Food Retail

• Replace evaporator fan motors with ECM motors with a free upgrade from takeCHARGE. ECMs are typically installed on evaporator fans in grocery store coolers, freezers and cold storage areas. ECMs can reduce energy use by over 50%.
• Install variable speed compressors. A compressor driven by a variable speed drive, better matches the refrigeration load and only works as hard as it needs to, thereby reducing energy requirements.
• Upgrade refrigeration to floating head pressure controls to reduce energy needs. The control system takes advantage of lower outside temperatures to reduce the refrigeration energy.
• Refrigerated Case Doors: Replace open coolers and freezers with doored units. Closed units will reduce energy use by 60% or more. The addition of doors means less cold air escapes into the store, resulting in less electricity use for refrigeration and space heating. Like most energy efficiency upgrades, the benefits go beyond energy savings. The doors also help reduce food spoilage and create a more comfortable shopping environment for customers.
• Heat Recovery – Use heat recovery from the refrigeration system for space and water heating. Refrigeration systems generate large quantities of heat that can be harnessed to provide water and space heating.

Upgrading to energy efficient lighting, like LED, can save you over 35% on lighting energy costs.

A lighting upgrade can save on more than just your electrical costs. Energy efficient lamps and bulbs last longer, saving on replacement lights and maintenance costs.

LED lighting can also be used in refrigerated cases and can even make merchandise look better.

takeCHARGE offers rebates on a variety of energy efficient lighting:

• LED Light Bulbs – 50% – Up to $10 per bulb!
• T8 LED Tubes (four-foot) – Up to $3 per bulb.
• LED High Bay Fixtures – Up to $90 per fixture.
• LED Wall Packs – $25 per unit.
• LED Exit Signs – $20 per exit sign and $15 per retrofit kit.

You can also save energy and get money back when you use occupancy sensors. They can help you save up to 40% on lighting energy costs. Calculate your rebate.

Don’t forget to use day-lighting whenever possible and encourage employees to turn off the lights at the end of the day.

• Programmable thermostats – Save up to 10% in heating costs when you install programmable thermostats and get a takeCHARGE rebate. Calculate your rebate.
• Install a Mini-split heat pump – These units are great for small retailers and are economical to install. A mini-split heat pump can save you over 40% on your heating costs. They also offer the option of air conditioning for those warm summer months.
• Cold climate or low temperature air source heat pump (ASHP) systems are more efficient than conventional electric baseboards and are a great choice for larger buildings. These systems can achieve savings up to 50% over conventional electric baseboards.
• Larger retailers can use Building Automation Systems (BAS) to efficiently manage energy usage for the building. These systems can save up to 30% in energy costs.
• Address any building envelope issues:
  • Roof Insulation
  • Wall Insulation
  • Gaps around doors, windows and entry point into the facility