Three Ways To Keep Your Commercial Refrigeration Units From Malfunctioning
If you're like many people who have recently made the big decision to open your own restaurant, you're probably experiencing a mixture of excitement and trepidation. You're excited because that's a normal and natural reaction to starting a business venture, and the trepidation comes in because you've got at least some idea of all the things that can go wrong in the restaurant business. Faulty equipment, for instance, can wreak absolute havoc on a restaurant's ability to function. For instance, if your refrigeration system stops working, you not only run the risk of losing the entire contents, but you also may not be allowed to operate per local health code ordinances. Scheduling regular maintenance for your commercial refrigeration system is an excellent way to help ensure that unexpected malfunctions don't cause food to be ruined or force you to close down until the necessary repairs can be made, but don't stop there — here are a few simple strategies for you and your staff designed to help keep your refrigeration unit running as it should.
Clean the Condenser Coils
One of the most common causes of malfunction among refrigeration units is the buildup of dust and debris on the condenser coils. Because these are located at the back of the unit, cleaning them is easy to overlook, especially for those who have never owned a commercial refrigeration unit before. When condenser coils aren't kept clean, the unit is at risk of overheating, which potentially leads to mechanical breakdown as well as causes temperatures in the unit to rise to unacceptable levels. They should be cleaned on a weekly basis using a hard-bristled brush. Clean the Evaporator Coils The evaporator coils are located next to the evaporator fan, and like the condenser coils, these need to be cleaned on a weekly basis. It is also very important not to place any objects within a couple of inches of the evaporator coils because this can interfere with their airflow necessary for the evaporator to properly do its job.
Clean the Air Filters
Failure to keep the air filters clean is another way to put commercial refrigeration units at risk of malfunctioning. If they become too clogged, the unit may shut down altogether. These should be cleaned on a weekly basis using a degreasing agent as well as changed per manufacturer's recommendations — usually every six months.
Having a checklist that staff members responsible for cleaning commercial refrigeration units provides an extra layer of protection when it comes to keeping these units up and running.
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