Six commercial refrigeration maintenance tips

Your commercial refrigeration units are the backbone of your food business. They keep your products fresh, your customers happy and your profits healthy. But like any hard-working equipment, they need regular care to perform at their best.

Proper maintenance of your refrigeration units isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns. It’s about energy efficiency, extended equipment lifespan and ensuring food safety. A well-maintained fridge or freezer uses less electricity, saving you money on energy bills. It also lasts longer, delaying the need for costly replacements. Most importantly, it maintains consistent temperatures, which is crucial for food safety and quality.

This blog shares six essential maintenance tips that will keep your commercial refrigeration units running smoothly.

Tip 1: Regular temperature monitoring

Consistent temperature is the holy grail of commercial refrigeration. It’s not just about keeping things cold; it’s about keeping them at the right level of cold.

To properly check temperatures, use a reliable thermometer. Don’t rely solely on the built-in thermometer; these can sometimes be inaccurate. Place the thermometer in different areas of the unit, paying special attention to the warmest spots, typically near the door.

Log these temperatures daily. This practice not only helps you spot any issues early but also provides valuable documentation for food safety inspections.

How often should you check? At a minimum, check temperatures at the start and end of each day. For busy operations or during hot weather, more frequent checks may be necessary.

Tip 2: Clean condenser coils

Condenser coils are the unsung heroes of your refrigeration unit. They release heat from the refrigerant, allowing it to cool down and continue the refrigeration cycle. When these coils get dirty, your unit has to work harder to keep things cool. Cleaning condenser coils is a straightforward process:

• Unplug the unit or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
• Locate the condenser coils. They’re typically at the back or bottom of the unit.
• Use a coil brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
• For stubborn grime, use a commercial coil cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Rinse with clean water if you’ve used a cleaning solution.
• Allow the coils to dry completely before turning the unit back on.

How often you need to clean the coils depends on your environment. In a relatively clean setting, twice a year might suffice. In dustier environments or busy kitchens, you might need to clean them every three months.

Tip 3: Inspect and clean door gaskets

Door gaskets are the rubber seals around your refrigerator or freezer door. They create an airtight seal when the door is closed, keeping the cold air in and the warm air out.

Signs of wear and tear on gaskets include cracks, tears or hardened rubber. You might also notice condensation around the door or feel cold air escaping when the unit is closed.

To clean gaskets, use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the rubber. After cleaning, dry the gaskets thoroughly.

If you spot any damage, don’t delay in replacing the gaskets. A compromised seal forces your unit to work harder, increasing energy consumption and potentially leading to temperature fluctuations.

Tip 4: Check and maintain proper airflow

Proper airflow is crucial for efficient commercial refrigeration. It ensures even cooling throughout the unit and helps the compressor operate efficiently.

Common airflow obstructions include overstocked shelves, items placed too close to vents and build-up of ice or frost. Regularly check for these issues and address them promptly.

When organising stock, remember the ‘less is more’ principle. Overstocking reduces airflow and can lead to uneven cooling. Leave space between items and keep them away from the walls of the unit. This allows cold air to circulate freely.

Consider using storage containers or organisers to keep items neatly arranged. This not only improves airflow but also makes stock rotation easier, contributing to food safety and reducing waste.

Tip 5: Defrost regularly

Frost build-up is a common issue, particularly in freezers. It reduces efficiency and can lead to temperature fluctuations.

Signs that defrosting is needed include visible frost or ice build-up on the unit’s walls, ceiling or floor. You might also notice that the door is difficult to close or that there’s excessive condensation.

Many modern units have an automatic defrost function. If yours does, make sure it’s working correctly. For manual defrost units, follow these steps:

• Remove all food items and store them in another unit.
• Turn off the unit and unplug it.
• Leave the door open and place towels around the base to catch water.
• Never use sharp objects to chip away ice; this can damage the unit.
• Once defrosted, clean and dry the interior thoroughly before restocking.

The frequency of defrosting depends on your specific unit and usage. As a general rule, defrost when ice build-up reaches about 6mm thickness.

Tip 6: Schedule professional maintenance

While regular DIY maintenance is crucial, nothing beats the expertise of a professional. A qualified technician can spot potential issues before they become significant problems.

Professional servicing typically includes a thorough cleaning of all components, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections and calibrating temperatures. They can also advise on any parts that may need replacement soon.

How often should you schedule professional maintenance? For most commercial operations, twice a year is a good rule of thumb. However, units in high-use environments or those critical to your operation may benefit from more frequent checks.

How can Fridgesmart help?

The time and effort you put into maintaining your refrigeration units will pay off in lower energy bills, reduced repair costs and improved food quality. These six tips form the foundation of a solid maintenance routine for your commercial refrigeration units.

So, if you need advice on maintaining your units or are considering upgrading to more efficient models, we’re here for you. Check out our range of top-quality commercial refrigeration units or give us a call to learn how we can help.