Glass Doors vs Night Covers
Objective Insights for Retail Refrigeration Choices
Deciding between glass doors and Econofrost night covers involves evaluating installation complexity, shopper behavior, energy performance, and return on investment. Glass doors can reduce energy loss around the clock, but they require costly retrofits and may disrupt store operations. Econofrost night covers offer a fast path to energy savings of at least 36 percent per hour, support utility rebates in many regions, and can be installed overnight without affecting customer experience. They remain hidden during business hours to maintain product visibility and access.
Cost and Installation
Lower Upfront Cost and Easier Deployment with Night Covers
Glass doors demand structural changes and potential equipment downtime, which can delay implementation and disrupt merchandising. Econofrost night covers are more affordable, deploy rapidly, and start delivering savings almost immediately. Their faster payback logic makes them especially appealing in budget-constrained retail contexts.
Shopper Access and Purchasing Behavior
Night Covers Support Impulse Sales Through Open Access
Glass doors can act as physical barriers that deter impulse purchases and slow shopper flow. Econofrost night covers disappear into their housing when stores open. This design preserves open access and encourages browsing, which improves consumer engagement, especially in fresh departments like meat, deli, and produce.
Energy Efficiency and Operational Add-Ons
Night Covers Provide Efficient Savings Without Extras
Econofrost night covers reduce energy use substantially during closed hours, studies indicate at least 36 percent hourly savings, and some installations achieve up to 50 percent savings. They do not require additional energy for defogging or heating, unlike glass doors. Glass doors provide a constant thermal barrier but can bring unintended energy loads for maintaining clarity
Maintenance and Resilience
Night Covers Offer Fast, Cost-Effective Repair Options
Retail environments are hard on fixtures. A damaged glass door can be expensive to replace and may take weeks for delivery and installation. Econofrost night covers are modular and easily replaceable, minimizing store downtime and maintaining case performance during repair.
Product Freshness and Temperature Control
Night Covers Help Maintain Product Quality Overnight
Econofrost night covers act as a thermal barrier that retains inside case cold air overnight, which protects merchandise from dehydration, color loss, and spoilage. Glass doors also help stabilize temperatures but may trap condensation or hinder humidity control, depending on store conditions.
Sustainability and Incentives
Rebates and Environmental Advantages of Night Covers
Night covers frequently qualify for rebates from utility providers, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious retailers. Combined with energy and waste savings, these incentives support sustainability objectives and accelerate return on investment. Glass doors may also be eligible for incentives, but capital costs often limit broad adoption
Flexibility and Scalability
Night Covers Fit More Display Types and Seasonal Adjustments
Econofrost night covers suit multideck, island, coffin, and open tub cases. They can be installed department by department. Glass doors tend to be more rigid in format and can limit layout or seasonal display flexibility.
Contact Us
Have questions about Econofrost night covers or need a custom quote? Our team is here to help! Whether you’re a retailer, contractor, or distributor, we’re ready to provide the information and support you need. Contact us today to learn how Econofrost night covers can help improve energy efficiency, product protection, and operational savings for your business.