In commercial refrigeration, energy efficiency is more than a goal—it’s a business imperative. Queensland’s subtropical climate delivers heat, humidity, and sky-high power bills. With electricity costs up 20% since 2022 and refrigeration consuming up to 60% of a business’s energy, trimming that load can transform your bottom line.
Here’s how efficiency works, why it matters, and where to start for the biggest gains.
Refrigeration isn’t just a cost—it’s often the biggest line item on your power bill. Whether you're running a Brisbane café ($5,000/month electricity) or a Cairns hotel ($20,000+), those numbers stack up fast. Cutting energy waste:
Reduces operating costs
Extends equipment life
Prevents breakdowns
Aligns your business with QLD’s net-zero by 2050 target
In short: efficiency = resilience.
Problem: Heat infiltrates through cracks and poor insulation, forcing compressors to work harder.
QLD Reality: A Rockhampton butcher with cracked door seals saw a 30% spike in run time.
Fixes:
Upgrade to polyurethane foam panels
Replace worn gaskets with EPDM rubber
Keep doors tightly sealed—especially in QLD’s 70%+ humidity
Impact: Stops frost build-up (which saps 10–15% efficiency) and protects stock.
Problem: Fixed-speed compressors waste energy by running full tilt, even when demand is low.
QLD Fix: Install Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to match output to need.
Success Story: A Gold Coast resort cut $8,000 annually after swapping to VFDs.
Bonus: Reduced wear = longer lifespan = fewer $5,000–$10,000 compressor swaps.
Problem: Dust, salt, and cramped spaces strangle performance.
Field Lesson: A Toowoomba grocer lost 20% cooling power—cleaning coils fixed it in a day.
Best Practice:
Clean coils monthly (more often near the coast)
Maintain 1–2 metres clearance around condensers
Shade rooftop units to reduce radiant heat load
QLD Note: Salty coastal air corrodes coils—rinse regularly to prevent damage.
LED Lighting: Swap halogens in coolers for LEDs—cuts lighting energy 50% and reduces internal heat load.
Estimated Savings: $2,000/year per supermarket (QLD chain).
Night Covers: Open display fridges lose cold air after hours. Install pull-down covers or curtains. Energy Reduction: ~10%.
Thermostat Accuracy:
Fridges: 5°C
Freezers: -18°C
Each degree below spec costs an extra 3–4% in power.
Use calibrated digital thermometers to check weekly.
With over 300 sunny days a year, solar is a natural fit.
A 50 kW solar array can offset much of a small warehouse’s refrigeration load.
Installation cost: ~$60,000
Payback: 5–7 years
Rebates: QLD’s Climate Action Plan offers up to 30% off on energy-saving installs, including refrigeration upgrades.
Real-World Win: A Sunshine Coast food distributor saved $8,000/year with solar + VFD integration.
Energy Star (2023): Efficiency retrofits return 20–40% savings
For a mid-sized QLD retailer:
Savings = $4,000–$8,000 per year
Add longer system life, fewer breakdowns, and better compliance—and efficiency isn’t a luxury; it’s an investment.
Audit your setup—look for leaks, dust, and energy spikes.
Clean condenser coils and check gaskets—monthly, like clockwork.
Benchmark energy use with smart meters or sensors.
Prioritise upgrades:
Start with LEDs, covers, and thermostats for fast ROI.
Scale to VFDs or solar when budget allows.
In Queensland, commercial refrigeration doesn't get a day off—and neither should your efficiency strategy. With rising power costs and demanding heat loads, mastering the basics of energy efficiency is survival strategy 101. Whether you’re chasing profit, compliance, or peace of mind, it starts here.
Need help designing or retrofitting an energy-efficient refrigeration setup?
📞 Call ACRO Refrigeration on 1300 227 600 or ✉️ email workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au
We keep Queensland’s businesses cool, efficient, and future-ready.