For hospitals and labs, ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer efficiency is incredibly important. With the COVID-19 vaccination being distributed, clinics need to make sure they have the right storage capacity in their ULT freezers. In addition, filling the freezer with maximum efficiency in mind will also provide your facility with some significant benefits.
Did you know that freezers use less energy when they’re full? Therefore, you can simplify your work and make your ultra-low temp freezer more efficient and eco-friendly by filling it to capacity. Additionally, filling your freezer properly by using these quick tips can help your day-to-day operations.
Why Does a Filling a Freezer Use Less Energy?
Once your freezer is in place and powered on, the most energy usage comes from needing to cool down the air after you open the door. Opening the freezer door allows warm air in. As a result, the cold air escapes.
When the freezer’s full, there is less room for warm air to compromise the contents of your freezer. Additionally, the items in there will help cool down any warm air that enters.
5 Easy Tips to Increase ULT Freezer Efficiency
1. Remove Frost and Ice Buildup
Frost is inevitable. When the cold and warm air meet, the water vapors will freeze and leave layers of frost on the door and shelves of your freezer. Regularly defrosting your freezer will help improve efficiency, and make sure your freezer door is sealed tightly. Additionally, it will extend the life of your equipment and reduce the need for ULT freezer repairs.
2. Check ULT Freezer Gasket Seals
All freezers and refrigerators rely on gaskets to maintain the door seal. These are especially important for your lab’s ULT freezer. When the freezer gasket receives damage, gets dirty or worn, your freezer will need to work harder to maintain its low temperature. In order to avoid issues, lab workers should regularly check the gasket seals.
3. Keep Common Items Towards the Front
Opening the freezer door uses energy, so you want to limit the amount of time it stays open. In order to maintain efficiency, you should keep regularly used items towards the front so that the door doesn’t need to stay open as much.
4. Avoid Placing Warm Samples in the Freezer
Some ULT freezers are built more for storing frozen samples, rather than freezing them. Filling your freezer with hot or warm samples will reduce its efficiency and can even cause contamination of materials.
For facilities that need to freeze warm samples, consider using a blast freezer before putting them into long term storing in your ULT freezer.
5. Keep the Freezer Full
As stated previously, freezers work best when stocked. As a best practice, we recommend keeping the unit at least 30% full. If you are not able to do so with samples, so there are other items you can use. Items like water bottles and freezer gel packs can help stabilize the interior temperature.
Conclusion – Cryostar Industries
No matter what questions or concerns you may have, at Cryostar, we can help you maintain and repair your lab freezer and keep it operating at full capacity. Our experts techs are fully trained and certified to maintain freezers from the widest range of manufacturers and suppliers in the area.
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