacity. The products, which are an evolution of the NEK platform, have the same external configuration of previous models, which facilitates installation and replacement in the field.