Posts Tagged ‘refrigeration-iq’

Refrigeration Controls FAQs

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025

The controls systems that operate in industrial manufacturing facilities, cold storage units, and ice arenas often go unnoticed, carefully maintaining the critical temperatures required by the product inside. Knowing your refrigeration controls equipment and software inside and out is key to effectively managing it and maximizing its capabilities. Plant managers, equipment operators, and trusted system integrators all play a critical role in keeping the equipment in the best condition. Find answers to commonly asked questions regarding industrial refrigeration control systems.

Who can service my controls equipment?

Depending on the type of equipment you have installed in your facility, only certain local contractors and system integrators are qualified to work on your systems. Proprietary controls restrict service contractors to the original installer of the equipment. No other contractors are allowed to work on proprietary equipment. Non-proprietary systems, however, can be serviced by any trusted, local controls contractor and system integrator. 

Can one control system manage all my industrial equipment?

Depending on the size of your facility, yes, one controls system can integrate with your entire setup. Egan Company’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls can manage a variety of equipment in industrial manufacturing facilities, food and beverage processing plants, and even ice arenas. Every industrial facility comes with its own unique equipment and controls needs, and Egan’s trusted system integration team works closely with plant managers to understand the goals of the facility and how a custom refrigeration controls system can improve the operations in the building. 

What features are available with Egan Company’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls?

Refrigeration controls are critical for small- and large-scale plants that require precise temperature management. Egan’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls deliver a user-friendly option to operate, control, and access temperatures within industrial manufacturing facilities. Features include: 

  • Alarm monitoring
  • Remote access and troubleshooting
  • Scalability for growing operations
  • Non-proprietary systems utilizing Rockwell Automation
  • Custom hardware and software engineering

How do custom refrigeration controls improve the food and beverage manufacturing process?

By maintaining control of critical temperatures throughout the food and beverage manufacturing process, operators can ensure a higher level of quality, food safety, and consistency in their product. Custom refrigeration controls meet the needs of each individual plant, integrating equipment, processes, and temperature requirements for your processes. Monitoring the temperature range in the facility can help maintain compliance with the standards regulated by the FDA, while also reducing spoilage and costly emergencies. 

Can Refrigeration-IQ™ controls help ice arena management? 

Yes! Egan’s refrigeration controls experts have partnered with multiple municipal ice arenas to provide solutions for facility management. Both indoor and outdoor arenas require user-friendly controls to keep ice smooth and ensure easy management for operators. Egan has installed a number of different systems for ice rinks, based on the needs of each one. From new motor controls and glycol cooling systems to smart pulsing compressors, each ice arena may benefit from different equipment and approaches. 

What temperatures do cold storage facilities need to stay within? 

Temperature requirements will vary depending on the individual facility and the product within. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) designates freezer storage as climate controlled facilities that maintain temperatures between -4°F and 14°F, while cold storage temperatures should stay between 14°F and 46°F.

What temperature should perishable products be stored at?

Specific products, such as pharmaceuticals, meat, dairy, or produce, each require its own storage temperature ranges. In compliance with FDA standards, keeping meats, dairy, and produce between 36°F to 39°F can help ensure safety and quality during storage and shipping of products. Keeping up to date with the latest guidelines and individual product specifications can help protect your cold storage facility and inventory. 

What happens if the temperature in my facility goes out of its set range? 

If the temperatures in your manufacturing plant, cold storage facility, or ice arena begin to increase or otherwise go out of the set range, it is critical to begin troubleshooting immediately. In many cases, the issue may be a faulty temperature sensor, a compressor not cycling properly, or a door left open, which can often be resolved by replacing the sensor, checking control parameters, or verifying door seals and alarms.

Egan Company’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls automatically alert your team when temperatures exceed limits, helping you quickly identify and correct issues before they impact product quality, safety, or system efficiency.

Calling the company that installed the system, or another local electrical contractor and system integrator, can help solve the issue and get everything back on track quickly. Because maintaining key temperatures is so critical for industrial manufacturing and cold storage facilities, having a plan in place in case of emergencies is important. Integrating alarm monitoring, remote troubleshooting, and maintaining key contacts with local contractors are all steps you can take to keep track of the temperatures in your facility and get ahead of potential problems. 

Is ammonia refrigeration the best option for my facility?

While ammonia cooling systems are common for maintaining refrigeration temperatures in industrial settings, they are not the only option, and in some cases are not the best option for processing plants and storage facilities. 

The benefits of ammonia systems include effective heat transfer, energy efficiency, and low environmental impact, making it an ideal solution for many large-scale manufacturers and industrial plants. Alternative options include glycol cooling, carbon dioxide systems, and synthetic refrigeration systems. Each industrial refrigeration system has its own benefits, including energy efficiency, safety, and low-temperature capability. Egan Company’s Refrigeration-IQ™ team can be a partner for your facility to determine what is best for your needs and to create a custom solution to achieve your temperature and processing goals. 

Refrigeration Controls Made Simple

Having the right controls system integrated into your equipment and processes can change the way your facility, cold storage unit, or ice arena is run. Custom refrigeration controls integrate seamlessly within small- and large-scale facilities, improving efficiency and operations throughout. Egan Company is a trusted contractor and system integrator, partnering with industrial and manufacturing leaders to find custom solutions for critical refrigeration controls. Our Refrigeration-IQ™ controls make managing, monitoring, and troubleshooting easy and user-friendly. Schedule a demo and learn more about how an upgraded controls system can benefit your plant. 

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Smart Refrigeration Controls Lead to Smooth Skating for Ice Arena Management

Thursday, June 26th, 2025

Maintaining optimal ice quality for indoor ice arenas requires reliable, consistent temperatures and maintenance. Outdated temperature controls compromise the quality and care of the rink, leading to uneven playing surfaces, temperatures that are difficult to manage, and undesirable conditions for skaters. From increased maintenance demands, ongoing repairs, and inconsistent performance, outdated refrigeration controls make ice arena management difficult and costly.

LACE UP: CUSTOM CONTROL DESIGNS

Before you can hop on the ice, you need skates that fit. The same goes for the refrigeration system in your rink. Ice arenas serve many different purposes, from weekend hockey tournaments to open skating to community events that don’t require ice at all. Having an updated control system that is designed to fit your unique building is key to maintaining control and keeping everything running as it should. No matter how many rinks your arena has, or if the uses of the building change throughout the year, your custom refrigeration system should integrate seamlessly with your operations. Integrating fire alarm & life safety systems with the design can further improve the safety, comfort, and management of the building overall. 

Egan Company’s Industrial Refrigeration Controls team partners with facility managers to learn what a well-designed system means for each facility, and how new controls and integrated systems can improve the way your rink is run.

GLIDE EFFORTLESSLY WITH MODERN EQUIPMENT

Outdated or obsolete equipment can quickly become a pesky opponent blocking every attempt at reducing costs and stress when it comes to ice arena management. Modern advanced systems are designed to optimize energy and water consumption, leading to cost savings and ease of use. Built-in alarm systems offer instant notifications of malfunctions, expediting responses to emergency situations and keeping temperatures in check. Modern controls, including Egan’s Refrigeration-IQ™ Controls, can also improve equipment operation with a user-friendly interface, automation features, customizable adjustments, and load sharing configurations. If unexpected downtime does occur, Egan’s 24/7/365 Service team is available to help get you back online and back on the ice quickly. 

A ZAMBONI FOR YOUR CONTROLS SYSTEMS

Bringing in specialized experts for updated refrigeration system design, fire alarm, and building control integration is crucial for smooth ice and easier operations. Egan’s dedicated control team can provide in-house expertise and support needed to customize systems to your specific ice arena’s requirements and bring it all to life. With non-proprietary equipment and 24/7/365 service support, Egan’s Refrigeration-IQ™ Controls can help make managing your facility smoother, giving you greater control of your temperatures and a higher quality of ice. Get in touch to upgrade your arena.

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Smarter Refrigeration Controls Start Here

Monday, May 12th, 2025

Intelligent. Efficient. Innovative. Refrigeration-IQ™ represents a new era of refrigeration control—where simplicity meets advanced performance. At Egan Company, it’s not about adding complexity, but about rethinking the standard to make systems smarter, more efficient, and more intuitive from the ground up. We had the chance to sit down with  Dan Reintjes, Industrial Controls Project Manager and Tim Leahy, Industrial Controls Operations Supervisor for an inside look at  everything you need to know about refrigeration controls.

Refrigeration-IQ

What Are Refrigeration Controls and Why Do They Matter?
Refrigeration controls are the systems that manage and regulate how commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment operates. From keeping food safe in massive distribution centers to maintaining precise temperatures in pharmaceutical facilities, these controls ensure everything runs efficiently, reliably, and within strict temperature ranges. It can include sensors, control panels, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), remote monitoring, and energy management tools—all working together to help facilities reduce waste, avoid costly breakdowns, and optimize performance.

At the center of this evolution is Egan Company’s Refrigeration Controls team, a group known for its deep expertise and hands-on approach. With decades of combined experience, Leahy and Reintjes have helped shape some of the most advanced refrigeration projects across the country.

“We don’t just install a system and move on,” said Reintjes. “We’re thinking about what makes sense for your operators, your equipment, and your long-term goals. We want to leave you with something you understand and can manage—something you own.”

Empowering Operators from Day One
That idea of ownership is central to how Egan designs its Refrigeration-IQ™ systems. Built on an open platform, customers are given full transparency and control—no proprietary lock-ins, no excessive service fees, and no need to go back to the manufacturer for changes. “We’re giving customers the keys,” Leahy said. “Other contractors don’t do that. We want them to have the power to make changes or fixes without going through hoops.”

Refrigeration-IQ

Designed to Fit – Not Force
From brand-new installations to complex retrofits, every system is tailored to the site, operators, and existing infrastructure. Often built and tested in-house, Egan’s solutions are delivered with minimal disruption—even in fully operational facilities.

“In some installs, we didn’t need to shut anything down,” said Reintjes. “It’s about making upgrades seamless.” A standout example? A nationwide rollout of 23 modular refrigeration skids for a confidential distribution client. Every unit was pre-wired, pre-tested, and delivered ready to plug in and power up.

But the team’s real advantage came well before equipment hit the jobsite. “We start every project with boots on the ground,” said Leahy. “Not just quoting off drawings—but walking the space, asking the right questions, and designing for how the system will actually be used.”

Support That Stays
Even after systems go live, support doesn’t stop. Egan’s team provides 24/7 troubleshooting, remote diagnostics, and ongoing optimization. Whether dealing with legacy systems or facilities without documentation, they’re ready to dive in—rewiring, rebuilding, and restoring full functionality with limited downtime.

“We’ve worked in places where nothing was labeled, and nothing had been touched in 30 years,” said Reintjes. “Those jobs don’t intimidate us. That’s where experience really shows.”

Efficiency at the Core
Beyond functionality, Egan’s approach helps customers reduce energy use, prolong equipment life, and cut costs—often without major overhauls. “If a system is running more compressors than necessary, we’ll scale it back,” said Reintjes. “We’ve helped customers avoid energy peaks, lower their utility bills, and run leaner.” And everything—from panel design to programming to construction within Egan’s UL 508A Panel Shop—is fully documented and handed over to the client. It’s a level of transparency that makes long-term system management easier and more cost-effective. For customers looking to modernize, expand, or simply gain more control over their systems, Egan offers more than just installation—they offer partnership.

“We’re here from the first walkthrough to long after the system is up and running,” said Leahy. “Because smarter refrigeration isn’t just about hardware—it’s about the people who use it every day.”

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The Role of Refrigeration Controls in Food Safety Compliance

Tuesday, February 11th, 2025

Commercial and industrial food manufacturing, handling, and storage requires strict compliance with FDA regulations. Controlling the environment and processes in which food is handled is critical in maintaining compliance as well as preventing spoilage, contamination, and broader health hazards. The refrigeration controls within an industrial food manufacturing facility serve an important role in ensuring quality control and safety for employees and consumers who come in contact with the food. 

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Maintaining consistent temperatures is one of the most important factors in ensuring food safety and quality within manufacturing and food storage facilities. Custom refrigeration controls enable greater control over the temperature systems, leading to consistency in temperature and in turn, reliably safe and high-quality products. 

Advanced features in Egan’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls provide tools that can further track temperatures and system health. Leak detection, alarm notifications, and remote access capabilities allow operators to prevent issues and address concerns before they escalate. Technicians are also able to access the industrial refrigeration controls without needing to visit the facility, enabling a faster response time and more efficient troubleshooting. 

PREVENTING HEALTH HAZARDS

Outdated or poorly maintained refrigeration systems can lead to significant risks, including public health hazards and plant shutdowns. Well-maintained and operated refrigeration controls can help prevent concerns such as spoilage and contamination. If your system goes down unexpectedly, the risk for destroyed goods, lost capital, and extended plant shutdowns increases. By monitoring temperature fluctuations and equipment malfunctions, Egan’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls make it easy to  maintain food safety compliance and maximize your facility’s uptime. 

PUTTING HEALTH, SAFETY, AND QUALITY FIRST

Upgrading refrigeration systems and controls can make all the difference in maintaining food safety compliance within your food manufacturing and storage facility. Modern systems such as Egan’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls provide precise temperature management, leak detection, alarm notifications, and remote access, which preserve the integrity of perishable goods. Find greater control over your facility and partner with a team of refrigeration experts. Get in touch with Egan’s industrial refrigeration team to learn how you can integrate new controls in your facility. 

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Are You Due to Upgrade Your Industrial Refrigeration Systems?

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

Maintaining the quality and value of manufactured and stored goods within industrial facilities and warehouses requires top technology and well-run systems. When an industrial refrigeration system becomes outdated, operators and building managers risk spoiling their products and falling behind. By inspecting and upgrading industrial refrigeration systems and controls, manufacturers and industrial warehouses can keep their operations under control and maximize efficiency. 

SIGNS OF OUTDATED REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

If a refrigeration control system uses obsolete parts, then fixing or replacing the components becomes increasingly difficult and costly. Older industrial refrigeration systems tend to require more energy to operate, which leads to higher energy costs and demands on the equipment. If you notice increased bills over time, consider upgrading the refrigeration system and controls with more energy efficient solutions. Additionally, more frequent maintenance and repairs on industrial refrigeration equipment tends to indicate you’re due for an upgrade. Updating the systems can prevent excessive costs down the line. 

BENEFITS OF UPGRADED REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

By investing in a new refrigeration control system, industrial warehouses and manufacturing facilities can enhance the efficiency and production of their operations. Modern refrigeration control systems can be integrated with the entire facility, giving you greater control of the building and operating systems. Custom Refrigeration-IQ™ controls can meet the specific requirements of individual facilities, providing automation solutions and smart controls that increase energy efficiency, allow building technology to work together, and reduce maintenance costs.

UPGRADE YOUR REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

Refrigeration-IQ™ controls from Egan Company feature a host of benefits, including control optimization for energy and water consumption savings, load sharing configurations to prolong equipment life, and intuitive interface for streamlined operations. The user-friendly software is custom-designed based on your facility’s needs, then integrated into a control panel built in our 25,000 square foot UL 508A Panel Shop in Champlin, Minn. 

When it’s time to upgrade your refrigeration system, consider how Egan’s Refrigeration-IQ™ controls can help optimize your facility and improve the way you control your systems. Get in touch with our refrigeration experts and system integrators to learn more. 

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Improve Energy Efficiency in Your Refrigeration Systems

Monday, September 16th, 2024

The energy used to operate industrial refrigeration systems account for approximately 5.7% of the total industrial energy consumption in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Industrial facilities require significant energy demands, which can affect the costs of running the facility, as well as impacting the carbon footprint of the company. When it comes to refrigeration systems, maintaining peak performance is critical to ensure the quality and efficiency of the products and goods being held within the facility, and energy efficiency may not be at the top of mind for system operators. However, implementing energy efficiency strategies can reduce operating costs, improve the carbon footprint of the facility, and optimize the way the systems are run. 

IDENTIFY INEFFICIENCIES WITH ENERGY AUDITS

Conducting regular energy audits can help identify areas within your facility that can be upgraded. Analyzing your refrigeration system’s patterns, energy consumption, and overall operational health is the first step to enhancing the way the system is run. Working with Egan’s industrial refrigeration experts and UL 508A Panel Shop ensures that nothing is missed in a system audit, and can help establish plans to improve the energy efficiency within your facility. 

UPGRADE TO ENERGY-EFFICIENT EQUIPMENT

Once energy efficiency opportunities have been identified through an energy audit, consider upgrading your equipment to maximize the efficiency within your facility. Newer refrigeration systems are designed to consume less energy while delivering optimal performance, resulting in significant cost savings over time. Energy efficient industrial refrigeration systems are becoming industry standard and operate at the same or better performance than older equipment. With increased performance at reduced operating costs, energy efficient industrial refrigeration systems can make a significant difference in the way facilities are run.

IMPLEMENT SMART CONTROLS AND AUTOMATION

Whether you are updating legacy systems, overhauling your entire refrigeration systems, or are looking for small upgrades to improve efficiency, smart controls and system automation technology can help. Custom refrigeration controls, like Egan’s Refrigeration-IQTM, enable operators to monitor and adjust energy consumption in real-time, improving the energy consumption of the system without compromising performance. Additionally, automation can integrate within your facility to adjust throughout the day. Configuring day/night settings, defrost cycles, and other adjustments can improve the way your system runs. Rather than equipment running at full capacity 24/7, automatically adjusting the settings can optimize the way the whole facility works. 

IMPROVE YOUR FACILITY’S REFRIGERATION OPERATIONS

Prioritizing energy efficiency not only benefits the bottom line but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly operation. Facility operators can configure custom settings based on their specific needs and system requirements, so the refrigeration equipment utilizes only the energy necessary to ensure product quality and safety. 

Find industrial refrigeration solutions that work for you with Refrigeration-IQTM controls from Egan Company. Our UL 508A Panel Shop in Champlin, Minn. can design and manufacture custom control panels that meet your needs. From system design to project commissioning, our CIRO certified engineers can work with you to improve the energy efficiency within your facility. Get in touch with Egan’s refrigeration experts to learn how to maximize the performance of your industrial refrigeration system.

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How Remote Access Can Decrease Refrigeration Systems Downtime

Tuesday, August 6th, 2024

In fast-paced industries that require reliable refrigeration system operations, maintaining uptime is crucial. When unexpected issues arise, identifying and troubleshooting the problem quickly can keep your business up and running with minimal downtime or disruptions. Every moment counts, which is why remote access and technology for industrial refrigeration control systems can help reduce downtime and provide greater control over your facility. 

ENHANCED MONITORING AND TROUBLESHOOTING

With remote access capabilities integrated within your refrigeration control systems, overseeing your equipment and facility is easy, intuitive, and allows for greater oversight into how your equipment is running. Remote monitoring technology gives users real-time insights and updates into their refrigeration systems, regardless of physical location. This allows facility managers and technicians to quickly and easily identify potential issues, diagnose problems, and begin repairs and adjustments without delays. 

Regular maintenance and equipment inspections can extend the life of your equipment. Remote access refrigeration controls improves the efficiency of regular equipment maintenance, by providing technicians regular access to the status of your system. By working around physical barriers of travel and timely inspections in-person, remote refrigeration controls allow service techs to remotely monitor the status of the refrigeration systems and identify maintenance needs or potential problems more regularly than if they had to visit your facility. Implementing a regular refrigeration maintenance program can help maximize the uptime and lifespan of your equipment, helping to avoid costly emergency repairs. 

ALARMS AND NOTIFICATIONS

Built-in alarm systems alert users of any malfunctions within their refrigeration equipment. From leak detection to emergency notifications, alarm systems can help notify operators about their refrigeration controls and help get ahead to reduce unexpected downtime. With remote access, authorized team members can receive instant notifications and respond promptly to alarms. Troubleshooting emergency situations with refrigeration equipment can be expedited thanks to remote access and alarm capabilities. 

KEEP YOUR REFRIGERATION SYSTEM RUNNING

Incorporate remote access capabilities into your refrigeration control systems and decrease downtime in your facility. With greater oversight, monitoring, troubleshooting, and alarm features, facility managers and technicians can achieve more control and uptime for their refrigeration systems. Embrace remote refrigeration controls and optimize the performance and reliability of your new or legacy systems. Egan Company can help design, build, install, and maintain your industrial refrigeration systems with our Refrigeration-IQ™ controls. Connect with our team today to learn more. 

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