How to keep your commercial fridge or freezer running smoothly

Any business that provides food or drinks to the public will be aware of the importance of good quality, reliable commercial fridges and freezers. From bistro cafes to local farm shops, busy takeaways to small supermarkets, your commercial units are vital to the smooth running of your business, and the repercussions caused by their failure can be expensive and long-lasting. Knowing how to look after your commercial fridge or freezer is vital to safeguard your business, and reduce the chances of these units breaking down. Proactive maintenance is key to helping to keep your commercial refrigeration in good operational order, extending the lifespan of the unit and helping to prevent costly breakdowns.

Maintenance improves lifespan

Following a maintenance schedule is crucial to ensure that regular checks and servicing are carried out on your fridge or freezer. You should always follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to make sure your unit operates at maximum efficiency. You should also carry out regular checks of your unit to make sure that it’s functioning correctly, such as checking the door seals for any damage or signs of wear or tear.

Regular cleaning is vital

Regular cleaning is one of the best ways to check over your commercial refrigerator for any issues. Obviously, the interior of the refrigerator should be cleaned regularly, for good food hygiene. However, this will also give you the chance to check the interior for any issues. If you notice a build-up of frost, this needs to be addressed. Wear and tear of the door seals or door hinges need to be remedied. After cleaning the inside, check around the outside of the unit. Dust, grease and debris can block the coils and vents reducing the efficiency of the unit and causing it to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. Cleaning around the outside will give you the opportunity to spot any leaks, whether water or coolant. It can be easy to overlook small changes or issues during a busy working day, but time spent cleaning the unit thoroughly will allow you to spot little signs which can be useful in preventing larger issues from developing.

Food safety is crucial

It’s important to remember that issues with your refrigerator or freezer can cause problems with food safety. A commercial fridge that struggles to maintain temperature may cause food to spoil more quickly than expected. This can cause issues with quality and potentially could result in food that has been in the danger zone where bacteria can grow. This can have severe consequences. If you are ever unsure about the safety of any food, then it’s best to simply throw away the food, rather than risk the safety of your customers and the reputation of your business. If your refrigerator suffers a breakdown, it will have a significant impact on your business, which is why it’s important to monitor the health of your commercial units and replace them before they become a business risk.

Common warning signs

Noise is one of the most useful indicators of the health of your commercial fridge or freezer. Unusual noises are an excellent indicator that there’s an issue with your unit. While you’re carrying out your regular cleaning, make sure to listen to the normal noises of the unit, so that you notice when the noise changes. Some noises can be caused by the unit being unstable, so always check the floor carefully to ensure that the unit isn’t rocking. Buzzing can indicate issues with the motor overworking, or problems with the compressor. Clicking can be connected to the relay which helps to power the compressor, and may indicate that this is struggling. Temperature fluctuations are a key indicator of issues with your refrigerator, as this shows that the unit is struggling to maintain a steady temperature. You should be taking regular temperature checks to give you an early indication of an issue. Frost build-up or leaks are also warning signs and should be dealt with swiftly. Regular cleaning and maintenance checks will allow you to quickly spot these warning signs in your commercial refigerators, giving you ample opportunity to fix any issues as they arise.

Fridgesmart is here to help your business

Consistent maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and ensures your commercial refrigeration maintains energy efficiency, preserves food quality and protects your investment in your equipment. At Fridgesmart, we know that sometimes, despite your best endeavours, units can break down. In these instances, we’ll always work with you to provide an immediate replacement, to help reduce the disruption to your business. Even with careful and continued maintenance, your units will reach the end of their lifespan. Our experienced team can help you source the best replacement. You can take a look at our extensive range of commercial fridges and freezers or for advice, contact our experienced and helpful team on 0115 9413640.