3 Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Tips

December 8, 2022

When you work in the food service industry, you rely on commercial refrigeration to ensure your food and beverages remain cold. Like all appliances, however, it needs regular maintenance to continue running at its best. From the thermostat to the air filters, here are the elements you should focus on to keep your unit in top shape.

How to Maintain Your Commercial Refrigeration Unit

1. Keep It Clean and Dry

Dirty commercial refrigeration can lead to mold growth and contaminated ice or food. Fortunately, you can avoid these issues by regularly cleaning and drying the unit. Every one to two weeks, place all the interior contents into a temporary cooler and thoroughly scrub the surfaces with a mild cleaning solution or soap and water.

You can use a soft brush when scrubbing but avoid any chlorinated cleaners. These products could leave lingering smells that impact the food. Take out the drawers and remove any dirt or debris. Cleaning the exterior and the condenser coil will also eliminate any excess build up.

2. Change the Air Filters

Commercial refrigeration utilizes air filters to function. However, they will become obstructed over time due to the dust, grease, and food particles present in kitchens.

To ensure the filters continue functioning optimally, you'll need to check and change them often. These parts could also need degreasing if there is oil or grease buildup. You can do this with a degreasing solution and a strong shop vacuum.

3. Check Various Parts

A commercial refrigeration unit relies on various parts to work correctly, so you should ensure these components are in good condition. Check the condenser coil for any dirt buildup and verify whether the area around the evaporator coil is clean and free of obstruction.

You should also check the gaskets for any signs of damage, like splits or cracks, and schedule professional repairs to address the issue. Having the thermostat tested by an expert twice annually will also help ensure that your food and beverages are safe.

If you’re overdue for a Refrigeration tune-up, the team at Alpine Heating & Cooling will assist. Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating, cooling & Commercial refrigeration systems. Call (330) 263-0013 to schedule an repair or inspection and visit our website to learn more about our qualifications. Connect on Facebook for more tips and insights.

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Can Your House Get “Stale”?

September 9, 2026

Have you ever walked into your house after being gone for a few hours and noticed that it just smells a little… stale? It’s not always a sign that something is wrong. Sometimes your home simply needs a little more fresh air. Modern homes are built much tighter than older houses, which is great for energy efficiency, but it also means odors and moisture can hang around longer. Cooking smells, pets, cleaning products, candles, furniture, paint, and everyday household products can all affect indoor air. Humidity plays a big part too. When indoor humidity stays too high, the air can feel heavy or musty. When it gets too dry, the house may feel uncomfortable in a completely different way. Your HVAC system can help keep air moving and filtered, but the filter has to be clean and the system still needs adequate airflow. In some homes, better ventilation or indoor air quality equipment can also make a noticeable difference. Of course, sometimes the easiest solution is the simplest one: on a nice Ohio day, open a few windows and let the house air out. If your home constantly feels stuffy, musty, or just never seems to smell fresh, it may be worth looking at more than the air freshener. The problem could be humidity, airflow, filtration, or ventilation. At Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration, we can help you figure out what’s going on behind the scenes so your home doesn’t just feel comfortable—it feels fresh too Wooster: (330) 263.0013 Ashland: (419) 289.1616 Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114 CONTACT US Serving Wooster, Ashland & Mt. Eaton, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating , cooling , refrigeration & plumbing systems. If you need service on your current system please give us a call and we'd be glad to begin the process of evaluating your needs along with your budget and coming up with a game plan for your heating, cooling & air quality needs.

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Why Your Air Conditioner Runs More in August | Alpine

By Tom Markley • August 5, 2026

Have you noticed your air conditioner running longer in August, even when the temperature outside does not seem as high as it was earlier in the summer? You are not imagining it. By late summer, several factors can make your cooling system work harder to keep your Ohio home comfortable. Humidity Makes Your Home Feel Warmer Temperature is only part of the comfort equation. August can bring high humidity, which makes the air feel warmer and forces your air conditioner to remove both heat and moisture from your home. Because moisture removal takes time, your AC may run longer even when the outdoor temperature is not unusually high. Warm Nights Give Your Home Less Time to Cool Down When nighttime temperatures remain warm, your home may not have much opportunity to release the heat it absorbed during the day. Attics, walls, roofing materials and ductwork can hold onto heat. When the next day begins, your air conditioner may already be working against a warm house instead of starting fresh. Your AC Has Been Working All Summer By August, your cooling system may have already logged hundreds of hours of operation. A dirty air filter, debris around the outdoor unit or dust collecting on system components can gradually reduce airflow and efficiency. ENERGY STAR notes that dirty filters restrict airflow and cause heating and cooling equipment to work harder. Checking your filter and keeping the outdoor unit clear of grass, leaves and overgrown plants can help your system operate more effectively. Longer Run Times Are Not Always a Problem An air conditioner running for longer periods is not automatically a sign that something is wrong. Longer, steadier cooling cycles can help maintain a consistent temperature and remove humidity from the air. However, you may need professional AC service if your system: Runs almost constantly without reaching the thermostat setting Produces weak or warm airflow Makes unusual noises Causes a sudden increase in your electric bill Leaves some rooms much warmer than others Frequently turns on and off after only a few minutes Help Your AC Finish the Summer Strong Replace or clean your air filter when needed, keep the outdoor unit free from obstructions and avoid making large thermostat adjustments throughout the day. If your air conditioner is running more than usual and your home is still uncomfortable, Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration can inspect the system and determine whether it needs maintenance or repair. We serve homeowners throughout Wayne, Holmes and Ashland counties from our Wooster, Ashland and Mt. Eaton locations.