Energy Drain in Open Multi-Deck Cases Without Econofrost: A Store’s Slow Leak
In today’s energy-conscious retail environment, open multi-deck refrigerated display cases have become both a necessity and a liability. While they offer maximum product visibility and shopper accessibility, these open cases are also responsible for a massive but often underestimated energy drain—especially when not equipped with night covers like Econofrost.
Every hour an open case operates without proper insulation or airflow control, it acts like a slow leak in your store’s energy budget. This blog unpacks how open multi-deck cases waste energy, how this impacts store operations, and how Econofrost night covers offer an immediate, passive solution to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Why Open Refrigerated Cases Are a Problem
Open multi-deck cases (often used to display dairy, meats, beverages, or produce) rely on a delicate balance of cold air flow to keep products at safe temperatures. However, the open front allows:
Cold air to spill into store aisles
Warm ambient air to infiltrate the display
Humidity and dust to enter the case
This open design increases the burden on the evaporator coils and compressors, leading to longer refrigeration cycles, more frequent defrosts, and accelerated system wear.
Estimates show that open cases can use up to 60% more energy per linear foot than closed-door equivalents.
The Nighttime Energy Waste
At night, when stores are closed and foot traffic is gone, open cases continue running as if it’s peak hours. Without any protective barrier:
Cold air continues to spill out into the ambient environment
Refrigeration systems stay active to compensate for constant thermal gain
Even though no one is shopping, your refrigeration system works overtime—all night long.
⏱️ A typical 8–12 hour night period can account for 30–40% of total daily refrigeration runtime in open cases.
The Financial Cost of Inaction
What does this mean in real terms?
Let’s say a store has 50 linear feet of open refrigerated cases. Without night covers, those cases could:
Waste 2–3 kWh per linear foot per night
Lead to $3,000–$5,000 annually in unnecessary energy spend
Shorten compressor life by 1–2 years due to continuous cycling
Increase product dehydration and spoilage, especially near the front edges
And that’s just one department.
Econofrost Night Covers: A Passive Barrier That Works
Econofrost night covers are a reliable, mechanical solution that create an effective thermal barrier across open cases when stores are closed or during low-traffic hours.
These aluminum-based retractable covers:
Reflect ambient heat
Reduce temperature fluctuations inside the case
Maintain colder product zones overnight
Cut nighttime energy consumption by up to 36%
Unlike active refrigeration upgrades that require infrastructure changes, Econofrost covers can be installed quickly and start working immediately—with no electricity or ongoing maintenance required.
Case Study Snapshot: Energy Savings in Action
32% reduction in night energy use
Reduced load on compressors, resulting in fewer defrost cycles
Improved product temperatures by 2–4°F in front-facing shelves
ROI achieved in under 18 months
These findings are echoed in utility rebate programs across the U.S. and Canada, many of which now incentivize the use of night covers for energy reduction.
Thermal Science: How the Covers Work
Econofrost night covers leverage high-efficiency woven aluminum mesh with reflective backing. When pulled across the case opening:
They reflect external heat radiation back into the aisle
They minimize convective heat exchange
They help preserve the cold air curtain inside the case
They reduce the amount of ambient moisture entering the display
The result? A more stable microclimate, reduced refrigeration stress, and better product preservation.
Environmental & Operational Benefits
Reduce carbon emissions from refrigeration operations
Prevent product dehydration, extending shelf life
Cut back on defrost cycles, saving time and equipment strain
Lower HVAC loads by reducing heat bleed into store air
For large grocery stores with dozens of cases, the cumulative impact is significant, both financially and environmentally.
Easy Integration into Existing Store Layouts
Econofrost night covers are:
Compatible with most open multi-deck models (deli, meat, produce, dairy)
Available in custom widths for uniform appearance
Easy to install and operate—typically takes staff less than 30 seconds to deploy
Maintenance-free, with over 7–10 years of operational lifespan
Unlike energy audits or refrigeration retrofits, this is a plug-and-play solution.
Final Thoughts: Stop the Slow Leak
With Econofrost night covers, you gain:
Passive, reliable thermal protection
Fast ROI and long-term energy savings
Better refrigeration performance and product quality
Alignment with energy efficiency and ESG goals
🔗 Learn more about night cover solutions at:
www.econofrost.com
or
https://www.energy-savings-refrigeration.com
