Walk-in Cooler Question!

Hello everyone!

We are a potato processing plant located in Canada and our third-party HVAC worker told us that we could pull from outside air in the winter time to help cool the walk-in cooler instead of running the compressor (decreasing hydro costs). I am wondering if this is acceptable practice by SQF or food safety in general? I guess if there is a fan + filter in place it is fine? As I know airborne contaminates would be a concern.

I don't know if this question is an obvious one. I am new to SQF and my food safety career so I have not come across this.... until now.

Thank you for your help!!

Jenna

IMO: i would avoid it as going through this direction, you will need to maintain and show records of your air filtration and air quality.

Also keep in mind, internal HVAC system is more controlled as far as moisture is concerned, where as outside air concentration can change from day to day (Mold issues-based on the type of product you mentioned).

Most of the HVAC systems work based on atmospheric pressures and outside temperatures. So if it gets cooler outside, ultimately the pressure can be reduced on your HVAC system which means reduced cost during winter months.

on a lighter note: please keep the snow north of our border, I am never ready for it :lol:

Thank you for your input! I will relay this message to my boss.

Haha! I am never ready for snow either!...even though it has been snowing here since Halloween :wacko:!