Northstar Refrigeration, Inc.

06/23/2026

❄️ CO₂sdays with Northstar Refrigeration ❄️

As ice rinks look toward the future, many are exploring CO₂ (R744) refrigeration systems as an alternative to traditional refrigerants.

Why?

CO₂ offers several advantages that align well with the unique demands of ice rink facilities:

🏒 Reliable performance for ice-making applications

⚡ Potential energy efficiency improvements

🔥 Opportunities for heat recovery to support facility heating and hot water needs

🌎 A natural refrigerant with a low environmental impact

While every facility has different operational goals and infrastructure requirements, CO₂ refrigeration continues to gain attention as rink owners and operators evaluate long-term refrigeration strategies.

With several ice rink projects already utilizing CO₂ technology, we're seeing growing interest in how natural refrigerants can support both performance and sustainability goals.

Have you seen CO₂ refrigeration being used in ice rinks in your area? Let us know in the comments, and follow Northstar Refrigeration for more CO₂sdays insights.

06/22/2026

Today, we're celebrating the skilled technicians who keep buildings comfortable, systems running, and critical facilities operating every day.

From early mornings and emergency calls to complex installations and preventative maintenance, their expertise, dedication, and hard work make a difference for our customers and communities.

Thank you to all our Technicians for everything you do. We appreciate your commitment, professionalism, and the pride you bring to the trade every day.

Happy National HVAC Tech Day! 🔧❄️

06/19/2026

Two buildings. Same equipment. Very different lifespans.

Why does one HVAC system last 20 years while another struggles after 10?

This week on Northstar University, we're looking at the factors that have the biggest impact on equipment longevity—from operating hours and environmental conditions to maintenance practices and system controls.

Because equipment lifespan isn't determined on installation day. It's determined by what happens afterward.

👉 Read the full article: https://www.northstarhvacr.com/post/why-hvac-equipment-lasts-longer-in-some-buildings

Two buildings install the same HVAC equipment in the same year. Ten years later, one system is still operating reliably, while the other is facing major repairs or replacement. Why? Many people assume equipment lifespan is determined by the manufacturer, installation quality, or age alone. While tho...

06/17/2026

We're proud to see Northstar team members Brett Smythe and Joe Tupper representing UA Local 51 at the UA District 1 Apprentice Competition.

Congratulations to Brett on earning first place in the Pipefitting competition, a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the hard work he has put into his trade. A huge congratulations as well to Joe for competing in the Refrigeration category and representing Local 51 with professionalism and pride.

Thank you to UA Local 51 and all the instructors who help develop the next generation of skilled trades professionals. We're proud to have Brett and Joe representing both the union and Northstar Refrigeration.

06/17/2026

Thank you, Chalmers Ice Arena, for trusting Northstar Refrigeration with this project.

We're proud to have helped replace the evaporative condenser and support the reliability of the refrigeration system ahead of the rink's reopening. Special thanks to Bridgton Academy and Cote Crane & Rigging for their partnership throughout the project.

We look forward to seeing athletes, campers, and families back on the ice when the rink reopens on June 29! ❄️🏒

06/16/2026

❄️ CO₂sdays with Northstar Refrigeration ❄️

One of the biggest advantages of CO₂ refrigeration systems is their ability to recover and reuse heat that would otherwise be wasted.

As a refrigeration system removes heat from a refrigerated space, that heat has to go somewhere. With heat recovery, facilities can capture a portion of that energy and put it to work elsewhere in the building.

Heat recovery can be used for:

• Domestic hot water
• Space heating
• Process heating applications
• Snow melt systems

The result?

✅ Reduced energy consumption
✅ Lower operating costs
✅ Improved overall system efficiency

When properly designed, heat recovery can turn a refrigeration system from a cooling-only asset into a source of valuable energy for the entire facility.

Have questions about CO₂ refrigeration or heat recovery applications? Connect with the Northstar Refrigeration team or follow us for more CO₂sdays insights.

06/05/2026

The cheapest option upfront isn’t always the least expensive in the long run.

In HVAC and refrigeration, quality matters – from the equipment installed to the workmanship behind it. Quick fixes, rushed installs, and cut corners often lead to repeat issues, unexpected downtime, and higher costs down the road.

At Northstar Refrigeration, we believe in doing the job right the first time. That means experienced technicians, clear communication, dependable service, and long-term solutions built around your facility’s needs.

Because when your systems are critical to your operation, reliability is always the better investment.

06/05/2026

Most HVAC failures don't happen overnight. The warning signs were there all along.
Increasing runtimes. Minor temperature fluctuations. Repeated alarms. Rising energy consumption.
This week on Northstar University, we're breaking down the early indicators of HVAC and refrigeration issues—and why paying attention to them can help facilities avoid costly downtime.
👉 Read the full article: www.northstarhvacr.com/post/systems-rarely-fail-overnight

Most HVAC failures don’t happen overnight. The rooftop unit that stops cooling during a heat wave. The air handler that suddenly goes offline. The refrigeration system that trips during a busy production day. While these events may seem sudden, the reality is often very different. In most cases, t...

06/02/2026

❄️ CO₂sdays with Northstar Refrigeration ❄️

A CO₂ refrigeration system may look different from traditional refrigeration systems, but many of the core components work together toward the same goal: efficient heat transfer and reliable cooling.

Some of the most common components inside a CO₂ system include:

• Compressors – move refrigerant through the system and increase pressure
• Gas Coolers – reject heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor environment
• Receivers – store refrigerant and help manage system operation
• Evaporators – absorb heat from the refrigerated space
• Valves & Controls – regulate pressure, temperature, and refrigerant flow
• Parallel Compression & Ejectors (on some systems) – improve efficiency and system performance

Because CO₂ operates at higher pressures and behaves differently than traditional refrigerants, proper component selection and system design are critical.

As more facilities transition toward natural refrigerants, understanding these system fundamentals becomes increasingly important.

Follow Northstar Refrigeration for more CO₂sdays and refrigeration insights.

06/01/2026

Happy birthday to everyone at Northstar celebrating in June! We hope you enjoy your day!