How To Maintain Your Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

Commercial refrigeration equipment often run 24/7 in businesses across the hospitality, food manufacturing, and retail and wholesale industries. They play an important part in storing perishable products, which is why keeping your catering fridge and commercial freezer in top condition is a crucial part of running a smooth business.

One way that businesses can keep their commercial refrigeration in Adelaide efficient and long-lasting is through diligent maintenance. Here are five reliable tips for you to bear in mind.

1. Monitor the refrigerator temperature

When it comes to refrigeration, temperature is everything, so it is important to monitor the temperature of your catering fridge daily. Based on The Australian Cold Chain Guidelines released by the Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC), it states that the ideal temperature is between 0 to 5°C for chilled foods, and at least -18°C or below for frozen foods. You need to make sure that the temperature is not too high to avoid the risk of spoiled food, and not too low that chilled food could freeze unintentionally. Regular temperature checks also allow you to detect any larger issues with your commercial fridge early on, such as compressor or thermostat problems.

2. Check for air leaks

Make sure that the seal of your refrigerator door is airtight to avoid the occurrence of air leaks. If the door is not sealed shut when closed, warm air can enter the fridge, causing your unit to expend more energy in order to keep everything cool. Moreover, air leaks can lead to ice build-up, which could further reduce your unit efficiency. Therefore, check to see if the door gaskets are attached properly and doing their job – you can do this by taking a dollar bill and closing it in your fridge or freezer door. If you can pull the bill out with no resistance, the seals of your catering fridge need replacing.

3. Position your fridge strategically

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right place to position your refrigeration equipment. Your fridge should be placed in an area with a low ambient temperature and even flooring. You should avoid placing it near a hot spot, such as next to ovens or steamers, as this will make it more energy-consuming for your fridge to maintain a cool temperature. It is also important to ensure a clear airflow for the unit’s exhaust and intake vents. Make sure the space behind your fridge or freezer is clear and clean.

4. Keep your refrigerator clean

A clean catering fridge is an efficient one, so enlist a member of your team to give your commercial refrigeration equipment a good clean once a week. Look out for dust and grease which may clog up your condenser and evaporator coils, as well as food debris which could get trapped in open channels or vents. You should keep an eye out for any build-up of ice or mould as well. Following these simple cleaning tips will definitely help keep your commercial refrigeration units running in prime condition.

5. Stick to a professional maintenance program

Scheduling regular maintenance with commercial refrigeration specialists is a crucial part of looking after your catering fridge. While you may be able to tackle some tasks like basic cleaning, there are some aspects of commercial refrigerator maintenance that should only be handled by an industry professional. Moreover, sticking to a professional maintenance schedule will help you save money in the long run. Professionals will be able to spot any potential issues with your equipment before they turn into problems that require expensive repairs.

For more guidance on the best ways to maintain your commercial refrigerators, you can contact our dedicated experts at BOSSY’s Refrigeration. Based in Adelaide, with over 30 years of experience in commercial refrigeration equipment, we offer a range of specialised refrigeration products and services.