For any catering business, having the right and necessary equipment is a must. Talking about the necessary equipment, the refrigerator is something that is a must-have for businesses like hotels, restaurants, and cafes. When we talk about Commercial Refrigerators, then temperature control of your refrigeration equipment is very crucial for preserving the quality of the stored products and controlling your power bills. Optimizing your units can save your business money for independence, avoid large-scale breakdowns, and keep your corporation running efficiently. To procure the best commercial refrigerator, go to the HORECA Store. Here is the list of five best practices to follow for maintaining cool commercial refrigeration equipment.
1. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean the Condenser Coils
Condenser coils are critical components in refrigeration systems, responsible for dissipating heat. With time, dust and dirt can arrive on these coils which makes it harder for the system to let heat out. After that, your refrigerator will work more and harder and eventually, the performance will decrease. To make your unit work smoothly, you need to make sure that you are cleaning the condenser coils every three months. Sweep over the area with a broom, or, at best, use a vacuum. For effective washing, the solution of water and mild detergent can be used to remove areal dirt surface. This minimizes the dirt and dust possessed by the coils so that heat exchange is improved and also the system cools down.
Inspect Door Seals and Gaskets
Door seals and gaskets will help to stop cold air from escaping to other parts of the room. The various seals on the air conditioning unit can get damaged or worn out and thus let in cold air making the unit use more energy to reach the ideal temperature. A simple test is to close the door on a piece of paper or with any other material; if it slides out easily, the seal may need to be replaced. Replacing faulty seals keeps the cold air in and the warm air out, making your unit more efficient.
2. Protect the Area Around the Unit
Proper Placement
The location of the refrigeration system strongly determines the performance of the conditioning system. Make sure that the unit is placed in a prime and circulated location, and with the least exposure to heat, for instance, away from ovens or direct sunlight. The area around the unit must be properly ventilated so that heat can be properly spread out. Avoid placing the refrigerator too close to walls or other equipment, as this can restrict airflow and cause the unit to overheat.
Maintain Enough Spacing
It is recommended to leave about 2-3 inches between the back of the unit and the wall for ample circulation of air. This spacing also helps the system to release heat efficiently. Lastly, make sure that no items are blocking the flow of air to ventilation grilles so that your unit can run smoothly.
3. Monitor Temperature Settings
Set the Right Temperature
Adhering to the right temperatures is helpful when it comes to the functionality of your commercial refrigeration equipment. Here it is recommended that most display coolers be in a range of 37F to 40F while most display freezers should be at 0F. It is recommended to compare the thermostat settings with the temperatures that are indicated on the thermostats’ integrated thermometers or other instruments. MODIFY to ensure they operate smoothly and to maintain the characteristics of the stored products’ quality.
Install Temperature Alarms
You need to maintain the correct temperature settings so that your commercial refrigerator runs smoothly without any hustle. These alarms notify you if the temperature has risen up from the set range, allowing you to take immediate action to address any issues that can be seen. One thing that you must check is if your refrigerator’s alarms are operating normally or not.
4. Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Schedule Regular Inspections
Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns and extending the life of your commercial refrigeration equipment. To prevent any mishaps, conduct a regular monthly check-up of your unit. When conducting these inspections, the technicians should look for rusty areas, wash parts, and confirm that all parts are in good working condition. By having regular inspections, you won’t need to replace costly parts.
Replace Worn-Out Parts
There may be a periodic need for replacing some of the major components of the refrigeration system including fans, filters, and thermometers. These components should also be checked periodically and replaced whenever they are worn out. The same as with normal spare parts, it is best to have a spare part in stock so that any problems can be quickly solved. Replacing worn-out parts before they fail helps maintain the efficiency and reliability of the refrigeration unit.
5. Educate Workers on Proper Use
Educate on Best Practices
The employees should also use the commercial refrigeration equipment in the right manner as recommended so that your unit runs smoothly. Educate your staff on best practices, such as not leaving doors open for extended periods, properly organizing stored items to allow for airflow, and reporting any unusual noises or performance issues immediately.
Conclusion
For any catering business, the most important thing to keep in mind is the maintenance of your equipment and appliances. A commercial refrigerator is the most useful electrical appliance for your hotel, restaurant, and café. If you are someone who wants customer satisfaction, then you must take care of your equipment well. We hope this guide has helped you understand that how a regular inspection can help you save a ton of money.
