Maintaining Commercial Refrigerators: Best Practices for Longevity

by Leading Catering
Posted: Dec 21, 2024

Maintaining commercial refrigerators is essential for ensuring they operate efficiently, maintain food safety, and last for many years. Proper maintenance not only helps avoid costly repairs but also lowers electricity usage and increases the equipment's lifespan. Here's a comprehensive guide on the best practices for maintaining commercial refrigeration to ensure longevity.

Understanding the Importance of Maintenance

Commercial fridges are a huge investment for any establishment, especially in the hospitality industry. They are essential in keeping meals fresh, secure, and at the ideal temperature. Regular maintenance ensures that these units function optimally, preventing unexpected breakdowns and reducing operational costs. Avoiding upkeep can result in many problems, including food spoilage, increased energy consumption, and costly repairs or replacements.

Best Practices for Maintaining Commercial Refrigerators

Regular Cleaning

Regular maintenance is the foundation of maintaining commercial refrigerators. The interior and exterior parts must be cleaned frequently to prevent the build-up of dirt, grime, and food residues, impacting the unit's efficiency and hygiene.

Interior Cleaning: Take out all items from the fridge, including shelves and drawers, at least once a month. Wipe the internal area with a combination of hot water and mild soap. Wash with pure water and allow the surfaces to dry properly before changing the shelves and food products.

Exterior Cleaning: Clear the external surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Specially focus on the door seals and handles, as these places can hold dust and viruses.

Drain Pans and Tubes: Regularly clean the drain pans and tubes to prevent blockages, mould and bacteria build-up. Use a combination of vinegar and hot water to take care of these components.

Inspect and Maintain Door Seals

The door seals, or gaskets, are essential for preserving the commercial refrigerator's temperature by stopping warm air from entering and cool air from exiting. Bad or worn seals can result in temperature changes and high power consumption.

Regular Inspection: Check the door seals regularly for signs of wear, cracks, or gaps. A straightforward examination includes closing the gate on a piece of paper. The seal is not tight enough if the paper can be easily pulled out.

Cleaning Seals: Clean the door seals with a combination of hot water and mild detergent to remove dirt and debris. Do not use harsh agents that can ruin the seals.

Replacing Seals: If the seals are damaged or no longer provide a tight fit, they should be replaced promptly. Replacement seals can usually be ordered from the manufacturer or a reputable supplier.

Monitor Temperature Settings

Preserving the precise temperature is necessary for food security and power saving. Regularly monitoring and adjusting the temperature settings ensures the refrigerator operates within the recommended range.

Temperature Checks: Frequently inspect the fridge's temperature using a thermometer. The ideal temperature range for commercial fridges is between 35° to 38°F (from 1.7° to 3.3°C).

Adjusting Settings: If the temperature is outside the recommended range, adjust the thermostat settings accordingly. Ensure that the thermostat is appropriately calibrated to provide accurate readings.

Keep the Condenser Coils Clean

The condenser coils play a huge role in chilling food items by releasing heat from the unit. Over time, however, these coils can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, reducing their efficiency and making the commercial fridge work harder.

Regular Cleaning: Maintain & wipe the condenser coils at least twice a year or more frequently if the unit is in a dusty or high-traffic area. Clear dirt and other residues from the coils with the help of a vacuum cleaner or soft brush.

Professional Maintenance: Consider having an experienced technician clean the condenser coils as part of a regular maintenance schedule. They have the equipment and specialisation to clean the coils properly and safely.

Check and Maintain Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils soak heat from inside the fridge, helping to keep the interior cool. Like the condenser coils, evaporator coils can become dirty and less efficient over time.

Regular Inspection: Inspect the evaporator coils regularly for signs of dirt or frost build-up. Frost can signal an issue with the defrost mechanism or door seals.

Cleaning Coils: If the coils are dirty or frosted, clean them using a soft brush or a combination of mild soap and hot water. Ensure the equipment is switched off and unplugged before cleaning.

Ensure Proper Airflow

Proper airflow is necessary for the fridge to keep a constant temperature. Obstructed vents and overcrowded shelves can restrict airflow, resulting in the unit functioning harder and potentially resulting in uneven cooling.

Avoid Overloading: Do not overfill the refrigerator, as this can block vents and restrict airflow. Leave space between objects to let air spread freely.

Check Vents: Regularly inspect the vents inside the commercial freezer to ensure they are not blocked by food items or debris. Clean the ducts as required to preserve ideal airflow.

Implement a Regular Defrost Schedule

Ice build-up can reduce the refrigerator's efficiency and lead to temperature fluctuations. Regular defrosting helps prevent ice accumulation and maintains the unit's performance.

Manual Defrosting: If the refrigerator does not have an automatic defrosting feature, plan regular defrosting sessions. Turn off the product, take out all items, and let the ice melt. Clean the interior surfaces and remove any water before restarting the unit.

Automatic Defrost: Ensure that the automatic defrost system is functioning correctly. If you notice excessive ice build-up when you shop commercial refrigeration online, there may be an issue with the defrost system that needs to be addressed.

Conduct Regular Maintenance Checks

Regular maintenance inspections help locate potential problems before they become significant issues. Develop an upkeep schedule that contains the following tasks:

Inspect Electrical Components: Check the electrical parts, such as cables and connections, for symptoms of wear or damage. Ensure that the product is appropriately grounded.

Lubricate Moving Components: Lubricate moving components, such as door hinges and fans, to reduce friction and wear.

Check for Leaks: Check the unit for any signs of refrigerant leaks, such as oily residue or a hissing sound. If a leak is found, reach out to a skilled technician immediately.

Train Staff on Proper Use and Maintenance

Proper use and maintenance of commercial refrigerators are essential for their longevity. Ensure that all the employees are trained on the top practices:

Loading and Unloading: Train staff on loading and unloading the refrigerator without obstructing vents or damaging door seals.

Temperature Monitoring: Teach staff how to monitor and record temperature readings regularly.

Cleaning Procedures: Provide guidelines on how to clean the refrigerator and its components properly.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

While regular in-house maintenance is crucial, scheduling professional maintenance services can help ensure the product operates efficiently when you buy commercial refrigeration online. Specialist technicians have the expertise and devices to perform thorough checks and resolve any issues:

Bi-Annual Inspections: Schedule professional maintenance at least twice yearly to check the unit's overall condition and performance.

Repairs and Upgrades: Address any necessary repairs or upgrades promptly to prevent further damage and maintain efficiency.

Conclusion

Maintaining commercial refrigerators is essential for their efficiency, longevity, and performance. By following these top practices, you can lower operating costs, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and ensure your refrigerator continues operating at its best. Regular cleaning, temperature monitoring, proper airflow, and professional maintenance are crucial elements of a detailed maintenance plan. Training staff on proper use and maintenance practices further enhances the unit's longevity. By taking a proactive route towards upkeep, you can safeguard your money and guarantee the continued success of your establishment.