7 tips for the correct maintenance of commercial refrigerators and freezers
Commercial refrigerators are vital equipment that can cost your business money and food when they malfunction. That's why preventative maintenance and care is essential to help you save money and prevent your supermarket, grocery store or restaurant from closing.
Here are some maintenance tasks you can do to ensure efficient cooling and a clean, long-lasting freezer.
1. Always clean the inside and outside of the refrigerator
It doesn't take a whole day to clean the entire parts of the equipment. Using a soft cloth or brush, slowly scrub the shelves, drain pans, pipes and refrigerator surfaces with detergent or vinegar solution. If you can remove the drawers and shelves, you can "soak" them for a few minutes and then rinse. Do this regularly using appropriate cleaning solutions and materials.
2. Schedule a regular system check
When a cooling specialist regularly checks your system, you can be sure that problems are identified and fixed right in front of you. Setting a budget for a regular system check means you'll be less likely to experience a major commercial refrigeration repair or emergency outage later on. During a service visit, electrical connections, worn components, and other issues are addressed during a service visit to prevent your system from breaking down.
3. Monitor its operation remotely
Install at a very low cost smart automation that controls the proper operation of the refrigerator and sends alerts to your mobile phone via Internet of Things (IoT) technology, regarding temperature fluctuation and recording, any forgotten open doors, etc. and so on.
You can rest assured that your refrigerators are working properly, giving your customers the excellent food they need, ensuring that your store is doing what is necessary to fade it.
4. Prevent mold growth
Neglected commercial refrigerators can cause contamination of any stored food due to mold and bacteria and this will discourage your customers from shopping. What's worse is that you may end up violating certain sanitary regulations. To prevent this from happening, make sure to monitor the mold and dirt in your system. An unpleasant smell is a sign that mold is starting to build up, so act immediately once it is detected.
5. Close the door properly and tightly
Be aware of the doors whenever you open and close them. If you don't close them properly, they will not help your refrigerator to cool and preserve food properly. Plus, you'll spend more on energy bills and maintenance. We advise you to take serious precautions with your refrigerator doors and we'd be happy to do so.
6. Don't overload it!
Sure, you want to maximize your fridge space - from end to end. However, a chock-full fridge is too bad - even in large commercial refrigerators. Using your fridge to its full capacity exposes it to serious damage and a shorter lifespan. Too many items in the refrigerator cause stress on the motor coil and condenser, resulting in more intense operation and higher electric bills. These are some scenarios you want to avoid when it comes to your commercial refrigerator.
7. Keep it dry
It sounds ironic but even though refrigeration involves moisture, that doesn't mean you'll let liquid build up or leaks in or on your refrigerators. Excessive moisture can cause your system to freeze over time, resulting in premature failure. Regularly check the shelves and condenser coil for leaks and excess water.
A properly maintained refrigeration system saves both your business and your customers. Take note of these tips so you don't make a mistake in caring for your equipment. For all of the above preventative proper maintenance and care, choose a qualified cooling service company that offers a customized maintenance program for your system.
HAM Systems ensures you in the remote monitoring and instant notification department by offering you the HAM ThermoSense device and helps you to comply with the health regulations mentioned in ISO 22000 and HACCP.
By installing HAM ThermoSense you gain satisfied customers, reduce the maintenance and operating costs of commercial refrigerators and get immediate notification in case of a breakdown or power failure.
About the author: Panagiotis Lyridis has been involved in the commercial refrigeration industry for over 15 years and has worked with major Greek companies producing commercial refrigerated cabinets.