Berner International Corp., a U.S. manufacturer of air curtains and accessories, has introduced the walk-in cooler efficiency kit.

It is an air curtain and control package combination that helps foodservice operators, retailers, and restaurants comply with new energy code mandates for existing and new walk-in coolers, according to the company.

The kit is a pre-wired 24V, 7 (l) x 5 (w) x 4 (d)-inch control/load center with enclosure and magnetic reed on-off door switch. It also uses Berner’s K-Zone air curtain that is engineered specifically for walk-in coolers/freezers, the company said.

The NSF-approved K-Zone ranges from three to six-feet-long and features a low profile for unobstructed walk-in cooler access. Opening the walk-in cooler door activates the one-speed K-Zone via the magnetic reed switch and limits air infiltration with an airstream across the door opening that’s factory-engineered for regulating precise volume, velocity, and uniformity.

Once 120V power is run to the area, the kit enables the air curtain to be installed in less than 15 minutes, according to the company.

According to Berner, the kit enables compliance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (Section 312), which mandates all walk-in coolers/freezers manufactured after Jan. 1, 2009 include either strip curtains, spring-hinged swinging vinyl doors or other air infiltration reduction methods.

“Based on the number of door cycles, the customers can expect a payback as quick as one year based on energy savings, increased equipment efficiencies, and reduced refrigeration equipment wear-and-tear,” the manufacturer said.

For more information, go to www.berner.com.

Publication date: 06/07/2010