an AC compressor is powering my walkin fridge... do I have a situation on my hands?

[portablechef]

Hi there! I moved our food business into a commercial kitchen recently to discover that the compressor powering our walkin is a large repurposed AC compressor. So... it works. It keeps the fridge at a good temperature. But I'm wondering if it's worth replacing anyway. Is an AC compressor much less efficient with energy than one designed for a walkin fridge? Less reliable? Both? I'm not looking to spend a lot of upfront cash but if we're burning through an extra $200 a month in electric bills, then a new compressor would pay for itself quickly.

Thanks!

 

[IRstuff]

see thread403-421473 for an opinion.

Given that an AC compressor is ostensibly designed for a specific use-case, it's likely that it will be inefficient outside of its use-case, and a purpose-built refrigerator compressor would indeed be more efficient.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
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[itsmoked]

However.. The biggest issue is heat leakage in and out of the walk-in. If the insulation has issues like water logging, door seal issues, operational problems like idiots leaving the door open, failed defrost cycles, or air leaks, will ALL massively trump compressor efficiency issues. (Read up on COP 'see-Oh-Pee')

My take would be this:

Is the system keeping temp and does it not have any obvious issues? If yes, do nothing.

A new system will cost you a BUNDLE of money. All refer systems wear out. Soon enough you will need a new system. Set up a refer account and build it up so down-the-road you can spring for a new system. At that time it will probably make sense to replace the entire system, walls, lighting, door, condenser unit, controls, everything.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com