5 Essential Tips to Maintain Your Commercial Refrigerator

Every business that uses a commercial fridge knows how important it is to keep it running smoothly. A well-maintained fridge ensures that your food stays fresh and your drinks stay cold. This helps you meet health and safety standards. It can also help you save money by making the fridge last longer and work more efficiently.

You can do simple things to keep your fridge in top shape. From cleaning the coils to checking the door seals, these tasks don’t take much time but can make a big difference. Regular maintenance helps catch minor problems before they become big ones, saving you from costly repairs. Taking care of your fridge means you get the best performance out of it, helping your business run smoothly daily.

Clean the Coils Regularly

Keeping the coils clean on your commercial fridge is very important. Dirty coils force the refrigerator to work harder, overheating and breaking down faster. Clean coils help the fridge stay calm and run more efficiently, which saves you money on energy bills. The coils are usually located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator. Dust and dirt can build up on them over time.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean the coils:

1. Unplug the Fridge: Unplug the fridge for safety.
2. Locate the Coils: Find where the coils are. A grill often covers them.
3. Brush Away Dust: Use a brush to remove dust and dirt. A coil cleaning brush or a soft brush works well.
4. Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to suck up any remaining dust.
5. Plug Back In: Once the coils are clean, plug the fridge back in.

Doing this every three to six months helps the fridge run more efficiently and keeps your food at the right temperature.

Monitor the Thermostat Settings

The thermostat is like the brain of your fridge. It tells the cooling system how cold it is to make the inside. If the thermostat isn't set right, your food might spoil, or the refrigerator may work too hard, wasting energy.

To make sure the thermostat settings are proper, follow these simple steps:

1. Check the Temperature: Use a fridge thermometer to see if the temperature inside matches the settings on the thermostat. For most commercial fridges, the temperature should be between 1°C to 4°C.
2. Adjust the Settings: Modify the thermostat dials or buttons if the temperature is too high or too low. Wait a few hours and check again to see if the temperature stabilises.
3. Test Regularly: Check the settings at least once a month. This helps make sure that the fridge is always at the right temperature.

Monitoring your thermostat settings can help your fridge run better and keep your food fresh longer. It's an easy way to avoid problems and ensure your fridge is always ready to go.

Check the Door Seals

Door seals, also called gaskets, are significant in how well your commercial fridge works. If the seals are damaged or worn out, cold air can escape. This means the fridge has to work harder to keep everything cool, which uses more energy and can spoil your food.

Here are some signs that the door seals might be worn out:

- The door doesn't close properly

- You see cracks or tears in the seals

- There is condensation around the edges

- The fridge feels warm around the door

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to check the seals. Here's how to do it:

1. Visual Inspection: Look closely at the seals for cracks or tears.
2. Dollar Bill Test: Place a dollar bill between the door and the fridge. Close the door and try to pull the bill out. If it slips out quickly, the seal isn't tight enough.
3. Clean the Seals: Dirt can sometimes cause a bad seal. Clean the seals with soapy water and a cloth.
4. Replace If Needed: If cleaning doesn't help, you need to replace the seals. You can buy new seals and fit them yourself or get help from a professional.

Good seals keep the cold air inside, ensuring your fridge runs efficiently.

Schedule Regular Professional Inspections

Even with all the regular maintenance you do, it's essential to get your commercial fridge inspected by a professional now and then. A professional can spot problems you might miss and help fix them before they become more substantial.

Here are some benefits of professional maintenance:

- Expert Eyes: Professionals know what to look for and can find hidden problems.

- Thorough Check: They can check the parts you can't easily reach, like the internal mechanics.

- Peace of Mind: Knowing your fridge is in good shape helps you focus on running your business.

During an inspection, you can expect the professional to:

- Check the refrigerant levels

- Examine the compressor and coils

- Look for any leaks

- Test the thermostat and other controls

We recommend scheduling a professional inspection at least once a year. This will help keep your fridge in top condition and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Conclusion

Taking care of your commercial fridge doesn't have to be complicated. By cleaning the coils, monitoring the thermostat, checking the door seals, and scheduling regular inspections, you can keep your fridge running smoothly for years. This will save you money on repairs and energy bills and help your business run smoothly.

Book a service with Refrigeration Experts to ensure your fridge is always in shape. Our team is ready to help you keep your commercial fridge running efficiently. Don't wait for problems to arise—give your fridge the care it needs today!