When it comes to refrigeration systems, few other businesses have as much to gain (or lose!) as restaurants. Commercial refrigeration requires 100% uptime to ensure food products like eggs, dairy, and meats remain completely safe. Preparation and consumption rely on it.
The basic problem has not changed in a long time: Keep items cold so they remain sanitary and safe. However, the underlying technology continues to advance. As recently as 2014, standards for commercial refrigeration were undergoing revision.
As new refrigeration standards are introduced, restaurants benefit. New refrigerants, for example, don’t just reduce emissions – they also raise system efficiency. That can result in plenty of savings for restaurants, but the system must be prepared to accommodate it.
At the center of that effort is your commercial compressor. We find that many restaurants use the Copeland 3DS1500 and/or the 3DB1000 series in their refrigeration systems.
Restaurants Face an Even Tougher Time Replacing Their Compressors
The compressor is the key component in your refrigeration system. No matter how large or small the system is, everything relies on the compressor.
Unfortunately, compressors don’t last forever. Depending on when the system first came online and how it was designed, it could operate anywhere from 5 to 20 years.
Modern compressor systems that receive routine maintenance tend to have a longer service life. Proactive maintenance can extend the service period by several years. Sooner or later, though, your restaurant will face the prospect of replacing your compressor for your refrigeration system. That can cost you many thousands of dollars.
Some businesses have the luxury of reducing their refrigeration capacity for a while or even taking their system offline while they wait for a brand new compressor unit. For a restaurant, however, that simply isn’t part of the equation.
The average restaurant holds a food inventory of 5-7 days’ product on hand. If you order a new commercial compressor from a wholesaler associated with an OEM, it may take anywhere from six to eight weeks just to get to you. From there, you have to bring the system online.
As recent events have proven, most restaurants are not prepared to be closed for eight weeks!
With that in mind, restaurants need a solution that is both faster and less expensive.
The answer is a remanufactured commercial compressor.
A Remanufactured Compressor Reveals Thousands of Dollars in Savings
If you decide to buy a compressor from the OEM, you are usually paying a premium for a company’s name and not much else. That’s because most “service replacement” compressors are not 100% new: They actually come from the OEM’s remanufacturing company / wholesaler.
A remanufactured compressor provides the reliability you need. When a compressor has been remanufactured, it is fully disassembled and cleaned. Components are replaced with new or re-certified parts and the unit is tested to ensure it performs as expected.
In general, you can save 20%-30% in upfront costs with a remanufactured compressor.
However, the savings don’t end there.
Long-Term Lower Cost of Ownership With a Remanufactured Compressor
Reducing the costs associated with your capital equipment helps you maintain your restaurant’s financial health. A remanufactured compressor has plenty to offer when it comes to cutting down on the overhead associated with your refrigeration system.
For example:
1. Reduced Maintenance Cost and Longer Projected Service Life
Any complex mechanical system requires maintenance to operate at peak efficiency. That said, compressors can become expensive to maintain as they age. A remanufactured compressor is a completely rejuvenated system with all-new parts and no “wear and tear,” so it lasts for years just like a new one.
2. Higher Efficiency and Lower Environmental Impact
A remanufactured compressor is brought up to the OEM specifications in all ways, including the electrical and mechanical efficiency of the system. This often means that less electricity is used in operation. You can go forward knowing you’ve reduced your environmental footprint.
3. Updated Technology and Readiness
A remanufactured compressor comes with either new or re-certified components. Many of these may be more advanced and efficient than the parts found in an older comparable compressor unit. This keeps you up-to-date on the latest technology and ensures you are moving forward.
4. Easier Long-Term System Maintenance
With a good remanufacturing company, you are starting an important relationship. You’ll have the chance to get expert assistance with system maintenance and other issues in the future. Plus, the best remanufacturing companies stand by their work with a warranty you can trust.
Protect Your Bottom Line With a Remanufactured Commercial Compressor
Long story short, you don’t need to start from scratch with a new compressor to get the performance you want – and most restaurants aren’t in a position to modify their operations around the requirements of deploying and installing an OEM compressor.
The safety and well-being of your patrons and workforce depend on your compressor. To get one you can stake your reputation on, don’t settle for anything less than fully remanufactured, like the ones from Compressors Unlimited.
