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The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates which refrigerants may be used and how refrigerants must be handled. It is important to note that individual states may write their own refrigeration regulations above and beyond the EPA regulations.

Since 2015, EPA has proposed several rules, but some of those rules have been vacated in court. We understand that it may be confusing which rules still apply. Please read below to understand which regulations will come into effect in January 2019.

SNAP Program, Prohibited Refrigerants, and California

What is the SNAP Program?

EPA regulates which refrigerants may be used for new or retrofit refrigeration through the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program.

Which refrigerants were affected by recent EPA rules?

EPA released Rule 20 and Rule 21 through its SNAP program, which delisted refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). This prohibited common refrigerants such as R-134A, R-404A, and R-507A. However, EPA was challenged in court and lost on Rule 20, which means it has been vacated and will not go into effect. It is possible that Rule 21 will also be vacated, but the courts are still evaluating it. Use the links below for more information:

Can high GWP refrigerants be used?

Yes, depending on state. Rule 20 was vacated on a national level, but individual states may pass their own refrigeration regulations. In 2018, California passed a regulation that adopts Rule 20 (called Rule 1 in California). This rule prohibits high GWP refrigerants in California after January 1, 2019. More information is available on California legislature’s website: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB1013

High GWP refrigerants can continue to be used in all other states, but that may change too. California is a member of the United States Climate Alliance (USCA), and the other states will likely adopt similar regulations. This includes Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

In summary, R-134A, R-404A, and R-507A may be used in all states except California, which prohibits those refrigerants. However, other states in the USCA are likely to prohibit those refrigerants in the coming years.

Section 608, Record Keeping, and Leakage Rates

What is Section 608?

EPA regulates how refrigerants are handled through Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Section 608 affects many sectors in the refrigeration industry:

For more detail on how Section 608 applies, visit https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-09/documents/section_608_of_the_clean_air_act.pdf

What are the new Section 608 regulations?

EPA issued new regulations that 1) require owner/operators to keep additional records for their refrigeration systems, and 2) change the allowable leakage rates for refrigeration systems. These rules affect ozone depleting refrigerants and will take effect on January 1, 2019.

The new rule included refrigerants with high GWP such as R-134A, R-404A, and R-507A. However, EPA proposed to omit refrigerants with high GWP from the rule. This has not been finalized, so more information will be provided as it becomes available. Use the links below for further reading.

What records does an owner/operator need to keep?

What are the allowable system leakage rates?

EPA reduced the allowable leakage rates. Annual leakage rates are calculated as a percentage of the full system charge. Details for calculating leakage rates can be found at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/608_fact_sheet_supermarkets_property_managers_0.pdf.

Allowable Leakage Rate Before Retiring or Replacing Old rule New rule
Commercial Refrigeration 35% 20%
Comfort Cooling 15% 10%
Industrial Process Refrigeration 35% 30%

What must be done when a leak is found?

If leakage rate exceeds allowable rates, the system must be repaired, retired, or replaced.

Repair: If a leak is repaired, the technician must ensure the system is leak-free before adding refrigerant. After refrigerant is added, the technician must check the repair again after the system returns to normal temperatures and pressures. Information for technicians can be found at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/608_fact_sheet_technicians_0.pdf.

Retire or Replace: Owner/operators must develop a retrofit or retirement plan within 30 days if the leak cannot be repaired. The plan must be implemented within 1 year. If the leak is repaired within 180 days, the plan can be terminated and the system can be used.

What must be done after a leak?

After a leak, systems must be checked for leaks based on the schedule below. All visible, accessible parts of the systems must be inspected.

When should a leak be reported to EPA?

If the annual leakage rate of a refrigeration system exceeds 125% of the full charge within a calendar year, owner/operators must notify EPA by March 1 of the subsequent year and describe their efforts to identify and repair leaks.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed all Robért Fresh Market locations. But 2018 marks a milestone as the New Orleans-based supermarket opened their sixth location and moves beyond the hurricane. “This particular location is a historic landmark,” General Manager Marc Robért III explained. “It was the first self-service grocery store in the city of New Orleans in 1941.” Even after being devastated by Katrina, the store still has some of the original terracotta and pine timbers.

Zero Zone provided refrigeration solutions as Robért Fresh Market rebuilt. “I worked with many vendors to get this store open, whether it was equipment vendors, décor vendors, lighting, and so on. I found that Zero Zone was an excellent vendor to work with,” Marc said.

Marc Robért chose Zero Zone to help achieve their mission of freshness. “We are Robért Fresh Market,” Marc emphasized. “We focus on fresh, locally-sourced, organic produce.” For produce and fresh meats, Marc chose the Zero Zone Reveal Merchandiser® open case as the “impactful showstopper” at the entrance of the store. “As you walk through the front of our store and get through the vestibule, you see this case, there’s a visual line-of-sight to this case, the colors pop well, and the LED lights within the case really help bring the product to life.” He added that for vibrant products like produce and fresh meat, “eye appeal is buy appeal,” and the open display cases work perfectly for that.

For displaying other refrigerated products, he chose Zero Zone Crystal Merchandiser® reach-in coolers and Highlight Merchandiser® reach-in freezers. “The door cases make a very clean and neat presentation. I’ve heard concerns about putting product behind doors, but I feel that the doors create a nice, clean look to the store, and customers appreciate seeing that level of cleanliness.” Also, Marc is pleased that the Zero Zone door cases perform well in the hot, humid New Orleans climate. Marc reports that they have not had any door sweating issues.

With six locations open, Robért Fresh Market forges onward from Hurricane Katrina. They project growth for their company, and they can confidently move forward as partners with Zero Zone. “I will be using Zero Zone in the future,” he says. Zero Zone is proud to have been chosen to provide refrigerated display cases and refrigeration systems to Robért Fresh Market and wants to be your trusted partner for refrigeration solutions, too.

In the dynamic world of retail, the strategic use of space is paramount to achieving optimal merchandising and driving sales. Balancing customer flow with product visibility presents a continuous challenge, demanding retailers to maximize every available inch. This is where the intelligent implementation of a refrigerated food display case becomes an indispensable asset. However, traditional store layouts, particularly those featuring established gondola shelving, often impose limitations on merchandising flexibility, hindering the ability to create impactful displays.

Zero Zone’s Crystal Merchandiser® Ultra Narrow display case is meticulously engineered to address and overcome these spatial constraints. Specifically designed for seamless integration with gondola shelving, this innovative refrigerated food display case transforms previously underutilized end-of-aisle spaces into high-impact, grab-and-go zones. This strategic end-cap design effectively captures customer attention, driving impulse purchases and significantly boosting sales.

Furthermore, the availability of a back-to-back configuration for the Ultra Narrow model significantly enhances its space-saving capabilities. This ingenious design enables seamless integration within existing shelving lines, creating a continuous and visually appealing merchandising presentation. The remarkably slim profile of this refrigerated food display case, measuring a mere 55 inches from handle to handle, ensures minimal disruption to valuable aisle space, maintaining optimal customer flow.

Consistent customer feedback underscores the profound positive impact of this innovative solution. Store managers have reported a notable increase in customer engagement and a substantial surge in sales. The sleek design and efficient functionality of the Crystal Merchandiser® Ultra Narrow refrigerated food display case have resonated profoundly with shoppers, demonstrating its exceptional effectiveness in maximizing merchandising potential within constrained environments. Zero Zone’s unwavering dedication to customer-centric solutions is clearly evident in this product, providing retailers with the essential tools necessary to optimize their store layouts and elevate the overall customer experience, ultimately driving profitability and enhancing brand perception.

View or download the product sheet! Ultra Narrow and Back-to-Back Ultra Narrow spec sheets are also available.

Ray’s Apple Market, a testament to enduring customer service, has strategically upgraded its commercial refrigeration systems, reinforcing its commitment to quality. Founded on the principle of treating customers right, Ray Floersch established the market in 1965, driven by his dissatisfaction with previous employer practices. Over five decades later, his son Mike continues this legacy, emphasizing strong partnerships. “We have a partnership with our customers. We want our customers to trust us. That’s how I feel about Zero Zone: they’re a partner. They trust me, and I trust them,” Mike states, highlighting the mutual trust developed during the 2017 commercial refrigeration installation.

The market’s focus on perishables, stemming from the Associated Wholesale Grocers’ “Apple” merchandising approach, necessitated advanced commercial refrigeration solutions. “We feel like that’s where we need to be the best… perishables. You can buy groceries about anywhere today, but if we have the freshest meat, freshest produce, people will shop with you,” Mike explains. He opted for the open Reveal Merchandiser™ for produce, recognizing its superior presentation, and transitioned to Zero Zone reach-in cases for other products. “I was a little nervous about putting things behind doors, but I’m so glad I have,” Mike admits, praising the LED lighting and tall doors for enhancing product visibility within their new commercial refrigeration setup.

A significant benefit of the Zero Zone commercial refrigeration upgrade was the substantial reduction in energy consumption. By replacing individual compressor units with two centralized rack systems, Ray’s Apple Market dramatically lowered its monthly energy bill. “As the months went along, we could see our kilowatt [usage] lowering. I’m thinking we’re going to be looking at about a 20,000 kilowatt drop, which is about a 25% drop in energy usage,” Mike reports. “Zero Zone helped us cut our energy costs, which we can pass on to our customers.”

Furthermore, the store streamlined its refrigerant usage, moving from multiple refrigerants, including outdated R-12, to a single, more efficient R-448A. This decision was influenced by evolving EPA regulations and installation costs. “The copper tubing was smaller. When we compared the lines we took out to what we put in, it was almost like, ‘Really? Is this going to work?’ And it’s been great,” Mike says, expressing satisfaction with the new commercial refrigeration system’s performance.

Mike also praised the Zero Zone sales representative’s dedication, highlighting their presence during every installation phase. “I do not have to buy from Zero Zone, but when I get the kind of response they give me, then I’m sold,” Mike concludes, emphasizing the value of Zero Zone’s exceptional customer service and the quality of their commercial refrigeration solutions.

Learn more about our commercial refrigeration solutions!

Zero Zone Named Ramsey’s 2018 Business of the Year

We’re thrilled to announce that Zero Zone’s Refrigeration Systems Division in Ramsey, MN, has been awarded the City of Ramsey’s 2018 Business of the Year. The award, presented by the City of Ramsey and the Ramsey Economic Development Authority (EDA), will be celebrated at the Annual EDA Business Appreciation Golf Tournament in August.

This prestigious award recognizes businesses demonstrating excellence in several key areas: longevity, employment contribution, community involvement, and unique contributions. Zero Zone, established in Ramsey since 1974, has consistently led the refrigeration industry through innovation, quality, and customer responsiveness.

A Strong Community Partner

Zero Zone’s commitment to the Ramsey community is deeply rooted. We actively participate in local job fairs, sponsor the annual Happy Days Festival, and support the Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department. We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us.

“Our employees are our most valuable asset,” stated Rick Steer, former Vice President and General Manager. “This award reflects their dedication and hard work, which drives our community involvement. We thank the City of Ramsey for recognizing our team’s efforts and look forward to continued service.”

The Formula for Success

What makes a Business of the Year? Zero Zone believes it’s a blend of industry leadership and community engagement, both powered by our exceptional employees. “Our team is the heart of Zero Zone,” Rick Steer emphasized. “Being named Ramsey’s 2018 Business of the Year is an honor, and we’re excited for the future.”

Employee Engagement and Community Impact

Our employees are deeply involved in Ramsey’s community life. Zero Zone sponsors events like the Happy Days Festival, Safety Camp, and the Ramsey Firefighters Relief Association. Our team also participates in the Adopt-a-Spot program, contributing to the beautification of Bunker Lake Boulevard NW. These initiatives reflect our commitment to our community.

We also prioritize showcasing the value of manufacturing careers. Industrial Production Manager Justin Borer collaborates with local educational institutions to shape manufacturing curriculum. Zero Zone is a member of prominent industry organizations, including the National Association of Manufacturing, the local Manufacturing Alliance, and OPTIMA. We’ve been a charter member of Ramsey’s Manufacturing Day since its inception in 2012.

Leading in Natural Refrigeration

Zero Zone is not only a community leader but also a pioneer in the refrigeration industry. 2018 marked a significant year for natural refrigerants, particularly CO2 transcritical refrigeration. With growing demand for sustainable solutions, we’re proud to be at the forefront of installing CO2 transcritical systems in supermarkets and ice rinks. We partner with customers who are transitioning to environmentally friendly refrigerants like CO2, reducing their reliance on high global warming potential alternatives.

Our employees are also shaping the industry. Industrial Sales Manager John Collins chairs the IIAR CO2 Task Group, which develops safety standards for CO2 refrigeration, covering design, installation, and maintenance.

Our Enduring Commitment

Zero Zone remains committed to both the refrigeration industry and the Ramsey community. Our success is built on the dedication of our employees, and we look forward to continued growth and service in the years to come.

Join the Business of the Year team! We’re hiring! See our current job openings and be part of our award-winning success.

As CO2 gains popularity as both a commercial and industrial refrigerant, John Collins and the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) are developing a new safety standard. According to John Collins, Industrial Sales Manager for Zero Zone, Inc. and chairman of the IIAR CO2 Task Group, this safety standard will cover each phase of CO2 refrigeration, including design, installation, commissioning, inspection, and maintenance.

CO2 refrigeration is developing rapidly, with breakthroughs in both subcritical and transcritical refrigeration. Zero Zone offers both subcritical and transcritical systems, with many new systems shipping in 2018. Existing safety regulations are either outdated or not focused specifically on CO2. Collins says the development of new standards is essential to ensure consistency throughout the industry.

The IIAR, an organization primarily focused on ammonia refrigeration, is branching into CO2 as part of an initiative to cover more natural refrigerants. This creates some challenges for the organization as ammonia is primarily an industrial refrigerant, but CO2 is available for both industrial and commercial applications. The CO2 Task Group collaborates with the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) to expand these safety standards to cover both industrial and commercial projects. The final document will be an accredited standard from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Collins, a voting member of the IIAR Standards Committee since 2013, says this opportunity has allowed him to engage with passionate and knowledgeable industry leaders. The CO2 Task Group is comprised of a core working team of a dozen volunteers, supplemented by many more corresponding members and industry leaders. Collins is “energized” to be working with this dedicated and knowledgeable group to help the industry prepare for the future of CO2 refrigeration.

Learn more about our Genesys™ Natural Refrigeration Solutions to find out if ammonia or CO2  is right for your store

Vacated EPA SNAP Rule 20 Allows R-404A for Refrigeration Equipment

Background on SNAP Rule 20

Refrigerant regulations have significantly impacted the industry. In 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued SNAP Rule 20 to prohibit the use of certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that were previously acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. Consequently, Rule 20 required refrigeration equipment manufacturers like Zero Zone to phase out specific refrigerants, including R-404A and R-507A.

Legal Challenge and Overturning of Rule 20

However, parties challenged Rule 20, contending that the EPA SNAP Program could not be used to phase out HFCs that did not deplete ozone. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Rule 20, and despite an appeal, the court’s decision stood. As a result, on February 5, 2018, Rule 20 was vacated, allowing R-404A and R-507A to be used in new and retrofit refrigeration equipment once again.

Immediate Changes in Refrigerant Availability

Starting immediately, Zero Zone offers a variety of refrigerants, including R-404A and R-507A, for rack systems and remote display cases. Additionally, Zero Zone Hybrid™ cases can be ordered with either R-404A or R-448A. Hybrid™ cases utilizing R-404A will be available for shipment by April 1, 2018. Similarly, display cases using remote condensing units can be ordered with either R-404A or R-448A, with remote condensing units utilizing R-404A available for shipment by April 1, 2018.

Future Considerations for Refrigerant Regulations

This change does not phase out R-448A or any of the lower GWP refrigerants approved by SNAP. Customers may want to order R-448A or other lower GWP refrigerants in preparation for any future regulations. For example, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed legislation to implement SNAP Rule 20 in September 2018 for the state of California. It is possible that other states will make similar rulings. Therefore, lower GWP refrigerants may still be the best option for many customers. Customers need to evaluate which refrigerant will be best for their situation.

Contact Information

For further information, contact Zero Zone at 800-247-4496 and ask for our Department of Regulatory Compliance and Refrigeration Technology. This message is informational only, and customers should review national and local laws and regulations to ensure compliance.

By focusing on refrigerant regulations, this text aims to provide clarity on the changes and future considerations for customers in the refrigeration industry.

Let’s take a little vacation. Picture yourself on the beach with a can of your favorite cola in hand. The soda is ice cold, but the outside air is sunny and 75°F. The problem? Your hand is soaked with condensation from the can, causing you to hunt for the nearest koozie.

The same problem can occur with your reach in coolers. Warm air in the building mixes with the cool air inside the case and causes condensation buildup on your display case doors. Foggy display cases can decrease your sales if customers cannot see the products inside. You can’t afford to miss any potential sales opportunities, whether impulsive or not. Here are a few common issues that may cause door condensation in your reach in refrigerator and what you can do to minimize it.

Power Supply

A common cause of door condensation in a reach in refrigerator is insufficient incoming voltage and amperage. Check that the amperage input matches the numbers on the display case data plate. Without proper electrical input, components like the case anti-condensate heater will not operate at full capacity, causing condensation buildup. The reach in refrigerator should receive a minimum of 115V for full operation. If the voltage is sufficient but the amperage is low, you may need to replace a burned-out heater with a new heater.

Store and Surface Temperature

The surface temperature of your commercial refrigerator door, particularly in a reach in refrigerator setup, must be greater than the dew points temperature of your store. The surface temperature of your reach in refrigerator, should be 58°F or more in a standard 75°F room. Case door temperatures may be too cold as a result of gasket, insulation, or cabinet air complications. Sweating may occur if your store dew point rises above that 58°F. Increasing air conditioning usage may decrease room temperature, but not necessarily decrease room humidity. Have your HVAC technician install or check your store dehumidification system to help remove excess moisture in the air, especially important for maintaining optimal conditions within your reach in cooler.

Interior Case Temperature

Another factor that may cause door sweating in your reach in refrigerator is interior case temperatures. For ice cream products, a case colder than -15°F can cause sweating. Frozen food products stored at temperatures colder than -10°F may also risk sweating unnecessarily in your reach in cooler. Talk to your technician about adjusting your temperatures if your case temperatures are not above these minimum recommendations.

These are just a few reasons for condensation occurring on your reach in cooler doors; there could be other explanations. If you cannot identify the cause of the condensation, we recommend talking to your technician or contact us. And then take that vacation with your cold drink in hand.

Hey Food Retailers! We are excited to announce that our new Technology Center is open and ready for visitors! We now have 24,000 square feet of showroom and lab testing space that you can tour. The virtual supermarket showroom features both Zero Zone reach-in and open multi-deck cases, and the refrigeration systems showroom features our Edge™ XT exterior distributed system. And don’t forget about the state-of-the-art DOE Research & Development labs; they are very impressive!

“Peas” contact your local Zero Zone Sales Representative TODAY and “lettuce” take you on a personalized tour of the Zero Zone Technology Center! You’ll be “berry” glad you did.

Zero Zone Technology Center – The Inspiration Experience

Elevate your product presentation and captivate your customers with the Zero Zone Highlight Merchandiser®, a premium reach in refrigerator solution designed to maximize visibility and drive sales. This isn’t just another refrigerated food display case; it’s a meticulously engineered showcase that transforms your merchandise into a visual spectacle. As highlighted in our Product Spotlight video, the Highlight Merchandiser® boasts taller doors, featuring an impressive five additional inches of glass. This seemingly small enhancement delivers a significant impact, providing shoppers with an unparalleled, expansive view of your refrigerated offerings.

The increased glass surface of this reach in refrigerator translates to enhanced product visibility, allowing customers to easily browse and select items. This feature is particularly crucial for maximizing the visual appeal of fresh produce, dairy products, and other refrigerated goods. The Highlight Merchandiser® is designed to make your products the star of the show, effectively drawing attention and encouraging impulse purchases.

Zero Zone understands the importance of creating visually engaging refrigerated food display case environments. That’s why the Highlight Merchandiser® is crafted with precision and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics. The taller doors not only enhance visibility but also contribute to a sleek and modern design that complements any retail setting.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Highlight Merchandiser® prioritizes energy efficiency and performance. Zero Zone’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the design of this reach in refrigerator, which incorporates advanced technology to optimize cooling performance while minimizing energy consumption. Retailers can confidently rely on the Highlight Merchandiser® to maintain consistent temperatures and preserve the freshness of their products, ensuring customer satisfaction and reducing waste.

The Highlight Merchandiser® is more than just a reach in refrigerator; it’s a strategic investment in your business. By maximizing product visibility and creating an inviting shopping experience, this display case helps you drive sales and enhance your brand image.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Highlight Merchandiser®‘s features and benefits, we encourage you to watch our Product Spotlight video. This video provides a detailed overview of the display case’s design, functionality, and performance. Additionally, you can find detailed information, product literature, and spec sheets on the Highlight Merchandiser® product page on our website, empowering you to make an informed decision and optimize your refrigerated food display case strategy