3 Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Tips
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.
