At Airkool, we understand that commercial refrigeration units are crucial for many businesses, ensuring food safety, quality, and longevity. Regular maintenance is important to keep these vital appliances running smoothly and efficiently. Here are five essential tips to help you maintain your commercial refrigeration system and avoid costly breakdowns.
Why do you need to carry out maintenance on your commercial refrigerator?
Your commercial refrigerator is more than just storage, it can be one of the most important pieces of equipment your business owns, that’s why it is vital you look after it. Proper maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and ensures that your refrigerator operates at peak efficiency, minimising energy costs and maximising the lifespan of the equipment. Additionally, regular maintenance helps uphold food safety standards, reducing the risk of spoilage and contamination that could harm your customers and your reputation.
How do you maintain your commercial refrigerator?
- Regular Cleaning: Keep the interior and exterior of your refrigerator clean to prevent dirt, grime, and bacteria build-up. Start by unplugging the refrigerator and removing all food items. Take out shelves, drawers, and other removable parts, and wash them separately with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the interior surfaces, including walls, shelves, and door seals, using a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. Sanitise the interior surfaces with a food-safe sanitising solution or a mixture of bleach and water. Clean the door gaskets and exterior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent, avoiding abrasive cleaners. Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the refrigerator and plug it back in. Make sure you Implement a regular cleaning schedule to maintain cleanliness and food safety.
- Temperature Monitoring: Monitor the temperature of your refrigerator regularly to ensure it stays within the safe range for storing food. Invest in a reliable thermometer and check the temperature daily, adjusting as needed to maintain optimal conditions. Cold food must be kept at 8˚C or below. This is a legal requirement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In practice, it is recommended to set your fridge at 5˚C to make sure that food is kept cold enough.
- Inspect and Replace Gaskets: Damaged or worn door gaskets can cause air leaks, leading to temperature fluctuations and increased energy consumption. Inspect the gaskets regularly for signs of wear and tear and replace them promptly if necessary to maintain a tight seal. Door gaskets should be replaced yearly. They are a relatively cheap item to replace and play a significant role in your refrigerator’s performance.
- Condenser Coil Cleaning: The condenser coils are responsible for dissipating heat from the refrigerator’s interior. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the coils, reducing their efficiency and increasing power usage. Clean the condenser coils regularly using a soft brush or vacuum to remove build-up and ensure proper airflow.
- Professional Maintenance: While regular cleaning and inspection are essential, it’s also important to schedule professional maintenance for your commercial refrigerator. At Airkool, we can perform thorough inspections, identify potential issues, and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments to keep your unit running smoothly. Contact us today to book in a commercial refrigeration service or find out the areas we cover.
Signs Your Commercial Refrigerator Needs Replacing
- Frequent Breakdowns or Repairs: If your commercial refrigerator is constantly requiring repairs or experiencing breakdowns, it may be a sign that the unit is reaching the end of its lifespan. Continued repairs can become costly over time and may indicate that the refrigerator is deteriorating beyond repair.
- Visible Signs of Wear and Tear: Visible signs such as rust, corrosion or cracks in the seals is a clear sign its time to replace your commercial refrigerator. These signs of wear and tear not only affect the performance of the refrigerator but also increase the risk of food contamination and spoilage.
- Leakage and Frost Buildup: Leakage or frost buildup inside the refrigerator can indicate issues with the unit’s seals, temperature regulation system, or coolant leaks. These problems can lead to inconsistent cooling temperatures, which can compromise the quality and safety of the food inside.
- Food Spoils Before The Expected Date: If you notice that food stored in the refrigerator is spoling before its expected expiration date, it could be a sign that the refrigerator is not maintaining the proper temperature or humidity level. This could be because of aging componenets or malfunctioning temperature control systems.
- Increase in Energy Costs: A sudden or gradual increase in energy costs associated with operating the refrigerator may indicate that the unit is becoming less energy-efficient over time. Older refrigerators tend to consume more energy as their components wear out, leading to highr utility bills. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can help reduce operational costs in the long run.
By following our five tips for commercial refrigeration maintenance, you can prolong the life of your equipment, reduce energy costs, and ensure the safety and quality of your stored food items. Investing time and effort in proper maintenance now can save you from costly repairs and downtime in the future, allowing your business to operate smoothly and efficiently. However, make sure to upgrade your commercial refrigerator if you are seeing any of the signs that it may need replacing. Request a quote from Airkool now and ensure your commercial refrigerator is performing how it should be.
