• Central HVAC systems are 10-15% more efficient than separate heating and cooling systems and allow incorporation of new energy efficient equipment.
• Remember that water and other water-based liquids boil at 212°. Turning the flame higher does not cook food faster, it only used more energy.
• Cover dishes with lids to retain heated air in pots and decrease cooking time.
• Monitor preheat times with thermostats and timers.
• When possible, use infrared broilers which can be turned off when not in use and quickly reheated, rather than idling less efficient equipment.
• Turn off exhaust fan when not required. This saves the energy needed to run the fan and eases the load on the heating/cooling system because you are exhausting less air from the room.
• Don’t load fryer baskets beyond their stated capacity, normally ½ to ? full. Crowded food takes longer to cook.
• Higher temperatures do not preheat ovens than moderate temperatures.
• Use high energy-demand equipment sequentially rather than simultaneously, if possible.
• Hot water boosters should be within five feet of a dishwasher to avoid heat loss in the pipes.
• In gas-fired units, adjust the flame to blue with a firm center core. A yellow tip indicates gas is escaping.
• Flush water heaters every six months to prevent accumulation of solids that prevent heat transfer.
• Cook at lowest temperatures possible. Slow cooking retards meat shrinkage, retains nutrients and color, and cuts energy usage.
• Maintain steam tables at temperatures that allow food to warm without forming clouds of steam. Clouds indicate unnecessary high temperatures.
• Every few months have a qualified service representative calibrate oven thermostats with a thermocouple.
• In convection ovens, clean the fan blades. Accumulated dirt restricts the amount of air delivered.
• Keep microwave oven interior surfaces free of food particles that inhibit oven performance.
• Start the day’s baking with foods that require the lowest oven temperature.
• Filter cooking fat. Built up sediment reduces cooking efficiency.
• Place frequently used items in the front of refrigerators to reduce the time that the doors are open.
• In high ceiling rooms, replace the ceiling lighting with hanging lamps to bring light closer.
• Use direct, cold, outside air for kitchen cooling.

• AGA -- American Gas Association
• BTU -- British Thermal Unit
• NSF -- National Sanitation Foundation
• UL -- Underwriters Laboratory
• CSA -- Canadian Standards Association
• AC/DC -- Alternate Current/Direct Current
• ETL -- Edison Testing Laboratory
• NAFEM -- National Association of Foodservice Equipment Manufacturers
• NEMA -- National Electrical Manufacturers Association
• ASM -- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• HACCP -- Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Points
• Kw -- kilowatt
• KWH -- Kilowatts per hour
• S/S -- Stainless Steel
• HP -- Horsepower
• Amp -- Ampere
• Hz -- Hertz

You can help conserve electricity and control your costs by adopting the following best practices in the use of your walk-ins

• Use Proper Operating Temperature: Many users set thermostats lower than necessary, causing a waste of electricity. If in doubt about proper temperatures, contact your dealer.
• Organize Stored Products for Fewest Door Openings: Infrequent, short openings minimize cold air loss. Don’t prop doors open.
• Keep Cooking Coils Clear of Stored Product.
• Turn Off Inside Lights When The Walk-In Is Unoccupied: Lights consume electricity and generate heat.
• Eliminate Unnecessary Packaging Material: These materials retard product cooling and increase electricity use.
• Leave Air Space Between Stored Products.
• Cool Hot Foods To Room Temperature Before Placing Them In The Walk-In: Most foods can be cooled to room temperature before being placed in the cooler or freezer. If in doubt, check with local health officials.
• Use Proper Defrost Cycles In Freezers: Two defrost cycles are required for normal use. If excessive frost forms on coils, call for service.
• Keep Compressors Clean: Dirt, leaves, paper and other matter on the compressor increase electricity use. Vacuum the compressor regularly