Archives

Specialty Food producer earns SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification with ease and compliments thanks to KE2Therm Solutions

Specialty Food producer earns SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification with ease and compliments thanks to KE2Therm Solutions

We recently sat down with one of our clients to hear more about how much easier life has gotten thanks to the efficiencies created by updated refrigeration control and monitoring equipment throughout multiple facilities.

 

What prompted the search for a new solution? 

While evaluating all their facilities to determine opportunities to make them more efficient and productive, the company discovered a mix of older and newer equipment. While the facility functioned alright day to day, their aspirations to move into eCommerce and whole fulfillment and production required them to earn their SQF certification. This new certification, on top of their existing NSF certification, required stricter records to demonstrate their compliance. SQF is part of GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative). The FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) law now requires compliance of Food Safety regulations. 

An interesting side note, the first monitoring and measurement requirement for the food industry (Hazard Analysis Critical Control point or HACCP) was introduced in the 1960’s by NASA and Pillsbury. This program was developed to ensure food safety requirements were met for the NASA space exploration program.

A critical control point in any refrigeration system, temperature, is now managed with constant monitoring and trending. 

Meeting food safety requirements is very important as most people don’t realize that over 3,000 people die in the US annually from food borne illnesses that could have been prevented. That’s 10-15 people a day!

 

What requirements must be in place to achieve the SQF certification? 

In short, they needed a more reliable way to establish cold chain custody. This means that you need a continuous record of each minute a product spent in your facility, from the time you take delivery of that product to the moment it ships from your facility. Food Safety adheres to the most stringent requirements.

 

What gaps existed in their current approach that wouldn’t allow for the SQF certification?

Continuous, documented temperature verification was a must have. Their current approach involved manual audits and record keeping which wasn’t quite sufficient for an easy SQF certification. 

Furthermore, the sheer size and scope of the operation compounded the complexity of the ability to maintain all of these facilities sufficiently. 

 

Enter – KE2Therm Solutions

Having been introduced to this client through their refrigeration distributing partner, KE2Therm impressed them with their level of accuracy applied to both the precise refrigeration control, and automated monitoring and reporting. What once took a team of people many hours to monitor a huge mix of multi-zone new and old equipment, including weekend audits, became an instantaneous report with a nearly limitless series of audits from real-time monitoring. 

 

The result of partnering with KE2Therm Solutions

The SQF Certification organization – EAGLE Food Registrations, Inc. was so impressed with the accountability established with KE2Therm’s technology that the temperature recording portion of the SQF audit was quickly accepted at the facility. Our client was able to log into KE2Therm’s dashboard and pull up the KE2 Smart Access portal, select any date range and show the auditor this beautiful graph. The auditor was so impressed by the speed and ease in order to conveniently access this accurate information. In subsequent audits, this company is able to quickly provide detailed temperature information to easily pass through this phase of the audit.

 

From the National Facility Manager – What impressed you about KE2Therm? 

There are several factors that I continue to be impressed by: 

 

  • Easy installation in systems new or old. 
  • Energy savings – so much smarter than the “old way” of doing things.
  • The simplicity and ease-of-use of this more sophisticated system. 
  • Remote monitoring is great. KE2Therm overdelivers across the board. It saves my team and I from having to make weekend audits, and also alerts us of any issues so that we can immediately respond instead of coming in to find an entire section of ruined product.
  • The Dependability and tech support is by far second to none. 
Download this pdf
TCO-Equipment

Refrigeration Technology Lowers Your Total Cost of Ownership When Installing New Equipment

Refrigeration Technology Lowers Your Total Cost of Ownership When Installing New Equipment

Let’s break down the savings 

The question remains: is spending a little bit more for refrigeration technology worth it or not? 

While it adds some cost initially, let’s calculate how much it saves you. 

In this post we’re going to show you the fantastic savings that you get with the right solution. 

 

Why Now Is The Right Time To Consider Refrigeration Technology

It’s getting harder to run refrigeration equipment efficiently today. 

In addition to the increasing electricity and service costs of operating refrigeration equipment, many applications are also prone to excessive frost build up, icing and other issues. These typical issues are further compounded by strained supply chains and the fact that service technicians are becoming increasingly scarce. When an issue that requires service tech attention arises, it’s hard to say how long you could be waiting. In some cases it’s days, if not weeks before your issue can be resolved. 

The longer your system is not working properly, the more likely your inventory is to go to waste, or worse, your establishment can’t operate and must close until the issue is resolved. 

Furthermore, even if your system is functioning properly, that doesn’t mean it’s running efficiently. Right now, energy prices are soaring so a more efficient system means more money directly into your pocket. Without the right control and monitoring system though, it’s difficult to determine what adjustments to make in order for your system to operate more efficiently. 

What’s the easiest way to avoid these issues and put more money back in your pocket? Leverage the right control and monitoring solution to help your system run more efficiently and detect issues instantly. 

 

With The Right Solution, The Benefits Are Clear

Overall, upgrading your refrigeration system will save you money and increase the return on your investment by mitigating the following issues that arise with new or existing equipment utilizing outdated refrigeration controls:

  • Energy usage is reduced with adaptive refrigeration controls 
  • Real time monitoring of system operation allows for proactive, actionable alerts
  • Less money spent and time wasted on maintenance, parts, & service calls
  • Less inventory wasted when you can respond to outages immediately vs hours later
  • Industry shortage of service technicians affects you much less 
  • Less downtime and outages – don’t be forced to close or not sell your product
  • Second-to-none service & support keeps your system running, when choosing KE2Therm Solutions for your refrigeration control and monitoring system 

 

Comparing The Costs of a New Walk-in Freezer Or Cooler with New Technology vs Old Technology

Typical 10’ x 12’ walk-in freezer

With KE2Therm Solutions

With The Usual Approach

Walk-in freezer materials & installation cost

$25,000

$25,000

Refrigeration system net cost (controller less reduced labor)

+$600 

$0

Energy Usage Savings (per month? year?) $0.10/kWh

-$50/month

-$600/year

$0

Maintenance parts & service

$0

$300+ / year

Inventory wasted (cost) /

Outages and closures 

$0

$500+ per year average (multiple walk-ins per end user)

Industry service tech shortage impact / Service response time

Reduction of overtime service costs

$0

Overtime costs +$50/hour for emergency calls, average 2 calls, extra 2 hours per call ($200)

(icing impact?) Service related calls for icing issues

$0

$1,500+
(quote from fast food franchise)

TCO in the first year

$0

$2,500 

Yearly ROI after the first year

Earn $600 per year

Costs you $2,500 per year

Peace of mind refrigeration

Priceless

Sleepless

 

Here’s The Bottom Line

If you consider the typical 10’ x 12’ walk-in freezer will run around $25,000 with installation, a one-time $600 dollar cost quickly pays itself back, especially if you consider a $3,100 per year cost differential:

  • Earn $600 per year with the right control and monitoring solution (thanks to less energy usage)
  • Spend $2,500 per year without the right control and monitoring solution 

Have questions about your current system or an upcoming project? Reach out to KE2Therm Solutions to discuss your best options.

Download this pdf
TCO-Retrofit

Refrigeration Technology Lowers Your Total Cost of Ownership For Retrofit Configurations

Refrigeration Technology Lowers Your Total Cost of Ownership For Retrofit Configurations

Let’s break down the savings

The question remains: is spending a little bit more for refrigeration technology worth it or not?

While it adds some cost initially, let’s calculate how much it saves you.

In this post we’re going to show you the fantastic savings that you get with the right solution.

 

Why Now Is The Right Time To Consider Refrigeration Technology

It’s getting harder to run refrigeration equipment efficiently today.

In addition to the increasing electricity and service costs of operating refrigeration equipment, many applications are also prone to excessive frost build up, icing and other issues. These typical issues are further compounded by strained supply chains and the fact that service technicians are becoming increasingly scarce. When an issue that requires service tech attention arises, it’s hard to say how long you could be waiting. In some cases it’s days, if not weeks before your issue can be resolved.

The longer your system is not working properly, the more likely your inventory is to go to waste, or worse, your establishment can’t operate and must close until the issue is resolved.

Furthermore, even if your system is functioning properly, that doesn’t mean it’s running efficiently. Right now, energy prices are soaring so a more efficient system means more money directly into your pocket. Without the right control and monitoring system though, it’s difficult to determine what adjustments to make in order for your system to operate more efficiently.

What’s the easiest way to avoid these issues and put more money back in your pocket? Leverage the right control and monitoring solution to help your system run more efficiently and detect issues instantly.

 

With The Right Solution, The Benefits Are Clear

Overall, upgrading your refrigeration system will save you money and increase the return on your investment by mitigating the following issues that arise with new or existing equipment utilizing outdated refrigeration controls:

  • Energy usage is reduced with adaptive refrigeration controls
  • Real time monitoring of system operation allows for proactive, actionable alerts
  • Less money spent and time wasted on maintenance, parts, & service calls
  • Less inventory wasted when you can respond to outages immediately vs hours later
  • Industry shortage of service technicians affects you much less
  • Less downtime and outages – don’t be forced to close or not sell your product
  • Second-to-none service & support keeps your system running, when choosing KE2Therm Solutions for your refrigeration control and monitoring system

 

Comparing The Costs Of Operating a Freezer or Cooler With New Technology vs Old Technology

Typical 10’ x 12’ walk-in freezer

With KE2Therm Solutions

With The Usual Approach

System retrofit with KE2 Therm adaptive refrigeration control + labor

+$2,000

$0

Energy Usage Savings (per month? year?) $0.10/kWh

-$50/month

-$600/year

$0

Maintenance parts & service

$0

$300+ / year

Inventory wasted (cost) /

Outages and closures

$0

$500+ per year average (multiple walk-ins per end user)

Industry service tech shortage impact / Service response time

Reduction of overtime service costs

$0

Overtime costs +$50/hour for emergency calls, average 2 calls, extra 2 hours per call ($200)

(icing impact?) Service related calls for icing issues

$0

$1,500+
(quote from fast food franchise)

TCO in the first year

$1,400

$2,500 +

Yearly ROI after the first year

Earn $600 per year

Costs you $2,500 per year

Peace of mind refrigeration

Priceless

Sleepless

 

Here’s The Bottom Line

A one-time $2,000 dollar cost quickly pays itself back, especially if you consider a $3,100 per year cost differential:

  • Earn $600 per year with the right control and monitoring solution (thanks to less energy usage)
  • Spend $2,500 per year without the right control and monitoring solution
 

Have questions about your current system or an upcoming project? Reach out to KE2Therm Solutions to discuss your best options.

DowNLOAD THIS PDF
Refrigerators,Compartment.,Warehouse,With,Shelves,For,Food,Storage.,Grocery,Warehouse

How to harness the savings of efficient refrigeration solutions

How to harness the savings of efficient refrigeration solutions

A steady increase of technology over the last decade has affected all areas of our day to day activities. With so many different options out there, it can be a tough decision on what technology suits the needs of your company best. The main priority for every business owner is, what is the most cost efficient yet effective solution to my problem?

When dealing with commercial refrigeration, it can seem as if the cheaper option is the way to go. However, a cheap cost upfront can cost you in the long run. 

Here at KE2Therm, we offer high quality products in order to sustain your needs in the long run, not just a cheap fix that is not able to effectively meet the daily challenges related to dynamic commercial refrigeration systems.  

 

Determine if new refrigeration technology is worth it and how to select the best product for your configuration

 

What’s changed

The operation and servicing of Commercial refrigeration equipment has been largely the same for decades often with issues that are not even apparent, but costly. However, new technology is enabling incredible savings with your refrigeration, while other marketplace shifts make it essential to switch. 

The refrigeration industry is experiencing a growing  scarcity in knowledgeable service technicians. Because of this, any minor issue with your equipment could sit there for weeks, maybe months without being resolved. With KE2Therm, our support system is proactive and able to quickly assist technicians to pop in at any point to trouble-shoot and fix issues with your refrigeration system, allowing your facility to continue business as usual with no road blocks. 

Icing is a huge problem in the commercial and  industrial refrigeration industry. This can create a number of issues from slip and fall accidents for employees to thousands of dollars in product loss if the refrigeration system can’t function properly. These are no longer an issue with KE2Therm solutions. With our high quality products and remote monitoring capabilities, we can mitigate this problem before it affects your company. 

The common misconception is that new technology is too expensive and often lacks the right technical support, but this is not the case. Investing in state of the art products may be more money upfront, but you will save your company way more money in the long run by not having to keep up with maintenance and faulty equipment. Investing in your equipment instead of going with the “cheapest” option will lead to a positive ROI for your business. (see comparison chart below)

 

Impact of not upgrading your equipment

Choosing to not invest in upgraded technology impacts your top and bottom line. Outdated equipment is less energy efficient, costing you more and more money each month. It is also harder and slower to receive quality assistance, leaving you with run down equipment longer than anticipated. Unplanned outages have incredible revenue impacts that are often avoidable with small technology upgrades.

 

What you can do about this

Easy upgrades make a world of difference! Depending on the state of your current equipment, you may only need to invest in remote monitoring or upgrading your current temperature controls.. 

Being proactive is key. By investing now, you are saving yourself time, money, and headache for when your old technology inevitably fails.

 

The Right Technology Makes Technicians Look Great

We encourage refrigeration equipment suppliers,  wholesalers, dealers, and contractors to pass this information along to their customers. Outlining the substantial difference this small change can make in taking their business to the next level. 

Our hope is that the end-user is able to reap the benefits outlined in our comparison chart below and notice the cost is minimally extra in consideration of your full refrigeration system. 

 

Breaking down the savings

Overall, upgrading your refrigeration system will save you money and allow for an increase in ROI by mitigating the following issues that arise with new or existing equipment utilizing outdated refrigeration controls:

  • Energy usage is improved with better control and monitoring 
  • Less maintenance, parts, & service
  • Less inventory waste when you can respond to outages immediately vs hours later
  • Industry shortage of service technicians affects you much less 
  • Less downtime and outages – don’t be forced to close or not sell product
  • Second to none, service and support keeps you going no matter what! 

 

Price comparison: New technology vs the old way


Typical 10’ x 12’ walk-in freezer		With KE2Therm SolutionsWith The Usual Approach
Refrigeration system cost

+$600 (new equipment, includes reduced installation cost) 

+$2,000 (retrofit)

$0
Energy Usage Savings (per month? year?)

-$50/month

-$600/year

$0
Maintenance parts & service$0$300+ / year

Inventory wasted (cost) /

Outages and closures 

$0$500+ per year average (multiple walk-ins per end user)

Industry service tech shortage impact / Service response time

Reduction of overtime service costs

$0Overtime costs +$50/hour for emergency calls, average 2 calls, extra 2 hours per call ($200)
(icing impact?) Service related calls for icing issues$0$1,500+
(quote from fast food franchise)
TCO in the first year$0 (New)
$1,400 (retrofit)		$2,500 + new or existing
Yearly ROI after the first yearEarn $600 per yearCosts you $2,500 per year

Reach out to us here at KE2Therm if you are interested in upgrading your current technology! We are able to help you find the best solution to fit the needs of your company.

Door Switch

3 reasons you should be utilizing a door switch for your walk in freezer or cooler

3 reasons you should be utilizing a door switch for your walk in freezer or cooler

It’s easy to miss when your walk-in freezer or cooler doors are left ajar or are not sealed properly. This can jeopardize your inventory and can lead to unwanted service calls due to frost forming on the coils, and can affect your produce as warm air rushes in. 

 

What is a door switch? 

A door switch helps mitigate cold air from escaping the refrigerated space , as well as mitigate warm air from infiltrating and eventually being blown across the coil. The door switch also slows the product from warming up while the door is open. 

With the door open long enough, the system eventually has to go back into refrigeration once the preset timeout occurs . As a convenience measure, the door alarm setpoint is adjustable in order to negate this issue.  

Warm air running across the coil also holds a lot more moisture than the air already inside the cooler. Therefore, when refrigerating with the door open, the coil will freeze up much more quickly, and potentially in different spots compared to with the door closed.

 

This small misstep can affect your system by:

 

Increasing energy consumption

Not using a door switch for your refrigeration system causes an increase in energy consumption.  The system will have to work in overdrive to refrigerate and defrost your walk-in freezer or cooler. 

This will eventually cause your system to run longer in order to pull down the temperature of the box, after the door is open, due to higher amounts of infiltration. The ambient air outside the box, even if conditioned, will hold much more moisture than in the refrigerated space.

In regards to your freezer, much more energy will be required in order to bring the temperature down each time the door is opened, and the extra defrosts that will be required to eliminate the frost build up from excessive moisture entering the space. 

With a door switch, your refrigeration system does not have to work in overdrive in order to keep the temperature at an optimal level, decreasing the overall energy consumption for your box. 

 

Creating excess or different frost patterns

As air entering through an open door will be more moisture-laden, the moisture may deposit on the air entering side of the coil, rather than the air exiting side of the coil. Over time this will require repositioning of at least one of the coil sensors, causing additional maintenance for your refrigeration system. 

A common sign that this issue is occurring is if you see frost on the ceiling, floor, or walls.

However, this can be avoided by installing a door switch on your refrigeration system by properly managing the air going in and out of the box at all times. 

 

Creating a lack of visibility

When troubleshooting a refrigeration system, it is difficult to tell whether excess energy consumption, ice up of a coil, a high-temperature situation, etc. is due to poor door management at the site. While you can take educated guesses based on graphs and temperature readings, you won’t know for sure unless a door switch is installed.

Luckily, there are resources you can add to your box to ensure you’re alerted before any frost settles and any product begins to go to waste. Adding a door switch to your box will help mitigate cold air from escaping the box and warm air from infiltrating and eventually blowing across the coil. 

The use of a door switch will lessen excessive frost build up on evaporator  coils, reducing the amount of time your box could be down for maintenance and your energy consumption goes through the roof.

 

Common misconception about installing a door switch

A common misconception with using a door switch is that the compressor will continue to run the whole time, or for a long time, after the door is open and the fans are off. This is not the case. 

Compressor will only run for one minute after the door is left open. If your system is running longer than one minute, you potentially have an issue outside of the programmed operation of the controller. The 1-minute delay accounts for someone opening and closing the door within a minute, and ensures refrigeration system will avoid short cycling. There is also an adjustable  compressor off  time programmed into the controller, default is 5 minutes.

 

KE2Therm has the solution

With a door switch, you are able to decrease energy consumption, avoid frosting, and overall keep your product from spoiling. With this feature, pesty service calls and throwing out food is a thing of the past. 

KE2Therm offers door switches as an added savings accessory to most of our controllers that are utilized on walk in freezers and coolers. To learn more about how you can benefit by utilizing a door switch, reach out to us here at KE2Therm!