If you use a commercial refrigeration system in your business then you’ll know how crucial they are to keeping your inventory fresh and appealing to your customers. While these machines are designed for industrial use, they still need to be maintained to extend their lifespan.
Regular maintenance is an essential way to ensure that commercial refrigeration repair is kept to a minimum. If you’re looking for the best ways to keep your commercial refrigerators maintained, keep reading as we have some valuable tips to share.
Regular Maintenance is Key to Optimal Usage
Staying up to date with regular maintenance not only extends the potential lifespan of your fridge or freezer but also reduces the likelihood of costly breakdowns. As you may already know, repairs can lead to downtime in your business, especially if you have to order parts. To avoid this consider implementing the tips below as part of your maintenance routine.
1. Keep All Your Cooling Equipment Clean
Whether your cooling equipment is made up of a single freezer, or a variety of freezers and fridges, it’s essential to keep these machines. Typically, dust and grime accumulate on critical components such as the fans and coils. This can impede the way the machine’s regular operation and also lead to overheating.
By regularly cleaning these components as well as the exterior and interior surfaces, you’ll ensure that the required heat exchange and airflow are still happening the way they should. Draw up a cleaning schedule for basic and deep cleaning to be done in the least busy times.
2. Check the Compressor
Every refrigeration repair technician will tell you that the compressor is the heart of your refrigeration system. This makes routinely checking it essential for your business.
When checking if your compressor is working effectively, you’ll need to check that cycles on and off properly, isn’t overheating and also isn’t making any unusual noises. Check your user manual to see if there are components that need to be lubricated as this will prolong the life of the compressor. Report any noises to the technician who regularly does your major services.
3. Check the Condenser and Evaporator Fans
In addition to the compressor, the condenser and evaporator fans are other key components that must work to keep your cooling system running smoothly. Dust and debris can lead to inadequate cooling and added strain on the system.
Check these components for signs of damage or regular wear and tear. While checking these components, you should also check that the fan motor is functioning properly.
4. Check the Ventilation Around all Your Equipment
No big or small your freezers and fridges are, they need to have proper ventilation. This means they shouldn’t be flush against a wall or other appliance but rather be a few inches away to ensure that air can flow around all the components. Adequate airflow reduces the likelihood of the heating overheating.
In addition to this, it’s essential to keep the air vents and air filters clean to ensure that there are no blockages. Some air filters may need to be replaced, rather than cleaned. Refer to your user manual or speak to your repair agent for the best process to follow with your specific model.
5. Inspect Electrical Connections
It’s not only the inner workings of your refrigeration equipment that can lead to your fridges or freezers not working as they should. Damaged or loose electrical connections can severely impact the way your machines are performing.
When you move your freezers to do a deep clean, be sure to check the plugs, cables, and other connections for wear, corrosion, or even damage to the wiring. If any of these components seem worn, have them replaced immediately. Failure to do this puts the unit at risk of malfunction and also creates a safety hazard for electrical shock and fire.
6. Test the Temperature Controls
All types of cooling equipment require accurate temperature control to ensure that the units perform as needed. This is especially important in blast chillers and freezers that are needed to keep food at specific temperatures under food standard regulations.
During this check, you may need to test the calibration of control systems and thermostats to ensure that the units can reach the desired temperature. They should also be able to easily adjust to a temperature adjustment.
Final Thoughts
All the equipment you use in your business should be routinely cleaned and checked to ensure that you’re not setting your business up for downtime. The last thing you need in your business is a cooling system that needs to be switched off while you wait for repairs and replacements.
Use our tips and recommendations from your service agent to give you peace of mind that your equipment is running smoothly. In addition to this, your customers will appreciate that they can always rely on your business to have their favourite foods and drinks at the right temperature!