Your business relies on your commercial refrigeration unit to keep your food at the right temperature, and you rely on it to be reliable and in good working order when you need it. Because of this, keeping up with regular maintenance can be crucial to ensuring that your unit keeps up with its job year after year, saving you both time and money by cutting down on repairs, replacement costs, and lost revenue due to downtime. Here are some tips on how to prolong the life of your commercial refrigeration unit with pre-maintenance planning so that you don’t have to worry about it letting you down any time soon.
Get it serviced
Getting your commercial refrigeration unit serviced regularly is one of the best ways to prolong its life. Not only will this ensure that it’s running efficiently, but it will also help identify any potential problems before they become major issues. A good service company will clean the coils, check the Freon levels, and inspect the seals and gaskets. They should also lubricate all moving parts and test the thermostat to ensure it’s accurate.
Keep it clean
One of the best ways to prolong the life of your commercial refrigeration unit is to keep it clean. This means regularly wiping down surfaces, cleaning the coils, and making sure there is no build-up of dirt and grime. A clean unit will run more efficiently and have a longer lifespan. If you use an ammonia deodorizer in your unit, be sure to ventilate before entering the room. Failure to do so can cause health problems like headaches and nausea due to exposure to high levels of ammonia.
Keep it cool
Commercial refrigeration units are built to last, but they need a little help from you to stay in top condition. Here are five tips to prolong the life of your unit and keep it running smoothly:
1. Keep it clean – Regular cleaning will help remove dirt and grime that can damage your unit.
2. Keep it cool – The cooler the environment, the longer your unit will last.
3. Keep it covered – If you can, cover your unit when it’s not in use.
Use dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers are a great way to prolong the life of your commercial refrigeration unit. Removing excess moisture from the air, prevent rust and corrosion that can damage your unit. Plus, they can help improve air quality and prevent mold and mildew growth. To reduce energy costs and make sure you’re dehumidifying correctly, it’s important to measure humidity levels in the room where your equipment is located. If it’s above 50%, you need a dehumidifier!
Switch off when not in use
Though it may seem like a no-brainer, one of the best ways to prolong the life of your commercial refrigeration unit is to switch it off when you’re not using it. This simple act can save you money on your energy bill and extend the life of your unit by preventing unnecessary wear and tear. In addition, it’s important to keep your unit clean and free of debris. A buildup of dirt and grime can cause your unit to work harder than necessary, which can lead to premature breakdowns.
Prevent temperature fluctuations
The number one cause of commercial refrigeration unit failure is temperature fluctuations. When the temperature inside your unit fluctuates, it puts stress on the components and can cause them to break down. By keeping the temperature stable, you can prolong the life of your unit and avoid costly repairs.
Beware of extreme temperatures
Commercial refrigeration units are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be damaged by them. Exposure to too much heat can cause the compressor to overheat and shut down, while exposure to too cold of temperatures can cause the unit to ice up and stop working altogether. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on the temperature inside your unit and make sure it stays within the ideal range.
Clean filters regularly
Regularly cleaning or replacing your commercial refrigeration unit’s filters can significantly prolong its lifespan. This is because clean filters allow air to flow more freely, which helps keep the coils and other components clean and free of debris. Additionally, it helps prevent the build-up of ice, which can lead to expensive repairs.
