Defrost
Are you defrosting too often?
Written by: Michael Elstrøm
In most refrigeration systems, defrost is still controlled by fixed time schedules, but here’s the problem:
Even a thin frost layer of just 1 mm can reduce heat transfer efficiency significantly. And unnecessary defrost cycles don’t just waste energy — they disrupt cooling, increase peak loads, and drive up operating costs.
In some installations, defrost runs 6–7 times per day, but is that really necessary?
At HB Products, we believe defrost should happen only when needed — and only for as long as needed.
That’s why we developed the HBDF sensor:
- Installed directly between the evaporator fins
- Measures actual ice buildup
- Triggers defrost on demand
- Stops the cycle when the job is done
The result?
- 50–70% fewer defrost cycles
- Energy savings up to 40%
- Reduced peak loads
- Improved operational stability
We have seen customers reducing defrost cycles from 7 times per day to just 1 — with a clear impact on electricity consumption.
In times of rising energy prices and increasing climate ambitions, optimized defrost management is no longer an afterthought.
It’s a competitive advantage.
If you’re operating cold stores or heat pumps and want to understand your savings potential, we’ve developed a free calculator based on your own data.
Let’s make defrost smarter.
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Do you want to know how we can help you optimize your applications with precise and reliable sensors?
