Background
When the owners of successful family business, Roxy’s Raw Food realised that the chest freezers, fridges and internal cold room storing fresh dog food in their new premises were leading to high temperatures in their shop, they consulted the team at Cool Services for a cooling solution.
Roxy’s Raw foods is a popular high-street dog food retailer based in Telford. As part of recent expansion plans, the company had relocated to larger premises. However it faced significant temperature management challenges due to the operation of the commercial fridges storing fresh dog food. These units generated a substantial amount of heat, leading to uncomfortably high indoor temperatures for staff and customers, particularly during warmer months. Additionally, excessive heat exposure risked reducing the efficiency and lifespan of the refrigeration units. Without a solution for this heat exposure the company faced increased maintenance costs for the fridges and freezers and potential product spoilage risks.
Challenge
The business needed a solution to regulate in-store temperatures effectively, ensuring a comfortable working environment for employees while also protecting the performance and longevity of the 20 chest freezers and fridges. There was no existing system installed to dissipate the heat load, leading to overheating concerns.
Solution: Air Conditioning Installation
To address these issues, the business opted for the installation of an air conditioning system. A high-efficiency, air conditioning unit was selected, designed to manage the ambient temperature without excessive energy consumption. The installation process involved:
Strategic placement of 3 single split air conditioning systems to maximise airflow and ensure even temperature distribution.
Selecting an appropriately sized system to counteract the heat output from the fridges.
Implementing smart temperature controls to maintain optimal conditions with minimal energy waste.
Ensuring the system operated quietly to avoid disrupting the shopping experience.
Results & Benefits
The installation of air conditioning delivered immediate and long-term benefits, transforming the shop environment in the following ways:
Comfortable Working Temperatures: Employees reported a significant improvement in working conditions, with consistent and comfortable indoor temperatures maintained throughout the day. This led to increased productivity and morale, reducing fatigue caused by excessive heat.
Extended Lifespan of Refrigeration Units: By regulating ambient temperatures, the fridges no longer had to overcompensate for excess heat. This reduced wear and tear on compressors and cooling mechanisms, extending the lifespan of the units and minimising maintenance costs.
Energy Efficiency Gains: With the air conditioning helping to maintain stable temperatures, the fridges operated more efficiently, leading to lower energy consumption.
Improved Customer Experience: Customers enjoyed a more pleasant shopping environment, encouraging longer visits and increasing the likelihood of repeat business. Customers were more likely to purchase other items such as bones, meat chunks and complimentary supplements, natural treats and herbal remedies
The vastly improved indoor conditions also ensured product integrity, guaranteeing optimal freshness for the dog food on sale.
Conclusion
The investment in air conditioning proved to be a highly effective solution for this high-street dog food shop. By addressing the heat generated by the large number of commercial freezers and fridges, in a relatively small space, the business successfully created a more comfortable workplace while also protecting its investment in the refrigeration equipment.
This case study highlights the importance of climate control solutions in retail environments where heat-emitting equipment can impact both employee well-being and operational efficiency. For premises managers facing similar challenges, a well-planned air conditioning installation can provide significant long-term benefits in terms of comfort cooling, energy efficiency, air quality and improved longevity for the business’ machinery and other vital equipment.