Get the Inside Scoop on Top Tips for Saving Energy in Your C-Store

Keep the doors of all refrigeration and freezer units shut as much as possible. Repeated fluctuations in temperature will damage food quality and cost money.

Check the temperature settings of your units. If the temperature is set lower than necessary, you are probably wasting energy.
TIP: Recommended settings for freezers are between -14° and -8° Fahrenheit (-25° and -22° Celsius). Recommended settings for refrigerators are between 35° and 38° Fahrenheit (1° and 3° Celsius).

Clean the cooling coils on the backs of all units. Over time, dirt accumulation impairs proper heat transfer and lowers the efficiency and capacity of refrigerators. Remove dirt, dust, and accumulated ice on coils.

Ensure that door seals on units close tightly. Tight seals prevent warm air from entering the unit so the unit cools properly and prevents frost build-up.
Smart Idea: If you can easily slide a dollar bill into the seal, you need to adjust the door seal.

Purchase ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators and freezers, which save you energy and money over time. You may be able to find rebates for your purchase from ENERGY STAR partners. Learn more about ENERGY STAR equipment here: https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/asset/document/EPA_ES_CFS_Refrid_Freezer_Factsheet_v21_co-brand.pdf

Change your air filter regularly. Check your filter every month, especially during months of heavy use (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make your system work harder to keep you warm or cool—wasting energy.
Hint: At a minimum, change your filter every three months.

Get a yearly tune up on all your HVAC equipment. Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort. Refer to the HVAC Yearly Tune-up Checklist to ensure your HVAC technician completes all the steps.

Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat is ideal for areas that are unoccupied during set periods of time throughout the week. Keep rooms that have minimal traffic (such as stock rooms and warehouses) cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer.

Seal your heating and cooling ducts to save as much as 20% on energy bills. Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.