Running a commercial kitchen can be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping energy costs down. But with a few simple tips, you can make your kitchen more energy efficient and save money.
This article will discuss some of the best ways to make your commercial kitchen more energy efficient. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right appliances to making your kitchen layout more efficient. We’ll also discuss tips for reducing energy consumption, including proper maintenance and using the right cooking methods.
So whether you’re just starting with a commercial kitchen or looking for ways to improve your existing setup, read on for some tips to help you save on energy costs.
Choosing Energy Efficient Appliances
The first step in improving your commercial kitchen’s energy efficiency is choosing the right appliances. When selecting new equipment, make sure that you select items that will meet your needs and are Energy Star certified. Energy Star appliances generally cost more upfront than non-certified appliances, but they are significantly more energy-efficient. They also tend to last longer because they’re made with high-quality materials that don’t wear out as quickly as lower-quality appliances.
Keep a Check on Cooler Seals
Refrigerators are the most energy-consuming kitchen appliance, so you must ensure that your cooler runs efficiently and uses less power. A good way to reduce energy consumption is by ensuring that the refrigerator door seal is properly maintained. Check the seals regularly to ensure they are not leaking, which could cause the warm air and moisture to enter the fridge and reduce the efficiency of your unit. You can use a simple paper test or a light test described on the Refrigaskets.ca website and order a new gasket online if you need to replace it.
Install Energy Efficient Lighting
Lighting is another major energy consumer in the kitchen. The lighting you use and where you place it can affect how much energy your commercial kitchen consumes. LED lighting can help you save energy and reduce the amount of glare in your kitchen. Installing dimmable fluorescent lighting can also help reduce the energy used in your kitchen.
Turn off Appliances When Not in Use
Commercial kitchens have many appliances constantly on, even when not in use. To reduce energy usage, you should turn off appliances when they’re not being used. A good way to do this is by installing a timer on the light switches to turn the lights on and off as the appliances simultaneously. You can also use timers on individual appliances to ensure that they only run for the time that they need to.
Keep Your Equipment Clean
Keep your equipment clean, so it runs efficiently. For example, regularly clean the filters and coils on your air conditioner and furnace to ensure they run efficiently. It’s also important to ensure that all vents and ducts are clear of dust and debris.
Consider the Location
In your commercial kitchen, try to minimize the distance between your refrigerators, ovens, and cooking equipment to reduce energy consumption. If your commercial kitchen includes a walk-in cooler or freezer, consider installing them in the back or side of the room to reduce heat loss.
Train Employees
If you’re having problems with your commercial kitchen’s energy usage, consider training your employees on energy conservation. They can learn how to keep their appliances running efficiently and help ensure that all your equipment is turned off when not used. This will help you save money on electricity and gas costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
In conclusion, commercial kitchens are notorious for being energy hogs. But with a few simple tips discussed above, you can slash your energy bill and reduce your kitchen’s environmental impact. The most common way is to use more energy-efficient equipment. The lower energy bills often offset the cost of using energy-efficient equipment. Also, by making sure to keep your commercial kitchen equipment clean and by making sure to properly maintain your equipment and replace the cracked seals on time, you can help prevent any unnecessary energy loss and energy waste.
So, how much can you save?