We know that many refrigeration problems don’t just occur overnight. A lot of issues actually build up slowly over time, whether these are gradual temperature increases, higher energy consumption levels, or the greatening wear and tear of internal components.

Problems like these can be prevented with a simple solution known as refrigeration equipment re-gassing, which aims to keep a unit’s parts running smoothly, maintain an optimal cooling performance, lower energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of the entire system.

But what exactly is refrigeration equipment re-gassing, what happens during the process, and why should your business invest in it? Acme are here to help answer these questions so that you are fully aware of how important and beneficial it can be to your cold storage operations.

 

What is Refrigeration Equipment Re-Gassing?

This term defines a process in which a refrigerator’s cooling system is refilled with refrigerant gas. This particular gas is the substance that absorbs and releases heat to cool the inside of a fridge, allowing stored goods to remain chilled. Over time, small leaks or natural seepage can cause this refrigerant level to drop, meaning there will be less gas that the fridge can rely on in order to stay cold. By restoring this refrigerant gas, the cooling systems can keep working as intended.

 

How Can Refrigerant Depletion Damage Systems Over Time?

The less of this gas a refrigeration system has, the harder it has to work to maintain the same cooling output. This can lead to several things:

Overworked Compressor

Low refrigerant levels can mean the compressor runs longer and harder over time, which can strain it and cause it to wear down quicker.

Decreased Cooling Efficiency

As these gas levels drop, so does the consistency of a system’s cooling. This can lead to the system using more energy to try and compensate.

Potential Overheating

A strained compressor can overheat as well, possibly leading to big repairs.

 

What Are the Benefits of Regular Re-Gassing?

Keeping your refrigeration equipment properly re-gassed can have a big effect across many parts of your system’s performance, especially when the process is done by an expert:

Maintaining Optimal Cooling Performance

With topped-up refrigerant levels, your setup has a better chance of cooling efficiently and consistently, allowing you to keep on top of your storage of food, medicine, and even electronics.

Reducing Component Wear and Tear

Re-gassing can also help your system’s components thrive. This is because the compressor, fans, and other mechanical parts are less likely to be put under strain, meaning they have a lower risk of mechanical failure.

Lowering Energy Consumption

A well-maintained system doesn’t have to work overtime, meaning it can also use less electricity. Over months and years, this can translate into substantial energy savings.

Preventing Expensive Emergency Repairs

Since this process can help catch issues early as well as prevent strain-induced breakdowns, your business can save more money.

 

What Are the Potential Signs of Needing Re-Gassing?

If you’re unsure about whether your cooling system is in need of gas replacement, then we’ll give you a few signs to watch out for:

• Gradual temperature increases: if you notice the system isn’t holding the correct temperature consistently, then this is a potential warning sign.
• Unusual compressor noises: grinding, buzzing, or clicking noises could indicate that the compressor is under stress due to low refrigerant levels.
• Spikes in electricity bills: sudden increases in energy costs are another sign to watch out for, as they can indicate that your system is working harder to try and maintain cooling.

 

Final Thoughts

Whether you store food, medical supplies, or other temperature-sensitive items, refrigeration equipment is an essential part of your business’s operation, meaning it should always be reliable and kept in a proper working condition.

A simple way to keep on top of your inventory is through regular re-gassing, which can help prevent equipment from silently wearing down over time and leading to higher energy bills and expensive repair costs. This is not just a preventative measure either, as it can also help your chillers maintain a better cooling efficiency and function for a longer period of time, ensuring they remain a valuable asset to your business.

So, if you are serious about keeping your refrigeration system in as good a condition as possible, then consider making re-gassing a regular part of your maintenance strategy and extend the life of your equipment with every refill.