Those who work in the food industry know how important a walk-in cooler and freezer are to their business. However, repairs are sometimes needed, and the overall cost can be beyond the budget. The potential loss of food if the issues continue without repairs can be damaging.
There are unexpected repairs for walk-in coolers and freezers that could be avoided if the units are regularly maintained. It is a great move to schedule preventive maintenance on all of your units to ensure that each of them can last as long as possible. Here are some of the commercial maintenance tips that you can use for your units:
Keep the walk-in cooler and freezer clean.
Using water and soap is the best way to clean a walk-in cooler and freezer, because chemical cleansers may harm the metal surfaces of the units. The chemicals inside the cleanser could also remove the oils off the steel. You need to sweep and mop the surrounding area and the inside floor of your walk-in cooler and freezer. This can prevent debris from accumulating. Any spills inside the cooler and freezer should be wiped immediately to avoid any threat of having chemicals on the surface of your units. It is also important to avoid the situation because it could lead to food spoilage.
Clean evaporator fan coils and blades.
It is also important to schedule regular preventive maintenance with a technician to clean the evaporator coils on your walk-in coolers and freezers. Aside from preventive maintenance, it should also include an inspection. The technician should check the blades and the coils for effectiveness and replace them if they are damaged.
Inspect door seals and hinges.
The door hinge on your cooler and freezer should be lubricated every three months. You should also check the seal to see if the door closes properly when you use it. You can test the seal by looking for resistance when you open and close the door. Never leave the door of coolers and freezers open for an extended period of time, because it will increase the temperature inside the unit. The door should also be closed at all times, except when someone is entering and exiting the unit.
Check the operational level of the evaporator and the condensing unit.
The area around the evaporator and the condensing unit should be clear to ensure proper airflow within the unit. Do not let any debris to gather inside or around the cooler and freezer. This will negate the effectiveness of the evaporator and condensing unit.
Monitor daily temperature.
The drop in temperature inside the cooler and freezer is a clear indication that they are not working properly. Some cooling systems record and store a ten-year operational history on a built-in computer program. This technology can help repair technicians to work on the issues within the unit quickly. Most coolers and freezers have an alert mechanism that will immediately warn you if a problem is arising.
Set up a maintenance program with an experienced technician.
Setting up a regular preventive maintenance program will help make sure that your cooler and freezer stays in great working condition for its entire lifespan. It is best to choose a refrigeration technician that is experienced enough to know the wear and tear on the unit and replace the parts that are damaged immediately. By doing this, you can save your business money in repair fees. Maintaining your preventive maintenance schedule should help prevent a shutdown of your kitchen on a busy night.
When it comes to choosing a piece of equipment, there is no one “perfect” solution for every business. It is necessary to choose the right unit according to your business’s specific needs. Commercial refrigeration repair in Houston can help you identify the right one for you without exhausting yourself and keep it running in mint condition. Just remember, for as long as you take good care of your unit, it will last a long time.