Climate Class: Why Climate Class matters

When selecting new commercial refrigeration equipment, it’s essential to consider the environmental conditions of the space where the unit will be installed. Key factors include ambient temperature, humidity, and air ventilation. These conditions directly affect the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of commercial refrigeration units.

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Where to find Climate Class information

All commercial refrigeration will show information about their Climate Class on the energy label (if appropriate), technical data sheet and/or manufacturers brochure pages.

Climate Class information will show the maximum ambient working temperature and relative humidity in which the cabinet has been designed to work efficiently.

Climate Class information is provided is by refrigeration equipment manufacturers for the use of distributors, installers and businesses using the equipment.

Here at angelrefrigeration.co.uk you will find the Climate Class information on the product page in the Temperature/Climate section.

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Why is Climate Class information important?

The Climate Class of a commercial refrigerator or freezer forms an important part of the decision-making process when choosing what equipment to buy and where to position the equipment.

Climate Class provides information about the ambient operating conditions in which the refrigerated equipment has been designed to work. Understanding the Climate Class is an important aspect of ensuring your refrigeration works as efficiently as it has been designed to work, preserving precious ingredients, food and drink products.

Using commercial refrigeration equipment outside of the stipulated Climate Class can lead to significant temperature and energy performance issues.

• Commercial refrigeration is designed to keep fresh, frozen and cooked food and drink safe for consumption. A fridge or freezer that does not reach the correct internal temperature will compromise food safety, often resulting in spoilage, shorter shelf life, blown packaging and decolourization.
• Energy consumption will be higher than stated by the manufacturer as the compressor works much harder to achieve the internal set temperature point.
• The refrigeration system will be put under additional strain, possibly leading to breakdowns and frequently in a reduction in the lifespan of the equipment.
• Most manufacturer’s product warranties will be invalidated if the refrigeration equipment is not used in the temperature and humidity conditions stipulated by the Climate Class.
• In extremely cold conditions, refrigeration systems may not start due to the ambient temperature probe readings
• In extremely humid conditions the evaporator is likely to built up too much ice resulting in the equipment not coming down to temperature and/or excess condensate water
• High levels of condensation on display and self-service refrigeration with glass sides and door panels.

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Understanding Climate Classes

Each Climate Class represents specific environmental conditions. Selecting a refrigeration unit with the appropriate climate class ensures optimal performance.

Here is a breakdown of the Climate Classes you can expect for the refrigerated cooling, display, production and storage equipment we offer.

Climate Class 3:maximum ambient temperature +25°C with 60% RH

Climate Class 4:maximum ambient temperature +30°C with 55% RH  

Climate Class 5: maximum ambient temperature +40°C with 40% RH

N Class (temperature class): ambient of +16°C and +32°C

SN Class (extended temperature class): ambient temperature between +10°C and maximum +32°C

ST Class (sub-tropical class): ambient temperature between +18°C and maximum +38°C

SN-T Class (tropical class): ambient temperature between +18°C maximum +43°C ambient temperature

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Climate Class and Energy Labelling

When choosing new commercial refrigeration, it is important to study both the Climate Class and Energy Label information as the information related to different aspects of the equipment.

• The Climate Class information relates to the maximum ambient working temperature and relative humidity in which the cabinet has been designed to work efficiently.
• The Energy Label provides information on the equipment’s energy consumption and overall energy efficiency.

The objective of energy labelling is to reduce energy consumption, by manufacturers bringing increasingly efficient products into the market and for business to make more informed decisions when selecting new commercial refrigeration.

Here in the UK, the information for all commercial refrigerated storage cabinets must include an Energy Label. This includes:

• Commercial fridges and freezers with solid, glass doors or lids
• Refrigerated display cabinets and merchandisers with glass doors
• Open fronted refrigerated display cabinets (Multidecks)

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Climate Class Key Considerations

It is important to remember that open top, open fronted and glass door display refrigeration such as Serve Over Counters, Self Service Merchandisers and Multidecks are most likely to be affected by their operating environment.

The proximity air conditioning, open doors, shop window, heat from other refrigeration equipment or ovens can quickly make an impact on the ambient conditions.

Did you find what you are looking for?

Our team at Angel Refrigeration would be pleased to answer questions you may have regarding Climate Class, Energy Labels or any further information you may need as part of your refrigeration selection process.

Call: 01327 811668

Email: support@angelrefrigeration.co.uk

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