Once in a while, you will need to buy a new refrigeration system. The most important thing to remember is that the ‘lifetime cost’ of the system you are buying is just as relevant as the purchase price.

Whatever you do, don’t simply replace 'like-for-like'.

There are advancements being made in energy efficiency all the time, and these could save you a large amount of money over the lifetime of a refrigeration system. Before you choose a system, make sure you take the following factors into account.

• Buy new

  New products generally cost more to buy than second-hand ones. But they are also more energy efficient and will have lower running costs. If you have to buy used equipment, then make sure it’s in good condition and has been well maintained.

• Lifetime costs

  The most important thing to remember when buying a new refrigeration system is that it’s not only about the purchase price – it’s also about running costs.The cost of running a refrigeration system over its lifetime is usually several times its initial purchase price. So, compare how much energy different units/systems will use before making a decision.

• Access, installation and commissioning

  The way a system is installed is important. A clean, leak-tight system with minimum pipeline pressure drop will be both energy efficient and reliable. You’ll need good access to your equipment for installation, maintenance and servicing.  Also, the commissioning process has a big impact on how efficiently a system runs. It must be pressure tested and evacuated to ensure it is safe, leak-tight, clean and dry. It must then be correctly charged to operate efficiently. Controls should be set so that the evaporating temperature is as high as possible and the condensing temperature as low as possible. Climate Coolings engineers are all fully trained to ensure all the above extremely important steps are carried out as a standard part of our installation process.

You may want to request any of the following energy saving features:

• Low-power lights
• These offer energy savings, for example LEDs in refrigerated cabinets reduce the energy used by lighting by up to 66%.
• High-efficiency fan motors
• These can provide energy savings. For example, EC evaporator fan motors use 67% less energy than standard AC types .
• Strip curtains
• Curtains or night blinds can reduce unwanted out-of-hours wastage. Strip curtains can save up to 30% of the energy used by an open fronted display case.
• Tax breaks

  The Energy Technology List gives the details of approved energy efficient products.

  These products may also qualify you for a tax break. Purchases of certain energy saving technologies are eligible for Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) tax relief: