Refrigeration isn’t exactly the most exciting thing to think about—until it breaks down, guzzles power, or lands you in hot water with new environmental regulations. If you run a supermarket, restaurant, or any business that relies on keeping things cool, you know that your refrigeration system is always working in the background, consuming energy and keeping products fresh.
But what if your refrigeration system could do more? What if it could slash energy costs, help you meet sustainability goals, and future-proof your business against changing laws—all while keeping your goods perfectly chilled?
That’s where CO₂ refrigeration comes in. It’s fast becoming the go-to choice for eco-conscious, efficiency-driven businesses across New Zealand. And if you haven’t looked into it yet, now’s the time.
What Exactly is CO₂ Refrigeration (And Why Should You Care)?
CO₂ refrigeration (also known as R-744 refrigeration) uses carbon dioxide as the cooling agent instead of synthetic refrigerants like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). While CO₂ itself might bring to mind emissions and climate change, when used as a refrigerant, it’s actually one of the most environmentally friendly options available.
Here’s why:
- Zero Ozone Damage – Unlike older refrigerants, CO₂ doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion.
- Ultra-Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) – While HFCs can have a GWP in the thousands, CO₂ has a GWP of 1. That’s as low as it gets.
- 100% Natural – CO₂ is a naturally occurring gas, unlike synthetic refrigerants that require chemical production.
For businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact without compromising performance, CO₂ refrigeration is the clear winner.
The Hidden Costs of Traditional Refrigerants
Still using an older refrigeration system? It’s costing you more than you realise.
Higher Energy Bills
Older refrigeration systems can be energy vampires, consuming more electricity than necessary. In contrast, CO₂ refrigeration operates more efficiently, especially in New Zealand’s climate, meaning lower power consumption and long-term savings.
Regulatory Headaches
New Zealand is phasing out synthetic refrigerants with high GWP. That means if you’re still using HFC-based refrigeration, you could be facing rising costs and compliance issues down the line. Switching to CO₂ now ensures you stay ahead of the curve instead of scrambling to replace your system when regulations tighten further.
Environmental Impact
Every leak from an old system pumps more harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. CO₂ refrigeration eliminates this risk, helping businesses stay in line with sustainability commitments and customer expectations for eco-friendly practices.
How CO₂ Refrigeration Saves You Money (Beyond Just Power Bills)
Switching to CO₂ refrigeration doesn’t just help the planet—it helps your bottom line too.
- Lower Maintenance Costs – CO₂ systems are durable, with fewer issues related to leaks or refrigerant degradation.
- Longer Equipment Life – With better efficiency and advanced technology, CO₂ refrigeration systems tend to last longer than traditional units.
- Future-Proof Investment – With global shifts towards sustainability, businesses using CO₂ refrigeration won’t need costly system upgrades in a few years when stricter regulations kick in.
The savings stack up, making CO₂ not just an ethical choice but a financially smart one.
Performance: Does CO₂ Refrigeration Actually Work Better?
Short answer: Yes.
CO₂ refrigeration isn’t just about sustainability—it delivers serious cooling power.
- Faster Cooling – CO₂ has excellent thermal conductivity, meaning it absorbs and removes heat quickly.
- Consistent Temperatures – Say goodbye to uneven cooling zones. CO₂ systems maintain stable temperatures, ensuring product quality and safety.
- Better for Larger Systems – Whether you run a supermarket, cold storage facility, or large-scale hospitality business, CO₂ performs exceptionally well in big commercial applications.
So not only does CO₂ refrigeration help the environment and cut costs, but it actually keeps things colder, faster, and more efficient.
Myth Busting: Is CO₂ Refrigeration Safe?
One of the biggest questions businesses have is: Is CO₂ safe to use?
Absolutely. In fact, CO₂ is one of the safest refrigerants available:
- It’s Non-Toxic – Unlike some synthetic refrigerants, CO₂ won’t harm you if there’s a leak.
- It’s Non-Flammable – No fire risks here.
- It’s Stable – CO₂ performs reliably in a wide range of temperatures and pressures.
For businesses worried about safety and compliance, CO₂ refrigeration is actually a safer choice than many older systems.
Who Should Be Using CO₂ Refrigeration?
CO₂ refrigeration is ideal for:
- Supermarkets & Grocery Stores – Keep food fresh while cutting energy costs.
- Hospitality & Food Service – Maintain perfect cooling in restaurants, cafes, and catering businesses.
- Cold Storage & Warehousing – Large-scale cooling solutions that are sustainable and efficient.
- Pharmaceutical & Medical Storage – Precise temperature control for sensitive products.
- Industrial Refrigeration – High-performance cooling with a lower carbon footprint.
If your business relies on refrigeration (and let’s be honest, most do), switching to CO₂ could be one of the best upgrades you make.
Why Work with Fonko NZ?
At Fonko NZ, we’re specialists in CO₂ refrigeration and sustainable HVAC solutions. Our team knows exactly how to design, install, and maintain these systems so that businesses across New Zealand can save money, reduce emissions, and future-proof their operations.
When you work with Fonko, you get:
- Expert Consultation – We assess your needs and recommend the best system for your business.
- Seamless Installation – Our technicians ensure everything is set up perfectly for maximum efficiency.
- Ongoing Support & Maintenance – Because even the best systems need a bit of TLC now and then.
We don’t just sell refrigeration—we help businesses make smarter, more sustainable choices.
The Future is CO₂: Is Your Business Ready?
CO₂ refrigeration isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of commercial cooling.
With rising energy costs, stricter environmental regulations, and increasing consumer demand for sustainability, now is the perfect time to make the switch. Whether you’re looking to upgrade an old system or invest in a new, high-efficiency cooling solution, Fonko NZ has you covered.
Want to learn more? Get in touch with us today and let’s future-proof your refrigeration system.