The food service industry relies heavily on dependable commercial refrigeration to chill and store food safely. A refrigerator malfunction or breakdown can cause spoilage and a massive disturbance to your day-to-day routine. This can lead to lost time and ultimately, lost revenue. As an owner of commercial refrigeration equipment, it is necessary to know the basics of maintenance to reduce the risk of costly problems now and in the future.

How to Maintain Commercial Refrigerators

Many problems can be avoided by maintaining regular equipment inspections. The constant use of commercial refrigeration equipment brings with it the potential for errors that can be spotted during a visual inspection. Therefore, it's important to be consistent in your maintenance routines, picking up signs of a problem early and rectifying the issue before it worsens. This diligence and consistency will pay off in the future and save you a significant amount of funds down the line.

Clean Condenser Coils

Since every refrigerator uses compressors and condensers, the coils must be cleaned regularly to achieve the correct operating temperature. A coil brush is the tool that is used to remove hair, dust, dirt or other debris that clog the coils, making it more difficult to maintain accurate temperatures. Condenser coils should be cleaned once each month to help extend the operating life of your commercial refrigerators.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="250"]Refrigerator coil cleaning brush for commercial refrigeration maintenanceA refrigerator coil cleaning brush[/caption]

Check for Drain Clogs

The defrost setting for refrigeration systems is what keeps ice from forming inside the doors and on food products. A clogged drainage hose can prevent proper defrosting and cause water leakage. Most commercial refrigeration units have a rear access panel; this allows you to easily get to the drainage hose. This should be checked regularly to keep clogs from causing motor or electrical damage.

Fix Cracked Gaskets

The gaskets used inside of commercial refrigeration units create a tight seal when the door is closed, but they can crack and wear over time. This allows cold air to dissipate, forcing the compressor and condenser units to work harder. Leaking door gaskets are a common cause of failure to hold correct temperature in commercial refrigerators. The gaskets have a retaining clip that should be unscrewed to allow the gasket to be removed. Inspecting the gasket will reveal any cracks or holes. A new gasket should be installed if defects are found.

Commercial refrigerators will have a long, useful life when properly maintained with routine inspections and accurate maintenance techniques.

Have more questions regarding your commercial refrigerator maintenance? Give us a call at 800-319-0690 or send us an email at info@missionrs.com