Posted by
Patrick Maness +
Your commercial refrigeration system is one of your business’s most essential components, and it’s one of the most expensive as well. So how do you prolong the benefits of your system without incurring costly repair expenses or the dreaded unit replacement? It all comes down to proper maintenance.
In this blog we’re going to take a look at some simple maintenance steps you can employ to keep your units running well. Incorporate them into your daily clean-up schedule, and you’ll prolong the life of your refrigeration system and even cut your energy costs.
Get in the habit of following these four maintenance steps.
* Check the gaskets. As your refrigeration system works to maintain a specific temperature, the door’s gaskets work as shields. They keep the cool air inside the unit and keep the rest of the restaurant’s warm air outside. Inspect all four sides of each gasket to make sure it is sealing properly. Then, clean each gasket with soapy water to clear any debris that might be building up and threatening the seal.
* Don’t ignore the drain. Water flows downward so the best place to look for your drain line outlet is at the base of your cooler. Once you find it, check the end and make sure it is not obstructed in any way. The drain should be blown out by a contractor once every couple of years, but you can do it yourself by inserting a straw in the drain, wrapping it all in a towel and blowing air into the drain.
* Clean your condenser. In order for your refrigeration system to run optimally, the condenser must be kept clear. To do this, clean the condenser twice a month with a nylon brush or vacuum cleaner, targeting the coils and cooling fins specifically in order to remove debris. Be gentle around the fins, as they damage easily.
* Check that placement. Cleaning your refrigeration unit is also a great time to analyze whether the unit is still in the best place. The closer a cooling unit is to a heating appliance, such as the oven or broiler, the harder it will have to work and the more quickly you’ll wear out the condenser. Moving the unit will alleviate these concerns. If you do plan to move the unit, it’s also important to have good air flow in its new location. This air flow is what allows the condenser to expend captured warm air without it bottling up around the unit.
Read other articles in this series:
Simple Steps to Decide What Size Refrigeration System You Need
The Top Commercial Refrigeration Equipment You Need for Your Restaurant
5 Ways to Eliminate Those Escalating Energy Expenses