What is an Inverter Air Conditioner?

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An inverter air conditioner controls the power, speed, and frequency of the motor to the HVAC system, meaning it can shift through multiple speed levels. Alternatively, a non-inverter has just one speed.

Ultimately, inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient. This is because they use less power to maintain the desired temperature as they can slow the motor down as necessary.

Non-inverter air conditioners turn on and off frequently. This causes more noise as they are either off, or they are fully on. This also makes them less energy efficient, and is tougher on the machine’s moving parts. Inverter air conditioners ensure superior comfort and energy efficiency, and are more cost effective in the long run.

The components that make up an inverter AC are expensive, and their repair and maintenance is a costly service. Non-inverter air conditioners may cost less in the short term, but inverter air conditioners operate in a way that provides more value in the long run.

Don’t forget about room insulation. If there is not adequate air circulation or if the machine is not properly maintained, inverter air conditioners can increase overall power consumption, and as such, your electricity bill can go up.

Inverter air conditioners can also provide special benefits including:

  • Sense activity and adjust the output of the unit accordingly
  • Custom integrations to allow you to control the unit
  • Improve air quality (on specific models)
  • Monitor energy consumption and costs from an app

Craft Group is where technology, manufacturing, and engineering converge.

Contact us for support with any of your inverter air conditioner needs.

AC Condensing Units

How Much Does an AC Condenser Replacement Cost?

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Replacing your AC condenser can be fairly expensive depending on what you’re looking for. A full replacement could cost anywhere from $1,200 to $4,200 if not under warranty or $400 to $1,400 for labor when under warranty.

The cost of the part would depend on the coil type, the brand, and other key factors. The coil alone can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,500, and the labor can cost anywhere between $300 to $900.

The right investment in your AC condenser unit as well as intentional upkeep can help ensure that these expensive replacement costs are less frequent.

If you’re considering a new condensing unit, Thermocraft’s five AC condensing units are a good place to start:

  • MB Series – Thermocraft Monoblock Packaged Systems
  • TL Series – Thermologic
  • EH Series
  • SF Series – Smart Force
  • SFL (Low Profile) – Smart Force Low Profile

MB Series 

Thermocraft Monoblock Packaged Systems are designed with the latest high-efficiency systems. The abs injected base, fan guard, and evaporator housing allows for higher insulation, strength, reduction in noise, and better drainage.

AC Condensing Units

TL Series

You can also consider a Thermologic condensing unit. Thermologic units rely on water-cooled refrigeration with a unique, small-footprint design that delivers distinct benefits compared to more traditional air-cooled systems.

EH Series

This low-profile condensing unit features a variable speed compressor designed for small spaces; it’s efficient, operates quietly, has multiple cooling loads, and an extended operating envelope, all with superior reliability.

SF Series

Smart Force (SF) condensing units are the recipe for premium foods and tough energy standards. Designed with OEM and end-user concerns in mind, allow you to meet and exceed regulatory standards.

SFL (Low Profile)

Smart Force Low Profile (SFL) condensing units are high efficient, quiet, compact and reliable. Sweat connections and electrical screw terminals makes installation fast and easy. These units use programmable ECM fan motors that adjust speed automatically which results in higher system efficiency.

Leverage the latest commercial refrigeration condensing unit technology and the ideal combination of refrigerant, horsepower, and temperature with Thermocraft.

It’s true replacing your AC condensing unit can be expensive, but if you invest, you can trust that they are built to last.

What is the Best Way to Clean Refrigerator Seals?

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When it comes to refrigerators, one may certainly remember to clean out the inside of the fridge, but it’s all too common for the seals to be forgotten. To maintain a working fridge that keeps contents at a cold temperature, cleaning the seals, especially in commercial refrigeration, is necessary.

Safe Solutions for Cleaning

To prevent the breakdown of the seal, do not use products that contain bleach or ammonia. Hydrogen peroxide or vinegar are safe alternatives to harsh chemicals and provide an affordable way to clean mold or stains that can build up in seals. We recommend using a spray bottle and microfiber cloth to gently wipe the seals.

Ensure Quality of Commercial Refrigeration

After cleaning the seal, be sure the refrigerator closes air-tight to ensure the quality of your fridge contents.

Staying consistent with cleaning your commercial refrigeration products saves you money and improves the longevity of your equipment.

Thermocraft has many options when it comes to your commercial refrigeration needs. Explore here: https://icraft.us/thermocraft-products/

Types of Refrigeration Systems You Need to Know

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Removing heat is the key in all types of refrigeration systems and in the commercial refrigeration arena, there are many types of systems to choose from. So how do you know which one is right for your business?

Let’s dive into the different models:

  • Mechanical-Compression Refrigeration

  • Absorption Refrigeration
  • Evaporative Cooling
  • Thermoelectric Refrigeration

Mechanical-Compression Refrigeration 

With mechanical-compression refrigeration, the refrigerant enters the compressor as low pressure, warm gas and comes out as high pressure, high gas, and then goes into the condenser. When you compress a fluid, the volume decreases, and the temperature increases as well as the pressure. The refrigerant is compressed to higher temperatures. When the refrigerant passes through the coils, it cools down from a hot gas to a warm liquid. There is a fan behind the coils that picks up the air around the coils so heat is rejected out of the condenser.

 

This type of refrigeration is often seen in commercial refrigeration and industrial settings.

 

Absorption Refrigeration

This type of refrigeration system uses two coolants. One performs the evaporation and is then absorbed with the second coolant. To return the coolants to their original state, heat is necessary. This heat source provides energy which is how the absorption process works.

 

This system is often used for air conditioning in buildings.

 

Evaporative Cooling

Evaporative cooling uses water as a refrigerant, a cooling pad for hot dry air, and a fan that blows the cool air through. The pad is soaked with water allowing the hot air to drop in temperature as it goes through the system. This system can significantly decrease the amount of energy used.

 

Thermoelectric Refrigeration

With this type of refrigeration system, two conductor junctions and a voltage are necessary. The voltage provides an electric current to the linked conductors causing heat to go from one to the other, providing cooling to the unit.

 

Thermocraft Condensing Units – quality you can trust:

At Thermocraft we have a variety of water-cooled and air-cooled condensing units.

Our wide range of commercial refrigeration condensing units is backed by more than 100 years of combined commercial refrigeration expertise. From small indoor units to large indoor or outdoor systems, we have the right solution for any application in the commercial refrigeration market. All of our featured condensing units are customizable to the core:

  •  Thermologic Series
  •  EH Series (R290 – Natural Refrigerants)
  •  SF Series
  •  SFL (Low Profile)

Let Thermocraft help you bring your ideas to life.

Explore your custom refrigeration solutions options here:

https://icraft.us/thermocraft-products/

 

Wine Room Refrigeration

The Different Types of Wine Cellar Cooling Systems

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Wine Room refrigeration systems are designed to minimize the acoustical and visual impact of the refrigeration system on the room. With many different capacities and configurations, there is an evaporator suitable for almost every room configuration.

The proper storage and aging of wine hinges on a delicate balance of exact temperature and humidity control. Temperature affects wine’s maturation rate with 60 percent being ideal. Low humidity can cause corks to dry out, leading to wine degradation, leakage, and evaporation. Too much humidity allows mold and fungus to contaminate the room and bottles and causes labels to peel. Thermocraft designs our wine cooling systems to keep these important temperatures and proper storage top of mind.

Wine Room Refrigeration

Thermocraft Wine Room Refrigeration Systems

At Thermocraft, we produce self-contained, split, or ducted cooling systems to meet your needs for the proper commercial refrigeration wine storage. Discover each type of system below.

 

  • Self-Contained Wine Room Refrigeration Systems

    • One piece of equipment
    • Easy to install
    • Need well-ventilated room next door for vent
    • For maintenance, will need to be shipped to the manufacturer

  • Split Wine Room Refrigeration Systems

    • More expensive than self-contained systems
    • No need for a separate room for a vent
    • Maintenance can happen on-site

  • Ducted Wine Room Refrigeration Systems

    • No equipment in the wine room
    • Cool air ducted into the wine room

 

Our wine room refrigeration systems create the ideal environment for protecting your investment.

Contact us for more about her custom wine refrigeration systems: https://icraft.us/wine-cellar/

Wine Room Refrigerators

 

Pros and Cons of Hydrocarbons as Refrigerants

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Refrigerants keep refrigeration systems running smoothly. This substance transforms from liquid to gas to transfer heat within the refrigeration system to provide the cooling effect. There are many different types of refrigerants that both have pros and cons in working systems.

Let’s explore what these are and why they can be both good and bad depending on the system you’re using.

Basics of Hydrocarbons

Popular hydrocarbons:

  • R290 Propane
  • R600a Isobutane
  • R1270 Propylene

Pros and Cons of Hydrocarbons

Pros:

Hydrocarbons are a natural type of refrigerant that are non-toxic and the most cost effective when comparing them to other refrigerants like R21, R40, and R630 to name a few.

  • Less environmental impact
  • Cost effective
  • Non-toxic
  • Lower energy consumption

Cons:

Although hydrocarbons do have many positive qualities, due to the reduced form of carbon in hydrocarbons, they are highly combustible which can make leaks quite dangerous.

  • Flammable
  • Leaks are dangerous

Thermocraft and Hydrocarbons

Leveraging the latest commercial refrigeration condensing unit technology and the ideal combination of refrigerant, horsepower, and temperature. Thermocraft provides highly efficient, easy-to-install commercial refrigeration condensing units for all applications.

Thermocraft Condensing Units:

Thermologic Series.

  • Thermologic is a water-cooled refrigeration condensing unit with a unique, small-footprint design that delivers distinct benefits compared to more traditional air-cooled systems. Uses: R448A/R404A

EH Series:

  • EH Series condensing units are eco-friendly with high efficiency, they represent the result of craft’s strong commitment to innovation and development of solutions with reduced environmental impact. Uses: R290

Smart Force (SF) Series:

  • Smart Force is a range of durable and compact units, with components and construction that ensure extended lifetime and reliability. Uses: R448A/R449A, R513A, R290

SFL (Low Profile):

  • Smart Force Low Profile (SFL) condensing units are highly efficient, quiet, compact and reliable. Sweat connections and electrical screw terminals makes installation fast and easy. Uses: R448A/R449A

Explore more: https://icraft.us/thermocraft-products/

Water-Cooled Condensers

What is the Purpose of a Water-Cooled Condenser?

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Removing heat from refrigerant vapor is the key function of a water-cooled condensing unit. Being able to transfer that heat to the water running through it makes for a functional and energy efficient system within a refrigerator.

Advantages of a Water-Cooled Condenser

Unlike air condensers that convert gas to a liquid, typically water-cooled condensers take less cooling time, the heat transfer rate is higher, and no fans are necessary. This saves time, energy, and money. Typically water-cooled condensers produce less noise which is a plus if your refrigerators and equipment are in public near customers.

In a nutshell, water-cooled condensers:

  1. Take less cooling time
  2. Maintain a higher heat transfer rate
  3. Use less energy over time
  4. Require no fan operation
  5. Produce less noise

Disadvantages a Water-Cooled Condenser

Although water-cooled condensers do have many positives when it comes to its operation, there are also disadvantages when compared to an air-cooled condenser option.

As can happen with parts that interact with water, parts within a water-cooled condenser can be prone to corrosion which might require parts to be replaced more often than with an air-cooled condenser. Sometimes the installation costs of a water-cooled condenser can be higher depending on which services you require. Air cooled condensers are typically smaller which gives more flexibility on location and placement as opposed to water-cooled condensers.

Recap of disadvantages:

  1. Relies on water availability
  2. Contains more parts than air-cooled condensers
  3. Can be prone to corrosion
  4. High installation costs
  5. Typically larger in size to air-cooled condensers

Whether you choose air-cooled or water-cooled solutions for your business, Thermocraft leverages the latest commercial refrigeration condensing unit technology and the ideal combination of refrigerant, horsepower, and temperature to ensure highly efficient, easy-to-install commercial refrigeration condensing units for all applications.

Thermocraft Solutions

Craft Inc.’s own brand of condensing units, Thermocraft, combines an uncompromising focus on quality, reliability, and economy with our strategic alliance concept that fosters our clients’ drive to innovate a more sustainable world through our smart, energy-efficient products, services, and solutions.

Our wide-range of commercial refrigeration condensing units (including water-cooled condensing units) is backed by more than 100 years of combined commercial refrigeration expertise. From small indoor evaporative units to large indoor or outdoor systems, we have the right solution for any application in the commercial refrigeration market.

Thermologic Series 

Thermologic is a water-cooled refrigeration condensing unit with a unique, small-footprint design that delivers distinct benefits compared to more traditional air-cooled systems. This low-profile condensing unit features a variable speed compressor designed for small spaces; it’s efficient, operates quietly, has multiple cooling loads, and an extended operating envelope, all with superior reliability.

 

Water-Cooled Condensers

Check out our solutions water-cooled and air-cooled options today: https://icraft.us/thermocraft-products

All of our featured condensing units are customizable to the core. Are you ready to bring your ideas to life?

Explore more:

https://icraft.us/thermocraft-refrigeration-systems/

https://icraft.us/thermocraft-products/

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4 Steps to Maintain Your AC Condenser

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Here at Thermocraft [CRAFT GROUP], we develop custom refrigeration solutions for your business. It’s important to not only obtain quality, reliable, and valuable units, but also learn how to care for them so you can ensure a long lifespan for your equipment.

Follow these four steps for a healthy and long lasting AC Condenser:

  1. Keep the condenser coils clean
  2. Check the evaporator coil
  3. Ensure compressor unit is working properly
  4. Check condenser fan operation
  • Keep the condenser coils clean

    Your condenser coils should be checked monthly to ensure no dirt or grime has built up over time. Dirty coils prevent the proper transfer of air temperature, making your unit work harder and longer for a mediocre result. It is a best practice to clean the condenser coils once a month by using a brush or pressurized water. A coil cleaning foam can be used if it is non-acid based. Clean condenser coils ensure your unit works properly, saves energy, and lasts longer. 

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  • Check the evaporator coil

Similar to the condenser coil, once a month you want to ensure your evaporator coil is free of ice buildup and that defrosting is working properly. The coil surface should be washed just like the condenser coil. Then every six months, it’s best to perform a more thorough maintenance check of the individual parts to ensure the fan motors and blades are working properly and the defrost heaters are in solid condition. 

  • Ensure compressor unit is working properly 

There could be a few reasons why your compressor unit isn’t working properly, but most might come back to poor maintenance. If your refrigerant is too low or too high, contaminants or corrosion is visible within the unit, or air passages are clogged, these could all lead to the unit working improperly. Visually inspecting the unit at least every six months helps to keep a close eye on some of these items that could decrease the life of your compressor unit.

  • Check condenser fan operation 

Condenser fans constantly work hard to keep your system running, which adds to the wear and tear of the fans over time. Frequent cleaning and dusting of the condenser fan can prevent dirt from getting into the system and extend the life of your AC condenser. We recommend checking your fans every three months to ensure they are working properly and continuing to provide proper air flow to your system.

Thermocraft [CRAFT GROUP] has your custom refrigeration solutions and condensing units for all your needs. Explore today: https://icraft.us/thermocraft-products/