The success of many establishments, from restaurants to hospitals, heavily relies on the efficiency of their refrigeration systems. A hiccup in your refrigeration unit could bring your operations to a standstill, so it is important to be vigilant about refrigeration maintenance. Implementing a solid preventative maintenance schedule is the solution to this potential risk, ensuring that you can focus on running your business efficiently. In this blog, we are going to cover actions you can take, as well as maintenance tasks that need to be carried out by a professional like Acme!
Routine Maintenance Tasks: What You Can Handle
- Daily Equipment Cleaning
To keep your equipment hygienic and in pristine condition, it is important to clean your refrigeration unit frequently. Especially for kitchens and busy restaurants which are prone to spills and splatters, addressing these promptly will ensure your equipment remains clean and foods are not contaminated.
Immediate attention – regularly clean any spills or drips that have landed nearby or on your equipment. This avoids the need for strong cleaning agents and ensures hygiene.
Using the right tools – opt for non-abrasive cleaning methods, for example, avoid the use of steel abrasive scrubbers and don’t use potent chemicals that might damage the appliance.
- Check and Adjust Settings
Temperature fluctuations can affect your goods quite drastically, so it is vital to check your refrigeration unit is always on the right setting to protect your goods from spoiling.
Temperature settings – an overly cold setting forces the system to overwork and may cause ice buildup, whilst a too-warm setting could put your stock at risk.
Defrosting Cycle – adhere to manufacturer guidelines on defrosting, as excess defrosting can overburden your refrigerator.
- Efficient Storage
Overpacked refrigerators compromise efficiency due to restricted airflow, causing the system to exert more effort to maintain the desired temperature. Ensure your stock is organised appropriately to allow the air to circulate properly, if you don’t have enough space, you might need to invest in another refrigeration system that suits your business.
- Exterior Airflow
Kitchens in particular are known for being compact, so it is important to ensure the refrigerator’s intake and exhaust vents have a sufficient amount of airflow. You can ensure this by not placing any other equipment near the vents. Not only will this help to conserve energy, but it can reduce premature replacements of your unit.
- Seals and Leaks
Detecting air leaks and aligning doors is another maintenance task that you can complete. By making sure no air escapes, your refrigeration unit will continue to work efficiently.
Do it Yourself or Hire a Professional
- Coil Cleaning
Cleaning the unit’s coils is crucial to ensure its efficiency, as accumulated dirt can slow down the heat transfer process, causing it to work harder. It is recommended to check the coils monthly to avoid repairs and replacements. If you have the knowledge and skill set to complete this task you can do it yourself or you can call out a professional.
- Fan Blade Maintenance
Monthly cleaning of fan blades and ensuring the screws are secure guarantees optimal performance.
Actions That Must Be Carried Out by a Professional
For a comprehensive maintenance routine, consider twice-yearly professional servicing for:
- Thorough Ice Maker Cleaning – this can prevent potential health violations.
- Refrigerant Level Checks – vital for optimal cooling efficiency.
- Motor and Compressor Inspection – early detection of wear and tear prevents major system failures.
- Drain Line Cleaning and Electrical Checks – ensures smooth operation.
- Thermometer Calibration – accurate readings are pivotal for food safety.
Having professionals regularly inspect your equipment is paramount. Overlooking minor issues can escalate, resulting in increased repairs and energy costs. Worst-case scenarios include system failures, health inspection failures, or even compromised food safety. Therefore, completing a preventative maintenance schedule safeguards your establishment’s reputation and investment.
Here at Acme, we understand the importance of an efficient refrigeration system. Partnering with us ensures that your maintenance is conducted proficiently, leaving you to focus on your primary business activities. Plus, we are here for you 24/7/365! Our nationwide engineering teams are here to keep you operational and compliant no matter the time or day. Please contact us today on 01254 277 999 with any questions you might have, and we will be more than happy to discuss your requirements.
