Frequently Asked Questions: History and Benefits

What Is the Purpose of ECONOFROST?

ECONOFROST improves the profitable operation of a supermarket by enhancing the efficiency of commercial refrigeration display cases. ECONOFROST is a thermal shield or night cover that insulates the opening of the display case by keeping warm air and heat radiation out and maintaining internal cold temperatures at their optimum throughout the display case. There is a substantial reduction in the energy requirements of the compressors used to cool the cases and of the store heaters that maintain store temperatures. In addition, ECONOFROST extends the shelf life of perishable products within refrigeration cases. All of the above is accomplished without interfering with the normal operation of the business and makes for a trouble free, economical installation.

How Was the ECONOFROST System Developed?

Due to rising energy costs, a dependable and trouble free solution to the sky rocketing costs of energy in supermarket operation had to be found. Through the combined research of former Krupp engineers and Linde, the largest commercial refrigeration manufacturer in Europe, ECONOFROST was developed. The original product has undergone many improvements and modifications to reduce all initial weaknesses and to make it the only system used and recommended by manufacturers worldwide as a trouble free, factory installed thermal shield.

Who Already Uses ECONOFROST?

Over 100,000 store installations worldwide preceded the introduction of ECONOFROST in North America. Most refrigeration OEM’s have tested and approved the use of ECONOFROST either as an option from the factory or as retrofit. In Europe, many manufacturers include it in all new equipment deliveries.

What Is the Expected Life of an ECONOFROST Night Cover?

Through normal conditions of operation the shield can be expected to outlast the equipment it is placed on. Only misuse can cause it to deteriorate. The spring mechanism is constructed of a high industrial gauge metal, the fabric is tear resistant. ECONOFROST is sold only once for the life of each case.

What Is the Average Payback Period for ECONOFROST?

While there are various factors that affect the payback time, such as the number of hours the store is closed, the local energy cost, the equipment’s efficiency, and the store environment, we have demonstrated payback periods of three to eighteen months when the store is closed a minimum of 60 hours a week. Shorter pay back periods are usually derived from a combination of energy savings and a great reduction in the shrinkage of produce and other sensitive perishables.

What Other Benefits Can Be Derived from ECONOFROST?

Aside from 37% to 50% energy savings during the hours the store is closed, ECONOFROST will reduce related store heating costs as well as maintenance costs for compressors and refrigeration systems. In addition, ECONOFROST can reduce spoilage losses due to equipment or power failure and extend the shelf life of dated perishable products by maintaining optimum temperatures throughout the case while increasing equipment efficiency and performance. In some states and provinces, ECONOFROST qualifies for grants by local and federal governments and utility companies because it is an investment to reduce energy costs. There are even instances where ECONOFROST users have been given favorable tax consideration.

What Independent Testing Verifies ECONOFROST Results?

Reports from independent studies describe the benefits of installing ECONOFROST night covers on refrigerated display cases. In addition to numerous private tests in supermarket chains and in the labs of OEM refrigeration manufacturers, ECONOFROST has been tested by TUV (Technischer Uberwachungs-Verein Rheinland E.V.), which is equivalent to the UL in the United States and the CSA in Canada. These tests confirmed that ECONOFROST provides daily savings. Southern California Edison's state of the art refrigeration technology and test center conducted an experiment to measure the power use and performance of a refrigerated display case with and without ECONOFROST night covers. Their report shows that lowering ECONOFROST night shields had a positive effect on energy savings and lowered product temperatures, a key element in prolonging the shelf life of perishable foods.