Stop condensation in its tracks with FPG Thermal Film
If you’ve ever noticed moisture forming between refrigerated display cabinets, you’re not alone. Condensation is a common challenge in food display environments—and it’s more than just an eyesore. It happens when the surface temperature drops to or below the Dew Point, the temperature at which moisture in the air turns into water droplets.
In hot, humid climates, condensation often results from poor air conditioning1. But in temperate regions like New Zealand and parts of Australia, the culprit is usually lack of airflow between adjacent cabinets.
Why Does It Happen?
Picture this: two cabinets sitting side by side—maybe refrigerated next to refrigerated, or refrigerated next to controlled ambient. Here’s what’s going on:
- Ambient air normally keeps the external side of the glass warm enough to stay above Dew Point.
- When airflow is blocked, that natural warming doesn’t happen.
- Cold from inside the cabinet transfers to the outer glass, dropping its temperature below Dew Point.
- Moisture in trapped air condenses on the glass, creating that frustrating “sweating” effect.
In short: no airflow = condensation.
The Simple Fix
The solution? Raise the glass temperature just above Dew Point. That’s exactly what FPG Thermal Film does.
This innovative, low-wattage heater gently warms the glass by a few degrees, preventing condensation before it starts. Thermal Film uses Reliaheat® technology, a printed demister heater applied to the cabinet’s external side glass during manufacturing. And yes—it can be retrofitted if cabinets can be moved apart so it can be installed.
Where It Works Best
Thermal Film is available for FPG’s latest Encore and Impulse Refrigerated ranges and is recommended when:
- An Encore refrigerated cabinet sits next to refrigerated, controlled ambient, or ambient cabinets.
- An Impulse refrigerated cabinet is adjacent to another refrigerated cabinet.
- For tropical conditions, where heat and humidity soar beyond standard parameters, a powered low-E glass solution is recommended. ↩︎
Want to learn more about FPG Thermal Film?
