Leveraging Cloud-enabled Refrigeration Controls to Better Serve Customers

The reliability and performance of refrigeration equipment has a big impact on the success of the businesses that rely on it. The financial impact of non-performing refrigeration equipment can be significant. In the food service and grocery industries, product loss alone can range from thousands of dollars and upward. In the pharmaceutical and medical supply industry, that amount can swell to hundreds of thousands or even millions.

Refrigeration controls with remote monitoring and A2L refrigerant leak sensing capabilities offer continuous, real-time visibility of refrigeration equipment health. Authorized users can view equipment performance data and trend analysis from any device connected to the internet, including a cell phone or tablet, and receive notifications if system parameters deviate from preset values. This level of awareness can keep refrigeration systems running in optimum condition, maintain A2L refrigerant leak detection compliance, and minimize outages and their substantial consequences.

Contractors who offer these advanced controls can deliver much greater value to the businesses they serve. In doing so, they can even shift customer relationships from the traditional install/repair model to long-term, lifecycle partnerships.

Here are three ways contractors can gain a competitive advantage and grow their business by offering cloud-enabled refrigeration controls.

No. 1: Meet A2L Refrigerant Leak Detection Industry Standards with Confidence

After several years of industry preparation, commercial refrigeration equipment using A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerants is now available in the market. Depending on the application, ASHRAE guidelines require many of these units to be equipped with an A2L refrigerant leak detection system (RDS). The latest refrigeration controls combine compliant A2L leak sensing capability with multistage temperature, humidity and/or pressure control.

Designed to monitor refrigerant leaks, leading A2L refrigerant sensors use speed-of-sound technology to quickly identify relatively low concentrations of refrigerant. Once sensors detect an A2L refrigerant leak that reaches the mandated limit, the activated control logic quickly starts the mitigation process. Mitigation includes turning on evaporator fans to disperse and dilute possible refrigerant concentration and closing isolation valves to prevent additional refrigerant leakage, as outlined by UL standards 60335-2-40 and 60335-2-89

Beyond A2L compliance, controls with refrigerant leak sensing capabilities can warn service technicians of system-related issues so they can address the problem, thereby minimizing system downtime and product loss.

No. 2: Accelerate Technician Response and Resolve Issues Faster

It's not uncommon to roll a truck multiple times for a single issue with commercial refrigeration equipment: a visit to diagnose it, another to address it. Cloud-enabled refrigeration controls provide visibility for contractors to roll a truck once, if at all.

Refrigeration systems equipped with remote monitoring and alarms provide real-time notifications when an issue occurs, allowing for proactive system troubleshooting. Technicians can review alarms and trend data in real-time to determine the severity of the issue and the appropriate response. 

Utilizing two-way communication through cloud-enabled controls, technicians can immediately adjust control parameters, including setpoints, initiate a manual defrost and modify defrost cycles.

If an on-site service call is required, technicians can ensure that they have the necessary parts and tools to address the issue.

This informative, data-driven action is a win all around. It streamlines service calls, prepares technicians, and minimizes unplanned downtime and related costs for business owners.

No. 3: Create Open, Ongoing Communications That Best Serve Customer Interests 

Often, the only time contractors hear from customers is during an emergency. Controls with remote monitoring and system alerts introduce a continuous dialogue designed to keep businesses running and reduce the total cost of system ownership.

Remote monitoring provides clear, real-time data to determine the timing and severity of maintenance, and, in some cases, the replacement of equipment. With around-the-clock awareness of system health and performance, customers and contractors can plan proactive service that prevents emergencies and extends system life.

As a result, customers can minimize equipment downtime and product loss, greatly benefiting their bottom line. Businesses directly serving people, such as grocery stores, also benefit from greater customer satisfaction, minimizing the risk of losing shoppers to competition.

In this way, incorporating cloud-enabled controls increases the value of mechanical service agreements and provides measurable benefits that make them easier to sell. Over time, regular, positive service interactions can drive recurring revenue opportunities and strengthen customer relationships, forging trust that transforms a contractor into an appreciated advisor for future needs.

Provide Outstanding Value and Superior Support

Contractors who offer cloud-enabled refrigeration controls, inclusive of communicating A2L refrigerant leak sensors, are solidly positioned to better serve their customers. Major benefits include:

• Information available to discern between a refrigerant leak or A2L sensor issue Constant monitoring of refrigeration system health;
• Increase the value of service agreements;
• Minimize emergencies through proactive service and customer communications; and
• Reduce the time required to address equipment issues.

Combined, these benefits improve customer retention, increase profits, achieve business goals, and move contractors ahead of the competition.

For more information, visit www.penncontrols.com.