New refrigeration controls on the main freezer at Arctic Glacier’s ice manufacturing facility have resulted in precise temperature control, cycle efficiency and an estimated $18,500 in annual energy cost savings.

The new freezer controls have regulators and sensors that measure frost build-up, triggering the defrost cycle only when needed, an improvement over the previous system that automatically kicked on at predetermined intervals four times a day. Having fewer defrost cycles cuts down on compressor activity and reduces the heat generated by the defrosters.

The company received $18,400 in Energy Trust cash incentives for the project. “The cost savings and efficiency have been excellent,” said plant manager Howard Harlow. “I can’t imagine why every facility doesn’t upgrade to this technology.”