What’s the most expensive part of a commercial refrigerator?

When it comes to running a business in the UK, especially one that hinges on food service or retail, you can’t overstate the importance of a reliable commercial refrigerator. It’s the unsung hero in the corner of every pub, the quiet workhorse of every high-street cafe and the backbone of countless convenience stores across the country. But have you ever wondered, amidst the daily hustle and bustle, what keeps these vital pieces of equipment running? Or more specifically, what part of your commercial refrigerator costs the most?

As with all appliances, a refrigerator is made up of various components that work together to cool the air within the refrigerator and keep your produce cold. These components need to all be working together for the refrigerator to work efficiently and correctly. If a single part stops working, so can the refrigerator. Parts can be replaced, which can be cheaper than replacing the whole unit, however, some parts are more expensive than others, and it may prove more cost-effective to replace the whole unit. Good maintenance will help to prolong the life of your commercial refrigerator and prevent breakdowns.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the heart of commercial refrigeration, uncovering the components that not only keep your perishables perfectly chilled but also potentially make a dent in your budget. Understanding the financial anatomy of your commercial refrigerator is key to savvy business management.

How does a commercial fridge work?

A commercial fridge works by removing the heat from the air inside the unit and transferring it to the outside. It does this by changing the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas which cools the air around it. This is done by placing the refrigerant under pressure by running it through a capillary tube, which feeds the gas into the evaporator. The evaporator is the part of the fridge that makes it cold. In order for the circuit to continue, the gas needs to be turned back into liquid. It does this by running through a compressor which heats up the gas, before going into the condenser which turns it back into a liquid. Then the cycle can start again. The thermostat controls the process, by sensing when the temperature rises, so that it can start the cycle. Other parts, such as door seals, help to keep the cold air contained inside the refrigerator.

Which parts are expensive?

As you can see, all the parts to work seamlessly for the system to function. One of the most expensive parts to replace is the compressor, which is integral to the system. Depending on the age and efficiency of your refrigerator, this is the part that may not be worth replacing. A good refrigerator engineer will be able to advise on whether it’s worth replacing an old or faulty compressor. Bear in mind, that it’s not only the cost of the part, but also the labour charge of the engineer. The evaporator and condenser are essentially just coils, so the part shouldn’t be too expensive, though again the labour cost will push the overall repair cost up. The capillary tube is relatively inexpensive to replace, as is the thermostat. While it can be tempting to try and repair your refrigerator yourself to save on labour costs, it’s more sensible to hire a reputable refrigerator engineer, so that you can be sure that the refrigerator is working correctly.

How to maintain your refrigerator to prolong its life

The best thing you can do to reduce the likelihood of one of the component parts in your commercial refrigerator breaking is to keep to a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule. You should clean the refrigerator’s interior every week, and maintain good storage to optimise its efficiency. If your fridge is either over- or underfilled, it will have to work harder to keep to temperature which, in turn, will place more strain on the components. The refrigerator coils should be cleaned every few months, or per the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps prevent the build-up of dust, grease or debris which will cause them to work inefficiently and put more pressure on the refrigerator. Check and clean all the gaskets and seals to help them work efficiently. A commercial refrigerator is an investment in your business, and prolonging the life of your investment makes good business sense. Keeping to a regular maintenance schedule will reduce the likelihood of parts breaking, and costing you money in repair bills.

An excellent range of commercial refrigerators for your business

Here at Fridgesmart, we supply high quality commercial refrigerators you can rely on. If your commercial refrigerator breaks down or is running poorly, it’s worth speaking to us. We can advise whether it’s worth fixing your unit, or replacing it. If you need to replace your commercial refrigerator, we have an excellent range of units, suitable for all businesses and budgets. Take a look at our range here. If you want advice on the best type of commercial refrigerator for your business, our friendly and experienced are on hand to help. Simply call our team today on 01792 677169.