Clueing up on Climate Class
With Energy labels now mandatory on many types of commercial refrigeration equipment, it is vital to ensure that the refrigeration system chosen is suitable for its environmental needs. Climate Class has become an important measurement in determining whether a product will suit the desired objective. It indicates the limits of temperature and humidity that the refrigerator will work in most efficiently. Why should we pay attention to Climate Class? Climate Class ratings are given as a result of rigorous testing whereby the unit in question is filled with a particular product, while the outside temperature is heated up. For the unit to pass, it needs to remain below a specific temperature for the duration of the test. The letter on the energy performance label is determined by the amount of energy consumed during a successful test. The less energy the unit consumes, the more energy efficient it is deemed to be. This can run from A*** as the most efficient, all the way down to G as the least efficient. The maximum Climate Class rating a refrigerator can receive is 5, with most new commercial equipment models now achieving a rating of 4 or 5. To reach a Climate Class 4 rating, the unit has to maintain the required temperatures of the internal product at an external 30 °C / 55% Relative Humidity. To achieve the maximum rating of 5, the unit needs to achieve the same objective, however with increased external heat and humidity of 40 °C / 40%. Importance of choosing the correct equipment Like with any important purchase, time needs to be spent ensuring that the item will be fit for purpose. With refrigerators, if the Climate Class rating is not high enough for the storage temperatures it is intended for, then there is a very real risk of food wastage. This is why the Climate Class ratings need to be understood, as it will ensure maximum efficiency for both fresh produce and energy consumption. It is also worth noting how the refrigerator is being loaded, to ensure that airflow is not being restricted. Without a clear airflow system, there could be temperature control issues which can lead to more food wastage. Whilst all our machines are designed and manufactured to the highest quality, you should be regularly maintaining them to ensure there are no damages created during use. Should the internal gaskets on the door get damaged it could cause an air leak which can lead to rising temperatures and cause the food to spoil. Hoshizaki’s promise Hoshizaki have placed reliability, durability and energy efficiency at the centre of our design process ever since we were first founded in Japan over 70 years ago. Providing only the very highest quality refrigeration products, Hoshizaki can comfortably claim to be the most reliable and efficient choice that your business can make from a refrigeration/ice front.
