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Home > Refrigeration > 8 Maintenance Tips for Commercial Refrigerators
8 Maintenance Tips for Commercial Refrigerators
By Winnie August 19th, 2024

Some commercial refrigerators require round-the-clock maintenance to run smoothly, and emergency maintenance is often expensive. Therefore, if the products you store are perishable, you could be facing serious business losses.

In this regard, we recommend that you perform regular maintenance on your commercial refrigerator to prevent frequent failures. Secondly, proactively developing commercial refrigerator repair plans and maintenance measures can extend the service life of the equipment.

Restaurant owners and others who use commercial refrigeration equipment often forget to maintain their refrigeration equipment until it's too late because of the busy schedule. However, as someone who runs a restaurant, cake shop, warehouse or freezer shop, neglecting such an important step can lead to many serious problems. These include food hygiene issues, increased energy costs and significant product losses. So instead of making costly repairs or laborious refrigerator replacements, here are some maintenance checklists.

 

1. Clean commercial refrigerators regularly

Wipe the interior and exterior of a commercial refrigerator with a soft cloth, warm water, and a manufacturer-approved cleaner. You can also use a cloth soaked in soapy water to remove spills and dirt. Never use harsh industrial chemicals, such as chlorine-based chemicals, as they can cause damage to metal surfaces. Secondly, do not use abrasive brushes as they can cause scratches on the metal surface.

Restaurant commercial refrigerators cannot be kept tidy all the time, and the large amounts of food in them always lead to spills and mess due to the constant need to access ingredients. This will cause your storage environment to deteriorate day by day, and even endanger food safety in the long run. With customer hygiene and food safety in mind, you should develop a regular cleaning schedule.

 

2. Check the fan and condenser coil regularly

During commercial refrigerator maintenance, it is important to check the condition of the fan and condenser coils, as these areas often accumulate large amounts of dust, oil, or debris. If this happens, you should clean it with a soft-bristled brush or vacuum cleaner to ensure proper and efficient operation of the device. Parts may need to be replaced if necessary.

 

3. Make sure the condenser meets regulations

The condensing unit is the most important part of a commercial refrigerator and is also your key maintenance target. If the condenser coils accumulate dust and debris over time, a commercial refrigerator will have to work harder to keep items cool. Replacing a coil once is not easy, therefore, you need to monitor the coil condition regularly to avoid replacement.

Employees should wipe down the condenser coils at least once a month, depending on where your commercial refrigerator is located. If you place it near a kitchen prep station or in an area prone to dust and debris, you may want to clean it once a week.

 

4. Check door gaskets and hinges

When cleaning your commercial refrigerator, don’t forget the door gaskets and hinges, too. These places are also most likely to become clogged with dust, gunk, and various debris, and the door gasket is also prone to mold growth, so it requires special attention and careful cleaning. If the gasket becomes clogged, it compromises the commercial refrigerator's ability to self-regulate, potentially resulting in expensive repairs.

Make sure the hinges and gaskets are closed properly and avoid leaving the door open for long periods of time as this can affect the internal temperature of the refrigerator. If these parts don't work properly, moist air can enter the refrigerator compartment, which can also cause the internal temperature to rise.

 

5. Develop a maintenance plan

Developing a detailed, reasonable, and regular maintenance plan can ensure the normal operation of the equipment. You'll want to regularly check your refrigerator for signs of age, wear and tear on general parts, and perform regular cleanings. Early detection and resolution can avoid costly crises and improve your bottom line during the quarter.

Establishing a budget for regular system inspections can reduce the likelihood that you will face major commercial refrigeration repair services in the future. Add an experienced and licensed refrigeration contractor to the repair list, who will usually notice any issues in real time during the inspection. Determine machine availability by checking electrical connections, wear parts and compliance.

These commercial refrigerator repair tips and refrigerant repair tips can greatly extend the life of your equipment.

 

6. Install motion detectors for refrigerator lighting systems

This step means that when the refrigerator door is opened, the motion detector turns the lighting on or off. Using LED lighting can reduce energy costs. It not only consumes less energy but also generates less heat. In addition, LED lights can also improve the visibility of items in the refrigerator, making it easier for employees and customers to find fresh and visible products.

 

7. Make room in your commercial refrigerator

You'll want to leave some space in a commercial refrigerator to prevent food from spilling. If you store too many items in your refrigerator, this can cause temperature fluctuations inside the machine, increasing the load on the unit.

While you want to get the most out of your commercial refrigerator, be careful not to overfill it. Overcrowding your walk-in refrigerator puts it at serious risk and can even shorten its lifespan. At the same time, stacking too many items in a freezer can put stress on the motor and condenser coils, which can extend runtime and increase energy costs and a number of other expenses.

 

8. Keep refrigeration equipment dry

Hot air outside the device will liquefy into water when it encounters cooler glass or metal doors. When condensation occurs inside, the moisture may condense into ice due to the lower temperature. If there are more ice cubes and the load on the equipment increases, it will require more effort to keep items cool, which results in greater energy consumption and greater losses. Therefore, keeping refrigeration equipment dry is important to reduce energy costs.

 

Summarize

No matter which type of commercial refrigerator you choose, your unit will need regular maintenance. In summary, you should closely observe your commercial refrigerator for any signs of malfunction, which will help you determine how well your refrigerator is functioning and how well it is being used. Any small problem can cause a serious crisis and lead to loss of income. Therefore, commercial refrigerators should be maintained regularly to ensure normal operation.

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