Commercial refrigerators are essential for keeping produce fresh and in good condition, where many restaurants, industrial facilities and supermarkets rely on these systems to stay afloat.
Because refrigerators are so important, it is vital that they are looked after properly. Regular maintenance, servicing and cleaning practices are necessary to ensure that everything is working well, where this can help to prevent food contamination and unexpected malfunctions.
Read on for our essential refrigeration servicing and maintenance checklist, so you can ensure that your system remains in top condition.
Servicing Your Commercial Refrigerator
Regular servicing is essential for commercial refrigeration. These systems are used much more intensively than domestic refrigerators, meaning they require more regular maintenance checks. As such, your commercial system should be serviced every three to six months to ensure it remains in good working order, where this can also help to prevent costly malfunctions and emergencies.
Beyond this, some cleaning and inspection tasks should be carried out on a weekly or monthly basis, where daily recordings of fridge temperatures should be taken in order to pass subsequent health and safety inspections. Other tasks such as pressure cleaning your fridge interior or defrosting your ice box can be completed at greater intervals.
Your Maintenance Checklist
In order to keep your refrigerator in good condition, you should be prepared to carry out a range of regular maintenance checks and cleaning tasks. Whilst some of these can be completed in-house, you may require the assistance of a professional service provider for more comprehensive inspections and repairs. It can also be helpful to book regular services with a trusted maintenance team so that these are scheduled in your calendar.
Some essential tasks to undertake may include:
Cleaning Tasks –
Cleaning is a straightforward but vital part of refrigeration upkeep, particularly when it comes to maintaining good food hygiene. Simple tasks can be carried out by your own team, whilst more in-depth cleaning jobs may require the support of a professional.
Our checklist:
● General cleaning
Keeping your refrigerator clean is an essential part of running a commercial facility, where these systems should undergo daily wipe downs in order to maintain strict hygiene standards.
● Degrease condenser coils
Beyond this, you should also clean specific parts of your refrigerator at regular intervals. For instance your condenser coils should be degreased or pressure cleaned to dissolve debris build up.
● Clear drain lines
You should also clear your drain lines regularly to rinse accumulated residue, where this can be achieved with the help of a wet/dry vacuum or a diluted cleaning solution.
● Clean freezer compartments
Many commercial refrigeration systems will include an additional freezer compartment or ice box. This should be cleaned regularly, especially if you’re making your own ice, as this will help to prevent contamination.
Defrost timers should also be adjusted and checked systematically, where a manual or automatic defrost can be carried out on a monthly basis.
Inspections & Checks –
Simply taking the time to inspect and check over your system can help you to spot problems before they become disruptive.
Our checklist:
● Inspect door gaskets
Door gaskets are used to create a tight seal when your refrigerator door is shut, helping to keep contents cool. These should undergo a regular visual inspection to check for signs or wear or gapping.
● Check compressor operation
Your compressor controls the flow of refrigerant liquid throughout your system, where it is essential to check that it is adjusting properly. Also listen out for unusual noises and vibrations which may indicate a fault.
● Inspect refrigerant level
You will need a specialist refrigerant gauge to check the levels of this vital liquid, where you should compare your readings with the required level set forth by the manufacturer.
● Check suction line insulation
Another vital part of your refrigeration system is the suction line, where this connects the evaporator to the compressor. You should inspect this line for visual damage or signs of deterioration.
● Inspect door hinges & closers
Your refrigerator also requires a good quality door hinge and closing system, where this makes sure that everything inside can be accessed easily. Look out for signs of corrosion or misalignment, where these should be repaired quickly to prevent further deterioration.
Temperature Monitoring –
Evidently, maintaining a consistent and correct temperature is vital for ensuring your goods are well preserved – too cold and your stored items may become unusable. Too warm, and contents could deteriorate or go off.
Our checklist:
● Regular temperature checks
For commercial refrigeration systems, it is generally recommended that you keep a log of temperature levels throughout the day, so these can be presented as evidence during health inspections. These also make it easier to spot if something is amiss with your cooling technology.
● Monitor thermostat operation
You should also check that your thermostat is in good working order, where you may need to adjust its settings if indoor temperatures are subject to change. Consider the recommended refrigeration temperatures typically required for the items you’re storing, where you will need to keep your fridge working within a strict temperature range.
Enlisting Professional Support
Many refrigeration checks and cleaning tasks are safe to be carried out by on-site staff, especially if these need to be completed at regular intervals. But if you need to maintain mechanical parts or electrical equipment, then it is recommended that you enlist the help of a refrigeration expert.
Some benefits of working with an expert include:
Deeper cleans – A commercial fridge expert will be able to carry out an intensive deep clean, helping to prolong the life of your equipment and improve its performance. This can help to prevent repeated buildups of debris and dirt, preventing future malfunctions and reducing energy costs.
Safe inspections & repairs – Many aspects of fridge care can be hazardous if you’re not familiar with this technology. Refrigeration professionals will have undergone specific safety training so they can approach these tasks with confidence, meaning your own staff won’t be put at risk.
Professional advice – If you’re working with an expert team then you will be able to benefit from their professional advice when it comes to arranging repairs and streamlining your regular cleaning habits. They will also be able to suggest how often you require a full service.
Reduced malfunctions – When handling cleaning and inspection tasks yourself, it can be easy to overlook signs of disrepair, whilst an expert will be able to pick up on key warning signs and reduce malfunctions in the long run.
Mitchells: Commercial Fridge Repair Services
At Mitchells, we can take care of your commercial fridge system, whether you’re dealing with an industrial cold room, a restaurant fridge freezer or a large walk-in. Our expert team can install, repair or service your refrigeration system, helping you to keep your operations running smoothly. We can handle systems of all sizes, where our team is trusted for their industry knowledge and attention to detail.
Beyond this, we can also handle air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems in addition to offering specialist ductwork manufacturing services. Get in touch with us directly today to find out more about how we can support your commercial endeavours.