Whether you own a brewery, a supermarket, a cafe, or a restaurant, you depend on commercial refrigerators and don’t want to deal with breakdowns. Commercial refrigeration installation for your business is a major investment, and running it on a daily basis can be costly. We need to make sure to keep it well maintained.Unfortunately, some businesses think they can give maintenance the flick - until something goes wrong. 

If your refrigerators breakdown, you lose food or drinks and then lose business and money. Our top priority is keeping you in business and keeping your business running smoothly, so today we’re sharing tips on what you can do to avoid an unexpected refrigerator breakdown!

If you have a refrigeration system, it’s highly likely that it plays a major role in your business – for example, your business is a restaurant or shop. Consequently, if that system fails, the effect on your business could be catastrophic. At the very least you will experience major inconvenience, and at worst, you could lose expensive stock.

Here are some important tips:

• Maintain Your Commercial Refrigerators

The most important and easiest way to prevent any problems with your commercial refrigerators is to keep them maintained! By keeping an eye on your system, looking for puddles or other signs of damage, you’re catching problems when they begin instead of letting them build up which could lead to the end of your refrigerator.  

The best way to manage and control all these potential issues is by scheduling regular, professional maintenance. Without a doubt, keeping your refrigeration system regularly maintained will prolong its life and enable it to run efficiently, therefore reducing your power bills. The same goes for domestic refrigeration systems, and air-conditioning systems – especially in Perth, where we experience such intense summer heat.

• Consider the Placement of Your Refrigerators

When deciding on the placement of your refrigerators, make sure the fans will be able to run freely and the vents of the refrigerator aren’t against the wall. Where you put your commercial refrigerators can affect the system’s function. For instance, if you put your refrigerator somewhere that obstructs the fans, it won’t be able to cool effectively. Your refrigerator will overwork itself and could cause major problems, like a compressor breakdown. If you don’t have to entirely replace your commercial refrigerator after that, it will cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair.

• Overloaded and Overworked

Be conscious of what you’re keeping in your commercial refrigerators. When overloaded, they won’t work efficiently because it won’t be able to maintain the proper temperature. This also causes it to overwork itself, leading your major components to break down long before their time. When we’re installing your commercial refrigerators, take this time to speak with the technician about the capabilities of the refrigerator and what overloading it can look like.

• Watch for Breakdown Indicators

Because the signs of an imminent breakdown could be attributed to a number of issues, it’s important to have the unit inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. In the same hand, keeping up with regular refrigerator maintenance with experienced commercial refrigeration technicians can help identify problems early before they result in costly repairs or replacements.

When to Repair a Commercial Refrigerator?

You can never be too careful when it comes to keeping up your commercial refrigeration, especially when you’re working with food. So, avoid a potential costly disaster by picking up the signs early that your fridge needs work.

Basic Troubleshooting

Check Outlets, Connections and Switches -  It’s important to first verify all the power outlets and wiring are working and the units are connected correctly.

Check the Temp and Thermostat - If the refrigerator is on, but it does not feel cold inside, check the temperature with a thermometer against the refrigerator’s thermostat.

Worn Gaskets - If the doors of the refrigerator are being constantly opened and closed, it can put pressure on the gaskets. Check the door to ensure it is sealing correctly.

Signs of Commercial Refrigeration Issues

Heat - Heat is an obvious warning sign. All electronics will produce some degree of heat, but if your unit is producing an excessive amount of heat, there could be a big problem. One reason the refrigerator may be overheating is a buildup of dust on the condenser coils, so make sure to clean them at least once a month.

Electricity Bills - When there are issues affecting your refrigeration units, they will start working overtime to compensate – this means bigger electricity bills. If you notice a sudden spike in your energy bill, without an increase in use, it could be a sign of problems with the unit.

Leaks - Another warning sign is a leak. Leaks aren’t just a bad sign for your refrigerator, they’re also a safety hazard and can lead to the growth of mold. If you see puddles around your unit it could be time to give us a call.

Spoiled Merchandise - You will want to catch any issues before one of the biggest warning signs: spoiled food! That’s why regular maintenance is always better than waiting until issues occur.

Maintenance is essential.  The following is a short list of things that can happen when you don't maintain your equipment properly:

1. Failure of fan motors caused by dirty coils restricting air flow.
2. Failure of thermostat caused by high amp draw due to dirty condenser coils.
3. Failure of compressor caused by dirty condenser coil and excessive head pressure.
4. Restriction of capillary tubing caused by refrigerant oil overheating and fouling.
5. Wiring burning and failing due to excessive amp draw caused by high head pressure and dirty condenser coils.
6. Increased electrical consumption and amp draw due to longer run times caused by dirty condenser coils.

Choosing a commercial refrigerator that includes a warranty for parts and services.

All products offered for sale by OzCoolers are supplied with manufacturer’s warranty. However please ensure that you take time to select the right equipment for the right product, location, and process. The warranty period offered will vary by product, manufacturer and the geographical location of the customer. Warranty details and terms and conditions are available for each model supplied. 

Looking for a Commercial Fridge?

T : 1300 885 693
E : info@ozcoolers.com.au
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