Nashville: (615) 255-2002
Memphis: (901) 379-0900
Chattanooga: (423) 629-0906
Johnson City: (423) 979-0069
Knoxville: (865) 692-4840
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The summer months are the busiest time of year for restaurants, but they can also be the most expensive. With the increased demand for food and drinks and outside temperatures on the rise, restaurants need to find ways to manage their energy costs without sacrificing the quality of their food or the comfort of their customers. According to studies, restaurants spend an average of $2.90 per square foot on electricity and $0.85 per square foot on natural gas annually. During the summer months, some restaurants can see energy cost increases up to 30%.
After partnering with thousands of restaurants over the years, we know how important it can be for restaurants to minimize the financial impact of energy costs and find
practical ways to cool down their kitchen during the summer months. Here are a few that will work well:
1. Identify and seal up any air leaks.
Air leaks can let in hot air, which can make your HVAC unit work harder. To find air leaks, use a lit incense stick or candle and walk around your restaurant. If the smoke or flame is drawn towards a particular area, there may be an air leak there. You can seal up air leaks with caulk, weather stripping, or foam sealant.
2. Keep your kitchen equipment clean.
Grease and food particles can build up on your kitchen equipment, making it less energy efficient. Less efficient equipment means more wear and tear and also more heat. It’s important that everyone in your
kitchen knows how to properly clean your restaurant equipment. You should also deep clean your equipment on a regular basis, especially heading into a particularly busy season.
3. Use energy-efficient equipment.
The biggest energy expenses for restaurants are air conditioning, refrigeration (refrigerators, freezers, ice-makers), and cooking equipment (griddles, fryers, and cooktops). The good news is that there are a number of manufacturers that have designed energy-efficient models that can help you save money on energy bills. When you’re buying new or used restaurant equipment, look for the Energy Star logo to find equipment that could save you money.
If you don’t have access to energy-efficient equipment, there are a couple of practical solutions to consider. The first is to make sure you’re using the right-sized equipment for your needs. Oversized equipment uses more energy. It can also be helpful to turn off equipment, if possible, when you're not using it.
4. Get a tune-up for your HVAC unit.
By getting an AC tune-up for your HVAC unit before summer, you can save money on energy costs by improving the efficiency of your HVAC system. A tune-up can help your HVAC unit operate more efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills.
A study by the National Restaurant Association found that restaurants that had their HVAC systems assessed each year saved hundreds of dollars annually on energy costs.
Whether we’re helping our customers
improve the energy efficiency of their kitchen or
providing practical ideas to lower operational costs, we’re always looking for ways to offer our experience to help restaurants succeed.
Many of our technicians have spent the past month with
our planned maintenance customers, assessing and servicing their equipment and HVAC systems as we head into the hot summer months.
When your equipment breaks down unexpectedly or you’re looking energy saving tips for restaurants, our team is here to help. Connect with us today to discuss your specific needs.
Locations also available in Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City
Nashville: (615) 255-2002
Memphis: (901) 379-0900
Chattanooga: (423) 629-0906
Johnson City: (423) 979-0069
Knoxville: (865) 692-4840
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