As energy costs rise, regulations evolve, and consumer demand for environmentally friendly solutions increases, evaluating your current commercial or industrial refrigeration system for a potential upgrade increases in importance. When considering an upgrade, several factors – such as the current condition of your equipment, maintenance costs, energy efficiency, and refrigerant type must be evaluated. Each of these factors play a role in determining the cost effectiveness of an upgrade.
Now that we have crossed into 2025, the first restrictions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act are now in effect. The AIM Act of 2020 allows the EPA to restrict the production, import, and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFC refrigerants have a high global warming potential (GWP) and are being phased down by 85% through 2035.
The Refrigerants allowed by the AIM Act are not direct substitutes for HFC refrigerants. Refrigeration systems require different components, piping and programming with each refrigerant. The performance of refrigeration systems is influenced by the external ambient temperatures.
Equipment installed before restrictions go into effect are allowed to maintain operation throughout their useful life. This includes service, parts, and refrigerant. However, the availability of each is dependent on the manufacturer.
Retrofitted equipment and new installations have their own regulations and definitions. Retrofitted equipment, replacing at least 75% or more of the evaporators and 100% of the compressor racks, condensers, and connected evaporator loads of an existing system, will need to follow the restrictions for a new installation. For more information on the AIM Act and state regulations, visit our Refrigerant Regulations webpage.
Refrigerated and Frozen Foods published an article by John Collins, the Zero Zone Director of Industrial Sales. This article explores several factors that need to be considered before upgrading your industrial or commercial refrigeration system. Refrigeration systems are among the most energy-intensive systems in operation; upgrading them can significantly increase their energy efficiency and reduce operational costs. To view the article, follow this link: https://www.refrigeratedfrozenfood.com/articles/103074-cost-of-ownership-how-refrigeration-upgrades-impact-energy-efficiency.
Sustainable business practices are rapidly gaining priority as rising energy costs, evolving regulations and increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly solutions drive change. In the refrigeration industry, the choice of refrigerant directly affects both energy costs and regulatory compliance. This blog will explore the advantages and disadvantages of low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants; Natural and Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO).
The Hybrid™ merchandiser provides the flexibility of a self-contained display case while maintaining the durability and sales capability of those in large supermarkets. Each Hybrid™ merchandiser inherits the traits of its remote counterpart and has all the necessary refrigeration components mounted on top of the display case. These cases require minimal effort to install. After connecting the remote condensing unit to the display case, they are ready to be energized for operation. With medium- and low-temperature options, you can display beverage, bakery, dairy, deli, floral, frozen food, meat, produce, or seafood products in an environment that will keep them fresh.
Zero Zone Hybrid™ merchandisers provide benefits for a store of any size. They allow small format stores to effectively and efficiently use their floorspace for merchandising products rather than taking up valuable real estate for the refrigeration system. Large format retailers can add a Hybrid™ merchandiser to the sales floor without increasing the installed system’s load or the need for additional refrigeration piping.
A walk-in cooler turns into an oasis during the summer months. While this may bring you relief, it adds stress to your commercial or industrial refrigeration system. The efficiency of any refrigeration system drops as the ambient temperature increases. Pressure within the system also increases, putting strain on the entire system. For areas with warmer climates, this happens for a longer period of time during the year. There are many ways to mitigate stress and heat in your system, but which one works best for your application?
The Highlight Merchandiser® is a durable display case with classic charm. This workhorse offers a generous packout and a spectacular, full view of your product. Whether it’s protecting your frozen food, ice cream, beverage, dairy, deli, meat, ice, or produce, the Highlight Merchandiser® is up to the task.
Zero Zone reliability has built a trust with customers across North America. This trust grew from our small town in Wisconsin by selling to local retailers, such as Webster’s Marketplace. When Webster’s Marketplace expands, they choose Zero Zone for their display cases. DuWayne Wichman, one of the store directors, has said in an interview, “I can’t say enough good things about [Zero Zone display cases].” Inside Webster’s Marketplace, you’ll find Zero Zone display cases in operation from 1984, 2005, 2015, 2017, and 2024.
The Reveal Merchandiser® matches the diversity of your product with a variety of features. It has options for beverages, dairy, deli, meat, and produce. The multitude of lighting, shelf, and accessory options put you in control of creative merchandising. Read on to learn more about how you can “deck” out a Zero Zone Reveal Merchandiser®.
The Lineup
Before we can accessorize a display case, we have to know what we are working with. Zero Zone has four models for the Reveal Merchandiser® display case.
The Zero Zone Crystal Merchandiser® is more than a display case to keep your products cold, it is used to show off your product’s best features. The Crystal Merchandiser® is best used for floral displays, produce, dairy, deli, wine, beverages, ice cream, and frozen foods. The versatility of the Crystal Merchandiser® does not end with what can be displayed, but how its contents can be displayed.