Taking Care of Your Commercial Refrigerator
A commercial refrigerator is a big investment for your business, so you want to make sure it lasts for as long as possible. Annual maintenance will help to extend the life of your fridge and prevent costly repairs down the road. Many business owners don’t realize this and end up with a broken refrigerator, wasted inventory, and lost profits.
In this blog, we will discuss the annual maintenance that should be completed on your commercial refrigerator, as well as Cool It! services and how our portable cold storage units can help during downtime.
Here are some of the annual maintenance tasks that should be completed on your commercial refrigerator:
1. Clean the condenser coils.
Cleaning the condenser coils is one of the most important maintenance tasks for your commercial refrigerator. The coils are responsible for dissipating heat, so if they're dirty, the fridge will have to work harder to maintain the proper temperature. This can lead to increased energy costs and premature wear on the fridge.
To clean the coils, you'll need to remove the kick plate at the bottom of the fridge. Once you have access to the coils, use a brush or vacuum attachment to remove any dirt or debris. Be careful not to bend the coils as you clean them.
2. Inspect and clean the door gaskets.
After the coils are clean, replace the kick plate and move on to inspecting and cleaning the door gaskets. The gaskets are the rubber seals that run along the edge of the door. Over time, they can become cracked or brittle, which can cause air leaks.
To clean the gaskets, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth. If there are any cracks or damage, you'll need to replace the gaskets.
3. Check the temperature settings.
Another important task in annual refrigerator maintenance is to frequently check the temperature settings and the thermostat. Incorrect settings can cause the fridge to run too frequently, which can lead to increased energy costs and premature wear.
4. Clean the interior of the fridge.
Yes — deep cleaning is a part of your refrigerator's annual maintenance too! In addition to cleaning the coils and door gaskets, you should also take some time to clean the interior of the fridge. This will help to prevent the build-up of mold and mildew.
To clean the interior, remove all of the shelves and drawers. Wash them with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the fridge. Then, use a solution of equal parts water and vinegar to wipe down the inside of the fridge. Be sure to reach the back and sides, where dirt and debris can accumulate.
5. Test the door seals.
After you've cleaned and inspected the door gaskets, it's time to test the door seals. This will help to ensure that your fridge is keeping cold air in and hot air out.
To test the door seals, close the door on a piece of paper. If the paper can be pulled out easily, the seal is not tight enough and needs to be repaired or replaced.
6. Inspect the electrical components.
Annual maintenance for your commercial refrigerator also includes inspecting the electrical components. This is especially important if your fridge is starting to show signs of wear. It's a good idea to bring in a professional electrician to ensure this work is completed in a safe and correct manner.
Portable Cold Storage Services
When it comes to commercial refrigeration, downtime can cause a major disruption for your business. Our portable cold storage units are here to help keep business going while your refrigerator is being serviced, repaired, or replaced.
Contact your local Cool It! today to speak to our team about your commercial refrigeration needs today!