For decades, remote refrigeration has remained the industry’s primary option for frozen and chilled retail departments across the European Self-contained, or “plug-and-go units” are often passed over because they just don’t have the same reputation as remote units produced by the big names in refrigeration manufacturing. But is this really true?
Not so. As it turns out, there are some significant downsides to rushing to judgement against self-contained units that remote manufacturers have been downplaying for years. Retailers now have an option to greatly reduce or even remove the bulky size of their LT parallel compressor systems, as well as eliminate the massive amounts of labor and materials required for an extensive remote unit installation through the utilization of self-contained units.
The concept that remote refrigeration is the only game in town is certainly a myth! Let’s walk through five additional illusions about remote refrigeration that will help inform you on one of the most important investments you can make for your retail operation.
GET A FREE CONSULTATIONFive remote refrigeration myths retailers should know about
Myth #1. Remote refrigeration units are more reliable than self-contained units.
The real scoop: While most remote parallel refrigeration systems have solid reputations behind them, failures do happen, and they can be catastrophic. For instance, a compressor failure could result in the loss of 1,000 pounds of gas — or more! This can result in astronomical expenses, in addition to the cost of lost sales during a potentially lengthy shutdown.
With Novum’s patented LEAP technology, the evaporator is located externally to the food chamber in an easily replaceable cassette system. For this reason, if a Novum compressor fails, only 3 ounces of propane may be lost. A replacement can conveniently be stored in your supply room — no more waiting for parts while losing money on sales.
Myth #2. Remote refrigeration is the least expensive option
The real scoop: Remote cases may be cheaper up front but there are other costs involved in making them work. Such items as remote compressors, remote condensers, rigging labor, refrigeration piping and installation labor, drain lines and installation labor, drain line installation labor, remote defrost panels and wiring, and a crane to set the equipment are needed, in addition to other things. Note that the cost of refrigerant is extremely volatile, and you must hope to have selected the right one for your stores.
The list is both long and complicated, and the associated costs rise very quickly. With Novum’s LEAP technology, just set the case, plug it in and go!
Myth #3. It might take a while to order a remote refrigeration system, but it will surely be worth the long wait.
The real scoop: Due to our current supply chain restrictions and labor shortages, you might just be waiting a very long time — not including the lengthy and intrusive install — to receive your new unit. Do you have the extra months to wait it out?
A Novum self-contained unit features a beautifully simply plug-and-go installation, so you are up and running instantly. No wait and no install required.
Myth #4. Remote refrigeration units run quietly, while self-contained units are hot and noisy.
The real scoop: It is true that, historically, self-contained units were louder and gave off more heat than remote refrigeration units. But with Novum’s major technological advances, this is simply not the case.
Advanced LEAP technology utilizes a natural refrigerant known as R290, which allows self-contained units to operate oh-so quietly. Noise and heat rejection are dealt with by small high-efficiency hermetic compressors with very high COP’s. Small compressors require smaller fans — which means much less noise output.
Myth #5. Remote refrigeration units are extremely energy efficient.
The real scoop: Most remote refrigeration units are actually energy guzzlers. Remote Glass door freezers require a large amount of electric defrost to operate and function properly.
Novum’s LEAP-enabled freezers can save you up to 70% on overall energy costs compared to remote equipment. No electric defrost required. Now that’s real efficiency.
Making an informed decision
Weighing the pros and cons of remote refrigeration units and what might be best for your retail operation will require peeling back layers from a long-running narrative to reveal the hard facts beneath.
Novum’s self-contained units have remained the number one refrigeration solution for frozen food specialists for more than 30 years in Europe for the many reasons mentioned above. Other perks to a Novum unit include 100% frost-free systems, the capability to flip between cold to frozen with the touch of a button, and the ability to say ‘good-bye’ to a pricey maintenance contract.
Folks, there’s a new player in town. Let us help you make the switch to Novum’s Edison Award-nominated LEAP technology.
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