If air is continually exhausted from a building, the building builds up a negative pressure. Cold outside air rushes in from wherever it can to try and equalize the pressure. Customers sitting along outside walls or near building entry doors will suffer from uncomfortable drafts sometimes to such an extent that they may have to leave sooner than you would like, perhaps never to return.

Other problems that can occur are frozen water pipes in the ceiling or unheated areas. Gas burning appliances such as hot water tanks, furnaces, and boilers have a hard time venting their exhaust gases because outside air is trying to enter the building down their flue vents. This can lead to high concentration of carbon monoxide in occupied spaces. Equipment which uses water, such as coffeemakers, steamers, ice machines, dishwashers, or hot water tanks, require regular cleaning.

Water cooled equipment such as walk-in cooler or freezers and larger ice machines must be serviced regularly or water usage can increase dramatically.  In older systems, calcium buildup can reduce efficiency and increase water consumption.

Since utility companies base their charges on water used and the amount that goes down the drain, operating costs on this equipment can be quite high. Converting to air-cooled operation or changing to other options is recommended. Depending on the application, the costs incurred to carry out changes may be paid back in a short time from reduced water costs. From this point, savings stay in the owners pocket instead of going down the drain.

If you have questions or concerns please contact your sales rep at Hendrix Condon Barr Food Equipment Ltd. They will help you learn how to increase your profits through effective equipment maintenance. <BACK>