If your hospitality business is looking for a new cellar cooling system or has an existing system in place, you should also consider installing an ambient beer cooler.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters More Than Ever
With continued volatility in UK energy prices and increasing pressure on hospitality businesses to reduce operating costs and carbon emissions, cellar cooling efficiency has become more important than ever.
Refrigeration can account for a significant portion of a pub or bar’s electricity usage, so any system that reduces compressor run-time can deliver meaningful long-term savings.
What Is An Ambient Beer Cooler?
The J&E Hall ambient beer cooler makes use of any lower outdoor ambient air temperature to cool a pub’s beer cellar and provides annual energy savings compared to operating a beer cellar cooling system alone. When the outdoor air temperature falls at least 2 °C below the temperature set for a cellar cooling system, the ambient cellar cooler uses the colder outdoor air to cool the cellar at a fraction of the conventional cost and is also a “greener” way of cooling beer.
How Do Ambient Beer Coolers Work?
Ambient cellar coolers are linked to your new or existing refrigeration system and work by taking cold air from the outside and using it to cool the beer cellar. Most beer cellars are set to be kept at 10 °C to 13C and with UK air temperatures between October and April often falling below this range, it provides an opportunity to cool cellars with ambient air.
When the outdoor air temperature drops 2 °C below the cellar cooler setting, the sensor switches the cellar cooler refrigeration system off and the ambient cellar cooler on. The fan module brings cold air into the cellar to reduce the temperature. If the difference between the outdoor air temperature and the cellar cooler setting is less than 2 °C, then the refrigeration cellar cooling system will turn back on.
Installation Considerations
Installing an ambient beer cooler typically requires:
- External wall access for ducting
- Correct positioning to avoid drawing in contaminated air
- Integration with the existing cellar cooling controls
- Proper sealing and insulation
Professional installation ensures optimal airflow, compliance with electrical standards and minimal disruption to trading hours.
Energy Savings And Key Benefits Of Ambient Beer Cooling
The J&E Hall ambient cellar cooling system provides annual energy savings to pubs, restaurants and breweries compared to standard refrigeration cellar cooling.
According to Tony Twine, Senior Product Manager at J&E Hall, “it is estimated that up to a quarter of a pub’s energy bill can be accounted for by its refrigeration requirements – so publicans and breweries are always looking for a more cost-effective way to cool their beer cellars.”
“The J & E Hall ambient beer cooler can save a large proportion of energy costs over a year – a 51% saving (based on UK Met Office weather data). The key to this is the use of free cooling, cold air from outside, a ‘greener’ way of cooling beers. The J & E Hall ambient beer cooler also contains no refrigerants. This helps reduce servicing costs and extends the life of the main cellar cooling system.”
Read: Common Beer Cellar Cooling Faults
How Much Could an Ambient Beer Cooler Save Your Business?
Savings will vary depending on location, cellar temperature set-point and operating hours. However, because UK outdoor temperatures fall below typical cellar temperatures (10–13°C) for a large portion of the year, many hospitality venues can significantly reduce compressor usage during autumn, winter and early spring.
Reduced compressor run-time means:
- Lower electricity bills
- Reduced wear on refrigeration components
- Fewer breakdown risks
- Extended equipment lifespan
In many cases, businesses see a return on investment within just a few years, particularly where cellar systems run continuously.
Well Worth The Initial Investment
Andrew Pinder, Founder of Pinder Cooling, said: “There are a number of reasons why installing an ambient beer cooler is a good idea for any owner or manager of a hospitality business.
“Besides the ongoing cost savings, installing an ambient cellar cooling system prolongs the life of the cellar cooling condensing unit. The J&E Hall ambient beer cooler reduces the amount of time the current cellar cooling system needs to operate to maintain the required temperature by making use of colder outside air, meaning you are less likely to require a call out.”
In addition to cost savings, reducing compressor operation lowers carbon emissions. For hospitality groups working towards sustainability targets or ESG reporting requirements, ambient cooling can form part of a wider energy-reduction strategy.
Andrew continued: “My experience of the J&E Hall ambient beer cooler is that it is well worth the initial investment, especially with the current cost of energy. They’re much more energy efficient than traditional cellar cooling alone and can fit with any make and model. If you can’t change the cellar cooling system, install one of these.”
Is An Ambient Beer Cooler Suitable For Every Pub Or Restaurant?
Ambient beer coolers are most effective where:
- The cellar is consistently maintained between 10–13°C
- The property has access to clean external air
- The outdoor wall location allows for duct installation
They may be less suitable where:
- The building is heavily exposed to pollution
- Outdoor space is limited
- The cellar requires unusually low temperature settings
A professional site survey ensures compatibility with your existing system.
J&E Hall Ambient Beer Cooler – Specification
- Unit weight: 12kgs
- Supply voltage: 230/1/50
- Suggested Fuse Rating: 6A
- Height: 484mm
- Width: 349mm
- Depth:381mm
- Technical Data Sheet
The J&E Hall Ambient Beer Cooler includes:
Fresh air entry duct (rear or base)
Ambient air temperature sensor
Cellar temperature sensor
Washable air filter
2m mains lead
Instruction manual
Installation kit also available
If you’re considering upgrading your cellar cooling system or reducing refrigeration energy costs, our engineers can assess whether ambient beer cooling is suitable for your premises.
About Pinder Cooling
Pinder Cooling provides commercial air conditioning and commercial refrigeration installation services to clients across the North of England, including Leeds, Manchester, Wakefield, Liverpool, Sheffield and Hull.