How do I extend the lifespan of my commercial refrigerator? In order to get as much out of a commercial refrigerator as possible, businesses need to maintain the refrigerator regularly and operate it properly. One of the best ways to extend the life of a commercial refrigerator is by keeping its condenser coils clean. Dirty coils reduce the efficiency of the unit up to 30%, leading to increased energy bills and breakdowns. A 2019 report by the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, or RSES, states that cleaning the coils regularly can add up to 5 years to the life of a refrigerator. Coils should be cleaned at least every 3 to 6 months depending on the environment and amount of dust and debris.
Door seals, or gaskets, are another important part in keeping the temperature inside a refrigerator at bay. A faulty seal can result in cold air escaping, requiring the refrigerator to work harder to sustain temperature. Savings of up to 15% yearly in energy expenditure can be achieved simply by replacing old door seals. According to one restaurant owner, changing the gaskets on its walk-in refrigerator in Chicago saved close to $500 annually due to reduced energy consumption. In addition, inspecting seals regularly and replacing them every 1-2 years, depending on usage, really keeps the efficiency going and prevents unnecessary wear on the system.
Another way to prolong commercial refrigerator life is through proper temperature settings. The FDA suggests a refrigerator be at a temperature of 37°F to 40°F or 3°C to 4.4°C for safety measures. For each 10°F temperature increase beyond the optimal operating temperature range, a refrigerator loses 25% of the efficiency. One Texas grocery store reportedly maintains a 10% reduction in spoilage rates after keeping the temperature setting of commercial refrigeration systems consistent. That meant less food was wasted and higher profit margins. System temperatures can be controlled at their optimal levels by regularly checking with a thermometer and setting appropriately to make adjustments as necessary.
Another important factor is avoiding overloading. Overloading a commercial refrigerator can lead to restrictions in airflow, causing uneven cooling and putting added pressure on the compressor. Trade recommendations include filling refrigerators no more than 80% to 85% full to allow for proper airflow. A delicatessen owner from Florida made it a point to never overload his refrigerators, resulting in great improvement in the cooling efficiency of the units and less frequent repairs.
A compressor is considered to be a heart of the commercial refrigerator cooling system. The smooth running may extend its life expectancy significantly. Compressor noises and vibration during regular inspection are capable of showing some kind of problem. In case more than 10% increase in power consumption by a compressor over some time, it may indicate its inefficiency, so servicing at least once a year will prevent costly repairs later on. As stated above, an Energy Department claims maintaining an efficiently run compressor reduces as much as 25 percent from annual energy consumption.
Other effective maintenance practices include defrosting regularly. Ice accumulation chokes the evaporator coils and impacts the efficiency of refrigeration in general. For units with a tendency to accumulate a high amount of ice within a very short time, factory guidelines are a minimum of every month, and those with lower ice accumulation fall within every 3 to 6 months. Based on the National Restaurant Association, companies schedule scheduled defrosting when it will not cause inconvenience.
Finally, the commercial refrigerator has to be set up in a well-ventilated area. The setting of a unit in extremely hot or cramped areas can make it difficult for the system to dissipate heat, hence overworking. Keeping the area clean and away from obstructions improves airflow and reduces the amount of stress on the system. A New York supermarket reduced energy usage by 12 percent and improved performance of its refrigeration equipment after moving it to a less crowded area.
Keeping the above basic steps for routine maintenance in mind, businesses can be assured of running commercial refrigerators that work efficiently and last longer. As Chef James Kline, owner of a successful chain of restaurants says, “Good maintenance practices are the key to getting the most from your equipment. A well-maintained refrigerator may mean the difference between spending thousands on repairs or enjoying years of reliable service.” Learn more about maintaining and choosing a commercial refrigerator at commercial refrigerator.