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Vending machines can be found at almost every recreation center in the United States. They are an amenity our customers cannot live without. How can we be more environmentally responsible in operating these machines that bear liquid and edible refreshments? And, with many states now raising utility rates, how can vending machines be operated in the black? Electrical consumption--now more than ever--plays a key role in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of a vending machine.
With so many avenues available now for parks and recreation professionals to conserve energy in the workplace, why not reevaluate a machine’s electrical consumption? I can still remember, during the summer months, listening to two old vending machines outside my office window, cycling on and off feverishly, attempting to keep the soda chilled. I never gave a thought as to how much electricity was wasted to keep a few drinks cold. At the very least, I would have moved the machines inside or under the roof of the building to limit the electrical demand incurred by the heat of the afternoon sun.
Less Is More
The conditions surrounding a vending machine have a direct effect on how much energy it draws. The location of the machine (outside or inside a building), the use and the surrounding climate all have a hand in the equation. Infrared occupancy sensors can help manage one of the major factors in electrical consumption: use. Because the sensor shuts down a machine when it is not in use, it saves the owner money by reducing hard compressor start-ups and shut-downs while still maintaining a set temperature. This is done by allowing the compressor to run through a complete cycle.