Maintaining your commercial refrigerators in good condition is important for various reasons. Not only does it help to extend the life of the equipment, it can also save on electricity consumption, which of course saves you money.
DIY Checklist
Check the temperature regularly. Health and Safety legislation sets out the temperature at which refrigerated foodstuffs should be stored and this is vital to avoid food poisoning issues. According to the Food Standards Agency, the temperature of the equipment should be checked a minimum of once a day to ensure that food is stored at 8°C or below. Regular maintenance can help to ensure compliance with the rules as well as prolonging the life of your equipment.
The condenser coil should be visually inspected to ensure that dust or debris has not built up on it. You will often find the condenser coil at either the top or bottom of a commercial cooler under a cover, although it can be located in different positions. You may need a Philips screwdriver to remove the cover. If necessary, clean the condenser coil. Failure to keep the condenser coil clean could cause problems such as a failed compressor, a failed condenser fan motor or burnt wiring, and will almost certainly increase electricity consumption since heat is not expelled efficiently.
The door seals on solid door refrigeration units should be checked. It is important that there are no tears or splits on any of the four sides, as this could allow warm air to penetrate the fridge. Check that the gaskets make a good seal on every side. If there is any food debris present, clean the seals with soapy water.
If the drain line outlet is visible, ensure that the end is clear. To keep the drain line clear, you can blow into it with a straw to clear any obstructions. Use a damp cloth wrapped around the drain outlet and straw to make a seal.
Professional Maintenance
If you invest in quality commercial fridges from suppliers such as https://www.fridgefreezerdirect.co.uk/solid-door-refrigeration, it makes sense to maintain them properly, so you should arrange for a professional maintenance plan that includes pressure cleaning of the coils and drains, wiring checks and other items.
This should be done six monthly, but the DIY checks you carry out between professional visits will keep the equipment in good order.
