Upgrading HVAC controls is becoming an increasingly important part of improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings, and one Guzman Y Gomez restaurant is now taking part in an exciting new trial focused on smarter climate control technology.
GYG’s facility management company engaged Chatfield OzCool to undertake this initiative; and the first GYG store in Melbourne (Brunswick) recently upgraded its existing air-conditioning controllers to the SmartTemp Halo Wall Controller.
An Energy Efficiency Initiative
The goal of the trial is simple — improve the accuracy of temperature control and reduce unnecessary energy consumption without compromising comfort for staff or customers.
In fast food environments, air-conditioning systems work hard throughout the day. Constant door openings, busy kitchens, changing occupancy levels, and long operating hours can all place heavy demand on HVAC systems. Older or less responsive controllers can struggle to maintain stable temperatures efficiently, often causing systems to overwork and waste energy.
The benefits of the SmartTemp Halo Wall Controller
The Halo Wall Controller offers a smarter solution. Designed with advanced scheduling, precise temperature management, and modern touchscreen functionality, the controller allows the HVAC system to respond more accurately to real-time conditions. This can help reduce excessive heating or cooling cycles, lower overall power usage, and improve system performance.
Another major advantage of the upgrade is improved visibility and control for facility managers and technicians. Smart controllers can provide better operational insights, making it easier to monitor performance, identify inefficiencies, and fine-tune settings across multiple sites.
Application of this trial to other commercial sites
The technology behind this trial can be applied to other commercial sites, as this controller can be retrofitted onto most air conditioning units.
For this GYG trial, there were four existing wall controllers, and three of these controllers were for Daikin units. These Daikin units can still have this SmartTemp controller fitted, by using a UI-DK adaptor to communicate between the new wall controller and the Daikin electronics.
Energy Efficiency Opportunities in Commercial Environments
While the trial is still in its early stages, the project reflects a growing trend across the commercial sector — investing in smarter building technologies to help manage rising energy costs and improve sustainability outcomes.
Small upgrades like HVAC controller replacements may seem minor on the surface, but they can play a significant role in reducing energy usage over time. For businesses operating long hours every day, even modest efficiency improvements can translate into substantial savings.
Chatfield OzCool are excited to be a part of this innovative trial, with the success offering the potential to have this energy saving initiative rolled out across multiple sites around Australia.
Want to know more about what Chatfield OzCool can do for you?
The team at Chatfield OzCool are available to assist with cooling and refrigeration equipment service and repairs, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you would like to find out how we could help you, please give the team at Chatfield OzCool a call on 1300 361 186.
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