The grocery store of today represents a hotbed of technological innovation, from inventory management software to AI-powered consumer insights. Even the physical layout has evolved, with new spaces dedicated to pick-and-pack for online orders and self-check-out stations. Yet amid this rapid pace of change, the cold case area has stayed relatively the same—until now.

With looming environmental regulations that will phase out hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, grocers are hastening to overhaul their systems, and fortunately they have a partner ready to assist. “Grocers eager to future proof their store need look no further than our glycol waterloop solution,” says Daniel May, PMP, Manager, Engineering and Project Management at AHT Cooling Systems, a leading manufacturer and innovator of waterloop refrigeration and freezer systems.

Reaping the Benefits of the Waterloop Advantage

Not everyone is familiar with the ground-breaking features of waterloop systems, May acknowledges. One of the key sticking points is that many retailers assume the natural refrigerant product of choice should be CO2. However, retailers should consider the benefits of R290 propane, which is used in AHT’s units.

Although widely accepted as an effective and safe alternative to HFC, the properties of R290 contribute to a key misconception about the safety of using propane in the grocery store. May is quick to confirm that the perceived risk is unfounded. “The amount of refrigerant that’s being used is minute, and it’s hermetically sealed,” he says of R290’s use in AHT’s systems. In fact, R290 has such low global warming potential that the proposed SNAP 26 legislation will allow grocers to disperse it into the atmosphere.

AHT’s solution has numerous other benefits as well:

• Direct energy savings, which is increasingly important to grocers facing surging prices
• The ability to harness heat recovery technology, which allows grocers to take the heat they’re already creating through their refrigeration process and use it for another purpose
• Minimal leak rate of roughly 1%, compared to industry refrigeration leak rates for remote rack systems which run on average in excess of 12%
• Easier, less costly repairs when compared to a case that is tied back to a rack, due to relative ease of finding and repairing the leak, compared with traditional refrigeration systems
• A reduced need for mandatory leak checks and recordkeeping
• Simplified configuration for a tailored solution customized to each individual store

No-Cost Training and Education Allows for a Seamless Transition

While all of these advantages work together to support efficient operations, any significant change is bound to generate uncertainty. That’s why AHT has launched a robust training and education effort for retailers and contractors to ease the shift to glycol waterloop units, with a host of internal subject matter experts prepared to support the product rollout in the United States.

To increase industry awareness, AHT routinely participates in industry training events and offers no-cost training and education for retailers and contractors to ensure they know how to conduct proper preventative maintenance, service and repair. Recently opened on the west coast, AHT has a training center with a showroom. The showroom experience allows for a further local touchpoint, as it can host informational sessions and free trainings for contractors and customers. “We can also accommodate clients who want personalized information sessions,” May says. “Our goal is to ensure retailers are confident with their purchase and excited about the difference it can make in their store.”

AHT also works with its customers to research and apply for applicable rebates, such as those offered in many of the 24 states that are part of the Climate Alliance. “We avidly follow the news and regularly work with our clients to explore the best possible funding solution,” May says.

And, he adds, with the units manufactured at AHT’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina, customers can be confident that parts and service are readily available.

The Time is Now to Future Proof Your Cold Case

In an industry characterized by rapid innovation and heightened customer demand for sustainability and energy efficiency, AHT’s state-of-the-art refrigeration technology is designed to meet the needs of today’s eco-conscious consumer.

“Progressive grocers are taking a proactive approach to the impending cold case dilemma,” says May. “At AHT, our goal is to foster strong collaborative relationships as we equip our customers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive today—and tomorrow.”

Visit AHT Cooling systems to find out how waterloop systems can future proof your store.