Extending the Life of Commercial Refrigeration

Refrigerators and freezers can be considered part of the lifeline in any foodservice establishment. Without them, food would spoil and we would not be able to store product for more than a few hours. With that said, it is imperative to keep your refrigeration systems in top shape so that they do not break down. Many service calls can be avoided if proper precautions are taken to keep your units clean. Below are some suggestions on how to keep your refrigeration in the best shape.

Cleaning Condenser Coils – This is one of the easiest ways to keep your refrigeration lasting worry free for years. At least once a month (maybe more in places like bakeries where there is a lot of flour in the air) the condenser should be cleaned. This can be done by using a plastic bristle brush, vacuum, or even compressed air to clean out the fins. The condenser is where all the heat is released from the refrigeration, and the more dirt that is in the fins, the harder it is to release the heat, and the harder the entire refrigeration system has to work.

Cleaning the Fan and Motor – The fan and fan motor blow air over the compressor and to blow air through the condenser coils as well. If the fan is broken, and the warm air can not be forced over the cold coils, they can freeze up into a block of ice.

Replacing Cracked and Broken Gaskets – Damaged or broken gaskets allow the cold air to escape from the refrigerator or freezer causing the compressor to work harder than it was designed to. Gaskets can easily be replaced, and should be checked at least every 6 months to make sure that they are not damaged, and making a secure seal all around.

By taking these few easy steps, the life of a commercial refrigerator can be greatly increased, saving both time and money by reducing down time of your refrigeration.