For a host of businesses, commercial refrigeration maintenance is a critical service when it comes to avoiding massive losses. Subpar work can lead to health, financial, compliance, and other complications. Unfortunarely, many businesses are liable to forgetting or ignoring some critical details.
This is not a situation where carelessness will go unpunished down the line. Here are seven commonly overlooked steps in refrigeration maintenance.
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Leaving Fans Unchecked
Refrigeration fans circulate cold air inside the unit, ensuring that the stored items are at the desired temperature. These fans can collect dust and debris over time, reducing their efficiency and increasing energy consumption. Regularly checking and cleaning the fans can improve their performance and extend their lifespan.
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Ignoring the Defrost Cycle
The defrost cycle is essential for removing ice buildup on the evaporator coils, which can reduce airflow and reduces compressor efficiency. Ensure that the defrost cycle is working correctly and schedule regular defrost cycles based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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Neglecting Lubrication
Industrial cooling systems have several moving parts that require lubrication to function correctly. Skipping lubrication can cause the parts to wear out quickly, leading to system breakdowns and costly commercial refrigeration repairs.
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Not Upgrading Refrigerant
Older refrigeration systems may use refrigerants that are harmful to the environment, such as R-22 or ammonia. Upgrading to newer refrigerants can reduce the system’s impact on the environment and improve its energy efficiency.
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Failing To Check The Condensate Pan
The condensate pan collects water that forms when the unit removes humidity from the air. It left unchecked, it can cause it to overflow, leading to water damage and mould growth. See that the condensate pan is functioning correctly and clean it regularly.
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Not Focusing on Door Seals
The door seals are essential for maintaining the temperature inside the unit. Damaged or worn door seals can cause cold air to escape, leading to higher energy consumption and food spoilage. Regularly checking and replacing damaged door seals can improve the system’s efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Conclusion
Smooth operation in commercial refrigeration maintenance is essential to the food service industry, and planning and executing it well matters. Overlooking even the smallest details can lead to system breakdowns, costly repairs, and even health hazards. With this checklist, and expert help, you can ensure that your perishable goods remain at appropriate temperatures.