--- title: What is Heat Reclaim and How Can It Save You Money description: A refrigeration system that uses heat reclaim is one way for operators to cut costs using the heat they already have. image: https://solutions.rdtonline.com/hubfs/thermometer-3579034_960_720.jpg --- [![RDT](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RDT%202020%20Logo%20Files/RDT%20Vertical%20Logo%20Blue.png?width=72&height=95&name=RDT%20Vertical%20Logo%20Blue.png "RDT")](https://www.rdtonline.com/) - [Products](https://www.rdtonline.com/products) - [EcoCool](https://www.rdtonline.com/products/eco-cool) - [EcoSmart](https://www.rdtonline.com/products/ecosmart/) - [MultiRak](https://www.rdtonline.com/products/multirak/) - [PremierPak](https://www.rdtonline.com/products/premierpak) - [FlowPak](https://www.rdtonline.com/products/flowpak/) - [Resources](https://www.rdtonline.com/resources) - [Training & Resources](https://www.rdtonline.com/training-resources) - [K-12 Refrigeration Resources](https://www.rdtonline.com/k-12-refrigeration-resources) - [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)](https://www.rdtonline.com/frequently-asked-questions) - [Literature](https://www.rdtonline.com/resources) - [Warranty Information](https://www.rdtonline.com/warranty) - [Food Waste Solutions](https://www.rdtonline.com/food-waste) - [Energy Saving Solutions](https://www.rdtonline.com/energy-savings) - [Video](https://www.rdtonline.com/resources#video) - About - [Careers](https://www.rdtonline.com/careers) - [Team](https://www.rdtonline.com/team) - [Blog](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.rdtonline.com/contact-us) - [Find a Rep](https://www.rdtonline.com/find-a-rep) - [A2L](https://www.rdtonline.com/a2l-transition-resources) --- 2 min read [refrigeration](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/topic/refrigeration), [commercial refrigeration](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/topic/commercial-refrigeration), [EcoCool](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/topic/ecocool), [heat reclaim](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/topic/heat-reclaim) --- # What is Heat Reclaim and How Can It Save You Money 5 Mar, 2019 SHARE - - - [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/what-is-heat-reclaim-and-how-can-it-save-you-money&body=Check%20out%20https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/what-is-heat-reclaim-and-how-can-it-save-you-money&media=https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2461914/thermometer-3579034_960_720.jpg](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/what-is-heat-reclaim-and-how-can-it-save-you-money&body=Check%20out%20https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/what-is-heat-reclaim-and-how-can-it-save-you-money&media=https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2461914/thermometer-3579034_960_720.jpg) - - ![What is Heat Reclaim](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/thermometer-3579034_960_720.jpg?width=960&name=thermometer-3579034_960_720.jpg) When it comes to finding energy savings in a foodservice operation, a number of opportunities present themselves. From lighting and ventilation to HVAC and food preparation, [restaurant utility costs](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/energy-usage-in-restaurants) can be a source of frustration for operators, while at the same time, a source of savings. A refrigeration system that uses heat reclaim is one way for operators to cut costs using the heat they already have. **What is Heat Reclaim?** Heat reclamation is the process of capturing excess heat and reusing that heat to serve another purpose. For example, a refrigeration system is designed to remove heat from a walk-in cooler. That heat vapor or gas can either be disposed of outdoors or it can be harnessed as reusable energy back into the operation. **The Benefits of Heat Reclaim** Foodservice operations, who are challenged with rising utility costs, are prime examples of where heat reclamation can be extremely beneficial. After all, this reclaimed heat is free energy! Whether it’s a school, restaurant, or corporate dining facility, utilizing heat reclaim can cut down on facility operating expenses, increase refrigeration energy efficiency, and reduce the dependence on non-renewable resources. All told, if used properly, the value of recovered heat can outweigh electricity or installation costs. **How Can Heat Reclaim be Used?** Heat reclaim can be utilized a number of ways. Under-the-floor heating can be a costly proposition, but not when that heat source is already being generated through refrigeration. For many foodservice operations, the need for hot water is not only constant, but a requirement. Reclaimed heat can preheat water before it’s even needed, even for large operations with heavy water needs, all without the added heating costs. ## **How Eco-Cool Saves Operators Money with Heat Reclaim** Of course, in order to take advantage of heat reclamation, operators need a refrigeration system capable of capturing and reusing that heat. The [Eco-Cool from RDT](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/watch-the-eco-cool-video) removes heat from a walk-in, sends it through a heat exchanger, and re-purposes the heat a number of ways. Heated refrigerant from the compressor can be used underneath the freezer floors to keep them warm, preheat dishwater, or in some cases, completely heat a hot water tank. Take for instance, [Green Sage Café.](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/going-green-in-foodservice-with-renewable-energy) Using Eco-Cool’s ability to capture wasted heat and divert it into a heat exchanger, the restaurant was able to supply enough heating for all of the hot water requirements through heat reclamation. With Eco-Cool operators can save on heating costs by simply using reclaimed heat. ### Heat reclaim is just one of the many reasons Eco-Cool is cutting costs for operators by nearly 50%. How much energy could you be saving? See if you qualify for a [free energy study from RDT](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/energy-study) and even have an Eco-Cool system designed just for your operation! Click below to learn more. [![rdt free energy study](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2461914/ef2e4f11-cd85-4e96-9634-25088882b1a9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2461914/ef2e4f11-cd85-4e96-9634-25088882b1a9)   ## RELATED BLOGS [![ The Importance of Heat Reclaim for Under-Floor Heating ](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RDT%20Importance%20of%20Heated%20Floors%20Header%20Image.png?width=500&name=RDT%20Importance%20of%20Heated%20Floors%20Header%20Image.png)](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/the-importance-of-heat-reclaim-for-under-floor-heating) [EcoCool](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/topic/ecocool) #### [The Importance of Heat Reclaim for Under-Floor Heating](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/the-importance-of-heat-reclaim-for-under-floor-heating) As with other industries, the foodservice sector is facing many unique challenges. In 2022, restaurants and other cold s... [Read More](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/the-importance-of-heat-reclaim-for-under-floor-heating) [![ Benefits of Remote Refrigeration in Your Foodservice Operation ](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20Remote%20Refrigeration%20Can%20Benefit%20Your%20Commercial%20Kitchen.png?width=500&name=How%20Remote%20Refrigeration%20Can%20Benefit%20Your%20Commercial%20Kitchen.png)](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/the-benefits-of-remote-refrigeration-in-your-foodservice-operation) [remote refrigeration,](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/topic/remote-refrigeration) [refrigeration,](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/topic/refrigeration) [commercial refrigeration,](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/topic/commercial-refrigeration) #### [The Benefits of Remote Refrigeration in Your Foodservice Operation](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/the-benefits-of-remote-refrigeration-in-your-foodservice-operation) Remote refrigeration, the concept of moving your compressors to an area outside your commercial kitchen, can have many l... [Read More](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/the-benefits-of-remote-refrigeration-in-your-foodservice-operation) [![ Is This the Next Generation of Farming and Foodservice? ](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Is%20This%20the%20Next%20Generation%20of%20Farming%20and%20Foodservice%3F.jpg?width=500&name=Is%20This%20the%20Next%20Generation%20of%20Farming%20and%20Foodservice%3F.jpg)](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/the-next-generation-of-farming-and-foodservice) [Digital Scroll Compressor,](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/topic/digital-scroll-compressor) [redundancy,](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/topic/redundancy) [dry aging](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/topic/dry-aging) #### [Is This the Next Generation of Farming and Foodservice?](https://solutions.rdtonline.com/blog/the-next-generation-of-farming-and-foodservice) We all know about farm-to-table, the idea of going out in our local communities and sourcing ingredients as close-to-hom... 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