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KE2 Therm Solutions Wins ACHR News’ Dealer Design Award

 

KE2 Service Tool App takes gold in the Commercial Controls Category

 

Here at KE2Therm, we develop intelligent refrigeration control solutions and were recently acquired by Acuity brands under the Distech Controls portfolio. Since then we have won a Gold Award at the ACHR (Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration) News 2023 Dealer Design Awards for our impressive KE2 Service Tool App.

 

The prestigious ACHR News Dealer Design Awards celebrate excellence in HVACR product design and showcase innovative products that can be easily installed, maintained and serviced. Judged by a panel of independent HVACR contractors, our product triumphed in the Commercial Controls category with the KE2 Service Tool App taking home the top prize.

 

“We are honored to receive this award,” comments Patrick Holdmeyer, President at KE2 Therm. “The HVACR Dealer Design Awards are recognized as an important benchmark for excellence in the HVACR sector. At KE2 Therm we are committed to product innovation to help our customers save energy, preserve the environment, and improve profitability by delivering energy-saving electronic solutions. To take away a Gold Award is a significant achievement
for us, especially as it is judged by specialists within the industry.”

 

“Congratulations to the team at KE2 Therm on winning this award,” says Martin Villeneuve, President at Distech Controls. “It is a testament to the dedication and commitment KE2 Therm put into creating the KE2 Service Tool App. It is great to celebrate this achievement with the team and we are delighted that they are now part of the Distech Controls family.”

 

The KE2 Service Tool App turns a mobile phone into a KE2 Edge Manager, providing quick access to all KE2 Therm devices within a building and making servicing an easier task. Users can access controller web pages via a phone or tablet, even if they are not connected to the internet, view the dashboard of all controllers on a network in real-time, change setpoints, initiate defrost, and view historical graphs and data. Users can also backup and restore setpoints.

 

Learn more about our award winning app here.

 

About Distech Controls

 

Distech Controls connects people with intelligent building solutions through our forward-thinking technologies and services. It partners with customers to deliver innovative solutions that can provide better health, better spaces, and better efficiencies. Its passion for innovation, quality and sustainability guides its business, which serves multiple market segments through worldwide business divisions, service offices and a superior network of Authorized System

 

Integrators and Distributors. Distech Controls is a subsidiary of Acuity Brands, Inc. 

 

For more information, visit the website www.distech-controls.com.

 

Distech Controls is a brand of Distech Controls Inc. and all the other brands are the property of their respective owners. 

 

About KE2 Therm Solutions

 

KE2 Therm Solutions is a developer and manufacturer of intelligent refrigeration control solutions. Using proprietary advanced controls algorithms, software, and controls, the company’s technology is specified by a wide range of end users, consultants and major OEM manufacturers of evaporators, walk-in freezers and coolers for both new install and retrofit refrigeration applications.

 

Headquartered in Washington, Missouri, KE2 Therm Solutions seeks to increase system efficiency and decreasing operational and service costs. KE2 Therm Solutions is a brand within Distech Controls and part of the Acuity Brands Intelligent Spaces Group portfolio.

 

For more information, visit www.ke2therm.com.

 

About Acuity Brands

 

Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (“ABL”) and the Intelligent Spaces Group (“ISG”), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.

 

We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and location-aware applications. We achieve customer-focused efficiencies that allow us to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals.

 

Acuity Brands, Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. The Company is powered by more than 13,000 dedicated and talented associates.

 

For more information, visit www.acuitybrands.com.

 

Press Contact

Sarah-Jane Demolliere

Marketing Solutions Manager

+33 (0)4 78 45 94 58

sjdemolliere@distech-controls.com

refrigeration controls

A Decade of Success: An Update on the School District of Washington

A Decade of Success: An Update on the School District of Washington

In 2011, KE2Therm partnered with the School District of Washington by upgrading the refrigeration controls on their walk-in coolers and freezers, including the added functionality of  remote monitoring for 11 controllers across five locations. With this upgrade, the district saved energy costs with quick paybacks, as discussed in the original case study. 

 

While talking with Glen Blade, the assistant buildings and grounds director at the School District of Washington, the district noticed several other factors that provide an even bigger payback since the new refrigeration & monitoring installations. 

 

The benefits the district has seen

In recent conversations, Glen confirmed the district continues to receive numerous benefits from the KE2Therm controllers installed at its locations. We spoke with Glen to discuss these benefits further, and this is what he had to say: 

 

Reduced service parts costs

Before KE2Therm stepped in, the district had standard  temperature control and defrost devices on its walk-ins, which inevitably needed service attention every three to six months (found here). Glen noted a drastic reduction in compressor issues and overall parts replacements with KE2Therm’s refrigeration control and remote monitoring systems now in place. 

 

Reduced labor requirements

Repairs and maintenance consumed much of the time the district’s buildings and grounds crew spent before switching to more efficient control and remote monitoring. Since the switch, Glen’s team can focus on more pressing projects that were neglected before.

 

Reduced energy costs

Energy costs are continually rising; however, with KE2 Therm, the School District of Washington has been able to save on monthly energy bills. This cost reduction has benefited the distribution building with a heavy refrigeration load. The money saved on energy costs can be directed toward other vital student resources, creating a more sustainable educational environment.

 

Sizable reduction in food loss and increase in optimal food safety

Remote monitoring and controls notify users in real time of any leaks or ajar doors on a walk-in, rather than noticing the issue when all the food items begin  thawing, or frost builds up. With this technology, the district has not had to dispose of perfectly good food due to temperature changes in its walk-ins.  Remote monitoring has saved the district money and contributed to the fight against food waste within the foodservice industry.

 

Improved service call notification and speed of service with data logging

KE2Therm’s remote monitoring capabilities send alerts about any potential problems within seconds of the issue occurring. Glen shared, “The KE2Therm software alerts me when it loses connectivity, which means that the district could have fiber issues and/or network issues that need to be addressed.” 

 

Remote monitoring has saved the district from increased energy costs and food loss for the last 10+ years. Moreover, fast and accurate service notifications enable the school district to rectify any issues promptly, minimizing downtime and preventing further complications.

 

Don’t believe us? Here’s the data

Below is a table summarizing the benefits and savings that the School District of Washington has seen since partnering with KE2Therm.

savings table

Adapting to a changing world

As the world becomes more connected, it is crucial for organizations, including schools, to adapt to new technologies to stay efficient and competitive. KE2Therm’s adaptive refrigeration control and remote monitoring capabilities demonstrate how embracing innovative solutions can lead to numerous benefits and cost savings while giving their partners peace of mind with their commercial refrigeration and monitoring solutions.

 

KE2Therm is happy to report that our technology can save our customers thousands of dollars each year. We take great pride in the products and services we provide and the customer service that comes along with that. If you are ready to switch to remote monitoring to save on energy costs, service parts, and labor requirements, decrease food loss, and have fast and accurate service notifications, reach out to us today to get started! 

Acuity Brands to Acquire KE2 Therm

Acquisition extends Distech Controls’ addressable market into commercial refrigeration

 

ATLANTA, APRIL 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Today, Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) (“Acuity”) a leading industrial technology company, announced a definitive agreement to acquire KE2 Therm Solutions, Inc. (“KE2 Therm”), which develops and provides intelligent refrigeration control solutions that improve profitability by increasing system efficiency and decreasing operational and service costs.

 

The transaction is expected to close during the spring of 2023 when KE2 Therm will begin integrating into Distech Controls within the Intelligent Spaces Group business segment of Acuity.

 

“We are focused on increasing our addressable market for Distech Controls,” said Peter Han, President of the Intelligent Spaces Group. “In recent months, we have expanded our presence in new regions and now, with the acquisition of KE2 Therm, we will expand into the commercial refrigeration controls market as it transitions from analog to digital controls. KE2 Therm’s controls and software will help us lead this transition, and we are excited to welcome the talented team to Acuity.”

 

“By combining Distech Controls’ market-leading controls, sensors, and software with KE2 Therm’s refrigeration solutions, we will improve our customer access and unlock new market opportunities,” said Patrick Holdmeyer, President of KE2 Therm. “We share the same values and focus on product innovation and superior technical support. We are thrilled to join Acuity.”

 

The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions. Until close, the companies will continue to operate independently.

 

About Acuity Brands
Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light, and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (“ABL”) and the Intelligent Spaces Group (“ISG”), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people’s lives.

 

We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management systems, and location-aware applications. We achieve customer-focused efficiencies that allow us to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals.

 

Acuity Brands, Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. The Company is powered by more than 13,000 dedicated and talented associates.

 

For more information, visit www.acuitybrands.com

 

About Distech Controls
Distech Controls connects people with intelligent building solutions through our forward-thinking technologies and services. We partner with customers to deliver innovative solutions that can provide better health, better spaces, and better efficiencies. Our passion for innovation, quality and sustainability guides our business, which serves multiple market segments through worldwide business divisions, service offices and a superior network of Authorized System Integrators and Distributors. Distech Controls Inc. is a subsidiary of Acuity Brands, Inc.

 

For more information, visit www.distech-controls.com

 

About KE2 Therm
KE2 Therm is a developer and manufacturer of branded, intelligent refrigeration control solutions that use proprietary advanced controls algorithms, software, and controls. The company’s technology is specified by a wide range of end users, consultants and major OEM manufacturers of evaporators, walk-in freezers and coolers for both new install and retrofit refrigeration applications.

 

KE2 Therm seeks to save energy, preserve the environment, and improve profitability for its customers by delivering energy saving electronic solutions to the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) industry.

 

KE2 Therm was founded in 2009 by Patrick Holdmeyer to accelerate the penetration of smart digitized and connected refrigeration controllers in North America. The company is headquartered in Washington, Missouri.

 

For more information, visit https://ke2therm.com/

 

Investor Contact:
Charlotte McLaughlin
Vice President, Investor Relations
(404) 853-1456
investorrelations@acuitybrands.com

 

Media Contact:
Cathy Lewandowski
Senior Manager, External Communications
Catherine.Lewandowski@acuitybrands.com

 

Forward-Looking Information
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Forward-looking statements use words such as “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “indicative,” “projection,” “predict,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “potential,” and words of similar meaning, as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions, or circumstances. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Act. Statements that describe or relate to the Company’s plans, goals, intentions, strategies, or financial outlook, and statements that do not relate to historical or current fact, are examples of forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation: our expectation that the acquisition of KE2 Therm will close during the spring of 2023 when KE2 Therm will begin integrating into Distech Controls within the Intelligent Spaces Group business segment of Acuity; statements relating to the focus on increasing our addressable market for Distech Controls, including, but not limited to, with the acquisition of KE2 Therm, expansion into the commercial refrigeration controls market as it transitions from analog to digital controls and the expectation that KE2 Therm’s controls and software will help us lead this transition; and that the acquisition will improve customer access and unlock new market opportunities. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Our forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate, and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and management’s present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K (including, but not limited to, Part I, Item 1a Risk Factors), quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect any events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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!