In this case, airflow through the system is blocked and the moisture in the refrigerated space is depleted. As you can see, getting all the factors right is a delicate balance, with your food costs and food quality at stake. In short, it is difficult to keep frost off the coils but necessary to keep them frost-free so they will operate properly. Adding heat to the area, to defrost the coils, can compromise the temperature of the food inside. A fairly new concept from Hussman Modular Defrost of Bridgeton, Missouri, does just what its name indicates: defrosts the coil in sections. The automated system defrosts coils at no more than nine minutes per section, and never defrosts adjacent sections at the same time, all programmed by an electronic controller capable of running up to six walk-ins.

The idea works for walk-in and reach-in refrigerators but not freezers. It maintains food quality and saves energy by keeping the compressors from working overtime to compensate for frozen coils. Another humidity-control suggestion for inside refrigerated space was pioneered by Humitech International Group, Inc. of Dallas, Texas. container house Humitech uses a mineral product called sorbite to absorb moisture and odors.

We mentioned most foods do well at 80 to 85 percent relative humidity, but fresh fruits and vegetables are exceptions. They require more humidity, up to 95 percent. To increase moisture content, you can slow down the air circulation. This explains why there are separate, closed produce bins in most refrigerators-to hold in natural moisture from the vegetables and to restrict airflow. Freezers maintain an average relative humidity of only 30 to 35 percent. Any more moisture would automatically raise the temperature because it would hit the coils, freeze in place, and block the airflow, causing the freezer air to become warmer. The low humidity of freezers requires special food storage precautions. Use moisture- and vapor-proof wrapping to prevent the surface damage we know as "freezer burn" from occurring if any moisture condenses on the food.container house for sale:yukehouse.com