"The staff is very courteous and friendly and always make me feel important whenever I call to obtain services. I would highly recommend the services of Refrigeration Systems."

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Residential
Commercial
Ductless Air Conditioning
Emergency On-Call Services
Convenience Store Services
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Emergency On-Call Maintenance Services...

Refrigeration Systems offers emergency maintenance services for system and equipment failure that just can't wait for scheduled maintenance service. We at Refrigeration Systems understand that a refrigeration or HVAC failure can cost you thousands of dollars in lost revenue and spoilage of perishable products. For immediate emergency maintenance service... call 703-369-1808 and tell the operator you saw our web page and need immediate service.

Periodic Preventive Maintenance Services...

Refrigeration Systems offers a comprehensive periodic preventive maintenances services. Preventive maintenance significantly reduces the energy required for daily operation of a convenience store. It also extends the useful life of refrigeration, HVAC, lighting and other equipment because system and equipment components don't run as long thus reducing the amount of normal wear and tear and, extending the life of components. Preventive maintenance also dramatically reduces Emergency Maintenance Service call and risk of loss of revenue and product spoilage that can result from equipment failure. Refrigeration Systems offers a full line of preventive maintenance services including...

Air Ducts and Air Flow - Indoor air quality and temperature are affected by indoor air flow and how clean the indoor air circulation system is.

  • Air Ducts - Refrigeration Systems inspects and cleans all air ducts for more energy efficient HVAC operation and to improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
  • Air Flow Efficiency - Refrigeration Systems also checks the building for uniform temperature and proper air flow. Any obstructions, stock or displays preventing proper air flow are removed. Worn out or broken duct seals, joints, vents, fans, etc. are repaired or replaced as necessary.

Backup Power - When power is lost a convenience store is "out of business" until power is restored.

  • UPS Backup Power - In the industry, most stores have UPS (battery) units for cash registers so that customers can be checked out, sales data saved and cash registers powered down properly. Refrigeration Systems will test UPS units, test batteries and replace batteries that are marginal. Batteries typically need to be replaced every three to five years.
  • Backup Generator - Convenience Stores with a backup power source can stay open when power is lost. This can be a great competitive advantage. A backup generator also protects the store form the risk of loss of perishable items that will spoil if electricity is lost for any significant amount of time.

Building Integrity - According to the Environmental Protection Agency almost 30% of a typical store's heating and cooling energy literally leaks out of the building annually. Case studies on energy savings for convenience stores have demonstrated that the small investment required to seal and insulate a building envelope is usually recovers in months through energy savings.

  • Inspection - Refrigeration Systems conducts a comprehensive inspection of the building envelope to determine if energy is being wasted through cracks, holes, lack of proper insulation and/or inadequate or missing door and window seals
  • Condensation - Condensation in the building envelope is energy inefficient because it causes the HVAC system to run more frequently to reduce the relative humidity inside the store. It also can lead to poor Indoor Air Quality which can cause customers to shop elsewhere. Refrigeration Systems will inspect the building, systems and equipment for excess outside air penetrating the building envelope, lack of a building moisture barrier, sweaty equipment, frost on equipment, mold, mildew, drip stains, dripping water, leaks, odors, wall leaks and sagging ceiling tiles that are signs of moisture problems that increase your energy costs and cause indoor air quality problems. After the inspection Refrigeration Systems will provide a report of any problems found and the recommended solution(s). According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moisture related structural damage to a convenience store can cost tens of thousands of dollars in repairs, maintenance costs and lost revenue each year. It is more cost effective to correct moisture related problems as soon as they are found.
  • Checklist - Refrigeration Systems provides a detailed checklist of items inspected and recommendations for reducing energy lost through the building envelope. Stopping air leaks and energy loss is usually a very low or no cost remedy with a very quick payback. When possible, insulate to R 30 for ceilings and R 11 for walls.
  • Heat Buildup - To prevent product fading and heat buildup, non glare window film should be used on windows that receive direct sunlight.

Coolers, Refrigerators and Freezers - According to the Environmental Protection Agency 39% of the amount spent by the typical store for energy is spent on refrigeration. The agency and numerous studies by industry experts have found that significant savings can be achieved through scheduled preventive maintenance which reduces the amount of energy required for a store's refrigeration systems. Additional savings can be achieved by implementing cost saving techniques, including some that have payback periods as short as three months.

  • Air Flow - Refrigeration Systems inspects each case to determine if interior air flow is keeping all products cooled to the temperature the unit is set at. When air flow is restricted you run the risk of product loss if the temperature of perishable products falls below the level required to prevent spoilage. If air flow is not adequate, Refrigeration Systems will determine the problem (broken internal fan or product blocking air flow, for example) and make the required repair or change in how product is displayed so that air flows correctly throughout the unit.
  • Blowers - Refrigeration Systems inspects, tests and services all blowers to minimize energy cost, maximize their useful life and to make sure they are functioning properly.
  • Compressor Ventilation - Refrigeration Systems has found that energy cost can be minimized by taking advantage of the heat generated by the compressors in the store. In the winter the heat generated helps heat the store. In warm months energy can be saved by ventilating compressor heat to the outdoors. If your not already doing this to reduce your summer energy bills, Refrigeration Systems can provide the custom duct work to do this for you.
  • Condensation and Door Warmers - In many stores condensation forms on the inside of glass display doors. When this happens customers can not see the product in the case and they open the door long enough to see what products are available. This lets cold air escape and hot air in driving up energy consumption cost. To eliminate condensation on display door glass replacing worn door seals and installing door warmers have been found to be effective. According to published reports door warmers can save a store as much as $2,500 a year in energy savings. When door warmers are installed evaporator fans use 35% to 45% less electricity, run less frequently and have a longer useful life. If your cases have door warmers (aka anti-sweat heaters), Refrigeration Systems will inspect the doors for heat buildup and adjust the door warmers to only cycle on as much as is necessary, saving energy. If your store does not have door warmers and there is condensation on the inside of your display case glass, Refrigeration Systems will replace worn or missing door seals and recommend an anti-condensation solution for your cases.
  • Condenser Coils - Refrigeration Systems will inspect and clean refrigeration system condenser coils to ensure energy efficient operation. Refrigeration condenser coils must be cleaned periodically to remove dust, dirt and critters which reduce the energy efficiency of the unit.
  • Defrosting - Refrigeration Systems recommends setting your freezers to defrost on demand instead on on a periodic timed basis. On demand defrosting is almost always more energy efficient because you are not defrosting the unit when there is no requirement to do so.
  • Display Case Shields - Refrigeration Systems can provide high tech thermal shields for your coolers and refrigerators that reduce energy consumption when your store is closed by saving the energy lost through the display case glass. These shields increase the shelf life of perishable products, extend the life of your HVAC and refrigeration systems and save on energy cost by reducing compressor operation and HVAC load. Many Convenience Stores find these shields pay for themselves in as little as three months.
  • Door Seals - Refrigeration Systems has found that worn or faulty display case door seals are a leading cause of increased energy cost and product spoilage. Faulty seals waste energy, fog glass and when a customer can't see the product, he or she opens the door to see the contents, letting in hot air and costing you more money for energy because the case must run longer to keep your products cool. To save you money on energy and extend the useful life of your refrigeration equipment, Refrigeration Systems inspects all case seals and when necessary replaces worn or missing door seals that leak.
  • Drains - Refrigeration drains must be kept clean and open to prevent moisture buildup, mold, mildew and other problems that cause Indoor Air Quality problems. If drains are blocked and ice forms energy cost go through the roof as refrigeration systems run non-stop trying to defrost the ice. Refrigeration Systems inspects and cleans drains to reduce your energy cost, extend the useful life of your refrigeration equipment and to improve the Indoor Air Quality in your store.
  • Evaporator Fans - Electronic controls can automatically turn off the evaporator fans when the cooler's compressors are not running. This saves energy since the fans do not, as is often the case, run continuously. When fan motors run they create heat which causes the compressor to work harder to remove heat. Less heat from the fan motors means the compressor does not have to run as much and energy is saved.
  • Lighting - Customers open display case doors more often and keep them open significantly longer when lighting in and around cases is inadequate. Refrigeration Systems will inspect your display case lighting and when necessary recommend replacing the fixtures and/or bulbs inside your display cases with new technology lighting which is usually brighter and more energy efficient. Customers also open display cases to see what is inside the case when the lighting above the display case is weak and it is difficult to see product through the refrigerator case doors. When lighting outside of the case is weak, Refrigeration Systems will recommend installation of newer more energy efficient fixtures and/or bulbs. To save on energy, display case lights should be off when the store is closed.
  • Miser Upgrades - Energy saving "Miser" upgrades are available for some vending machines and coolers. These upgrade packages reduce energy use by as much as 46% and have a payback of less than a year.
  • Open Cases - Open display cases (without doors) are a convenient way to display products for customers on the run. These cases require more energy and cost more to operate because you are always losing cold air to the environment. To operate as efficiently as they can, the fans, coils and grillwork of these units must be kept in "new" condition. Refrigeration System will service all of these components to keep your open air display cases as close to original operating condition as possible. Refrigeration Systems will also inspect the product displayed in these units to make sure it does not hinder proper air flow resulting in higher energy costs and/or a greater risk of product spoilage. When the store is closed display case shields should be used to save energy and to protect perishable products from premature spoilage.
  • Preventive Maintenance - Refrigeration Systems Preventive Maintenance Service includes routine cleaning, adjusting and maintenance services on all refrigeration system components for the most energy efficient operation. Schedules periodic service reduces energy consumption, extends refrigeration system component life and drastically reduces the risk of a refrigeration system failure that results in the lose of perishable products top spoilage.
  • Scanning Service - Refrigeration Systems offers an optional infrared scanning service that can identify hot and cold spots in your refrigeration system, HVAC system and building envelope. This service is for convenience stores that want to save money on energy, reduce the risk of perishable product spoilage and avoid potential problems that can affect Indoor Air Quality.
  • Temperature Alarms - Refrigeration Systems understands that maintaining the correct operating temperature in cases is of critical importance, since cases frequently have $3,000 to $6,000 or more in perishable products that must be written off if the product becomes spoiled. Modern temperature alarm systems can be used to monitor the temperature of your refrigeration equipment and how often compressors, fans, etc. are running. These systems can report variances in temperature and how frequently equipment is running. Equipment runs too longer when their is a problem that requires service. Equipment that fails and is not running is immediately reported as an emergency alarm that requires immediate action to avoid spoilage of perishable products. If your refrigeration equipment has a temperature alarm system, Refrigeration Systems will check to make sure it is functioning correctly. If your refrigeration equipment does not have a temperature alarm system Refrigeration Systems can provide information on a temperature alarm system that will help safeguard your business from excess energy usage or having to write off thousands of dollars in perishable products because of a simple refrigeration system failure.
  • Temperature Audit - The contents of display cases are always changing as new products are being introduced and what is displayed in individual cases is changed over time. While most cases are set at the correct temperature for the product being displayed, Refrigeration Systems has found cases where the temperature required for the product is either higher or lower than the actual case temperature. When the case temperature is higher than the temperature required for perishable products there is risk of spoilage. When the case temperature is lower than the temperature required for perishable products energy cost are higher than they need to be. Refrigeration Systems will check the temperature required for the products in your refrigeration cases and notify you if the actual case temperature is higher or lower than required.

HVAC System - According to the Environmental Protection Agency 24% of the amount spent by the typical store for energy is spent on the Heating, Ventilation and the Air Conditioning system.

  • Capacity of HVAC System - One of the most critical elements in controlling energy costs is having the best possible system to heat and cool the store while also preventing excess moisture accumulation. In convenience stores in older buildings the HVAC system is often found to be over sized causing excess moisture problems due to very frequent on and off cycling that leaves the store feeling cold and clammy. Refrigeration Systems will inspect the HVAC system to determine if it is the correct size and has the correct features to provide optimum comfort with the lowest possible cost of ownership.
  • Condenser Coils - Refrigeration Systems will inspect and clean the HVAC system condenser coils to ensure energy efficient operation. Outside condenser units are inspected and cleaned, as necessary, to remove dust, dirt, critters, pollen, grass, clipping and leaves which reduce the energy efficiency of the unit. This cleaning includes combing of the fins and washing the coils, as necessary, to keep the unit operating at peak efficiency.
  • Drains - HVAC system drains must function properly to remove excess humidity and to prevent the growth of potentially dangerous bacteria. HVAC drains that do not function correctly can cause an ice dam that results in the system running more frequently increasing energy costs.
  • Economizers - Convenience stores can save on energy cost by installing an economizer which brings in free cool outside air when outdoor temperatures and humidity are low. If you have an economizer, Refrigeration Systems will inspect and maintain the unit so that it will provide the greatest possible energy savings. If you do not have an economizer, but are interested in the potential benefits Refrigeration Systems can provide you with information on a system to meet your requirements.
  • Electronic Air Cleaners and Filters - Air cleaners or filters keep your HVAC system clean and operating at peak efficiency. To function properly Refrigeration Systems will clean your electronic air cleaner or replace your filters according to a schedule which best meets your building and system requirements. Proper clean of an electronic air cleaning system or replacing filers will not only minimize energy costs but will also improve the Indoor Air Quality of your store. For convenience stores interested in the best indoor air quality, an electronic air cleaner is 40 times more efficient than a standard throwaway air filter. Refrigeration Systems can provide you with information on various filtering options and the cost of ownership of each.
  • Indoor Air Quality - The optimum IAQ can reduce operating costs, lower energy consumption and improve customer and employee satisfaction with the environment. Refrigeration Systems will inspect the store for Indoor Air Quality and provide a checklist of any problems found, along with any recommended action. Indoor Air Quality problems have been found to increase operating cost, drive up energy costs and prompt customers to shop elsewhere.
  • Programmable Thermostats and Settings - Unless other limits are established by the customer, all programmable HVAC thermostats are set for 74 degrees F for cooling and 66 degrees F for heat during the hours the store is open. When the store is closed these temperatures are set back an additional 5 degrees to save on energy cost. For every degree the temperature is setback for 8 hours there is a 1% savings in the cost of operating a store's HVAC unit for those 8 hours. For comfort, HVAC industry experts recommend maintaining a relative humidity of between 40 and 60 percent. Refrigeration System tests the humidity level in every area of the store including store rooms, restrooms, office areas to insure uniform store humidity and air flow.
  • Ventilating Fans - To save on energy cost and to increase the useful life of HVAC system components, ventilating fans should be used to vent heat accumulated within the building to the outdoors when the air conditioning system is operating.

Lighting - According to the Environmental Protection Agency 23% of the amount spent by the typical store for energy is spent on lighting. Lighting technology has made significant advances in the last 3 years and convenience stores can save as much as 90% of the energy required for older technology lighting. Among the many improvements now available are:

  • CFL Bulbs - Compact Fluorescent Lamps are the same size as standard incandescent light bulbs, but provide more light and last 10 to 15 times longer. Energy efficient CFL bulbs are 4 to 7 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs and save up to 75% of the energy required for lighting. A typical incandescent bulb provides 15 to 20 lumens per watt while an energy efficient CFL bulb provides 60 to 100 lumens per watt.
  • Dimmer Technology - The amount of light required at any given time in a convenience store will vary if the store benefits from natural sunlight during the day. In stores that benefit from natural sunlight automated dimmers can be effectively used to adjust the brightness of light fixtures to the level required. Dimmers reduce energy consumption, reduce the output of incandescent and fluorescent lamps, and significantly increase the service life of incandescent bulbs. Special dimming ballasts and fixtures that do not reduce efficiency are required for fluorescent lights.
  • Halogen Bulbs - These newer technology bulbs are more expensive than standard incandescent bulbs, but provide significantly better light output than incandescent bulbs.
  • Occupancy Sensors - Occupancy sensors activate lights, restroom exhaust fans and other devices when an area is occupied and then turn off the lights after the person has left. These sensors are most effective is areas that are not always occupied like restrooms, storage rooms, walk in freezers, receiving docks, etc.
  • Photocell Technology - Convenience stores can save a significant amount of energy from modern light fixtures that use photocells to turn lights on and off in response to natural light levels. Photocells can, for example, switch outdoor lights and electric signs on at dusk and off at dawn.
  • Service - Refrigeration Systems will survey the store's lighting and recommend any changes to the store's lighting that will reduce energy costs, extend the useful life of lighting fixtures and/or improve the lighting level for customers.
  • Timers - Timers can be used to turn off all lights that should be off when the store is closed. This saves energy and avoids the possibility than an employee may leave some lights on in error.

Settings - Sensors and controls on all refrigeration, HVAC, lighting and other systems and equipment must by set and functioning correctly to minimize energy cost, reduce the risk of product spoilage, increase the useful life of components, and improve Indoor Air Quality. Refrigeration Systems inspects all automated sensors and controls on Refrigeration, HVAC and lighting systems, as well as sensors and controls on other equipment. Settings are corrected when necessary, and sensors and controls that are not functioning correctly are repaired or replaced.

  • Digital Demand Controllers (DDC) - A digital demand controller saves on energy and increases component useful life by regulating when major in-store equipment runs. It uses sensors to monitor in store equipment and determine when each component needs to run, at what setting and for how long. It also has the capability to send an alarm whenever equipment is either not functioning correctly or is down. This feature helps prevent the loss of perishable products to spoilage.

Other Items Serviced - Refrigeration Systems also provides service for a wide range of other equipment found in convenience stores including...

  • Ceiling Fans
  • Commercial Fryers
  • Dehumidification systems
  • Dishwashers
  • Exit Signs
  • Freezie Machines
  • Hot Food Holding Cabinets
  • Steam Cookers (Compartment Cookers)
  • Vending Machines
  • Water Heaters (recommended setting by EPA to save energy is 105 degrees F)

Helpful Hints

  • Drip Pans - Promptly empty drip pans to keep energy cost down and to eliminate mold, mildew and other problems caused by excess condensation.
  • Leaks - Promptly clean up leaks to keep energy cost down and to eliminate problems caused by excess condensation
  • Open Doors and Windows - The HVAC system is designed to work most efficiently with the doors and windows closed. When doors and windows are open the HVAC system must work harder to maintain optimum humidity, uniform temperature and to filter dirt, dust and other particles from the air. When the doors and windows are open the HVAC system requires more energy to maintain temperature, humidity and healthy Indoor Air Quality.
  • Spills - Promptly clean up spills to keep energy cost down and to eliminate problems caused by excess condensation
  • Water Reservoirs - Promptly empty water reservoirs to keep energy cost down and to eliminate mold, mildew and other problems caused by excess condensation

 

Serving the Mid-Atlantic since 1988.