In the foodservice business, refrigeration is the unsung hero of the kitchen. It’s the only appliance kept running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, yet all too often forgotten when it comes to regular maintenance and servicing. And with the value of stored food running into thousands of pounds, any failure is not only inconvenient, but expensive, not to mention the health risks of food poisoning caused by incorrect storage temperatures.
So what can you do to help keep your fridges in good working order?
- Keep condenser coils clean
If you can see or access the evaporator coils then it pays to keep them free from gunk, grease and dust. Once they get clogged with dirt they will have to work harder, using more energy and increasing the risk of the compressor overheating. Dirty, unmaintained coils are the number one reason for compressor failure, so this is a simple way to avoid unwelcome replacement costs.
- Give it space
Ensure there is a certain amount of clear space around the equipment to maintain reasonable air flow and again avoid overheating, increased power consumption and inefficient cooling.
- Check thermostat settings.
Making sure you have set the optimum temperature on your thermostat is very important to ensure your fridge is working efficiently. Too high and your food will begin to go off allowing bacteria to grow and creating a public health risk. Too low and the unit will be working harder than necessary which could again decrease the life span of the equipment.
- Check for cold air leaks.
The door of your fridge may not be airtight if hinges, latches, gaskets or seals are in poor condition. One way to test this is by shutting a thin piece of paper in the door. If there is little resistance when you tug it and it pulls out easily, then the door seal is faulty.
- Lights out
Ensure all staff religiously turn off the lights in walk in fridges and freezers. Leaving them on generates heat, making the appliance work harder to maintain the correct temperature and increasing your electricity bills.
- Be gentle
When cleaning remember not to use steel wool, bleach or caustic chemicals which can damage the finish and increase the risk of corrosion. If in doubt consult the manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Professional refrigeration service
Regular detailed inspections and cleaning from professional refrigeration experts who can spot potential problems early, is a must. Our refrigeration engineers are highly qualified to Fgas standards.
They will inspect all parts for wear, clean fan blades, lubricate hinges, repair any air leaks, check condensers, coils, compressors, refrigerant levels and electrical connections, plus test and calibrate thermometers.
By implementing a professional, planned servicing and refrigeration maintenance regime with TWO Services, you can avoid:
- reduced efficiency
- higher energy bills
- potential hygiene hazards
- compromised food safety
- untimely breakdowns
- costly food waste
Reduce the risk of a costly meltdown – book your refrigeration service today.
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For general enquiries and National Sales, call: freephone 0800 22 44 33
For your requirements in the North, call: 01132 727 523
For your requirements in the South, call: 01268 727 603
Or email your enquiry to hq@two-services.com