Avoid the 5 Habits That Damage Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

Commercial refrigeration equipment is expensive, and everyone in the business knows how costly it can be to replace and repair it. 

While they might seem sturdy and be built to last, bad habits can make them break down that much faster. 

The Solid Refrigeration team has a list of common behaviors you can avoid to extend your unit's longevity, and we have a breakdown of them in the article below!

Not Doing Regular Maintenance

First things first, let's talk maintenance! Every system is different and will need care at various times. 

Walk-in coolers might only need monthly updates, whereas display cases require more frequent ones. 

Always follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance to keep the unit running more efficiently and reduce the risk of the unit breaking down.

Overloading the Unit

Sometimes, you get more product than you need, and unfortunately, trying to store excess in an already full unit can make the situation that much worse. 

Overloading a commercial refrigerator can affect the airflow into the unit and cause it to overheat as it tries to compensate for the blockage. 

So always make sure you have adequate room for your deliveries, and if the worst-case scenario happens and you have too many products, try to find other places to store the excess temporarily.

Not Staying on Top of Cleanings

On average, most commercial refrigerator units need to be cleaned by a professional at least twice a year and done on your time every one to three months or as needed. 

Start by emptying out the shelves so you have full access to all the cracks and crevices. 

Follow this up by vacuuming out the condenser and coils, and make sure that you don't miss the underside and top of the unit for a thorough job.

Ignoring Needed Repairs

While it might not always be obvious that the unit has a problem, there are six key indicators that you need to call for repair.

• Ice building up on the exterior is a normal event

• The unit is not maintaining proper temperature

• The door isn't ceiling or closing properly

• The unit is between 10 and 15 years old

• Leaks around the outside of the unit are a common problem

• There are strange or unusual noises occurring

Each of these is a key indicator that a potential problem is brewing, so don’t ignore the issue, as it will affect the entire system and cost you in time and unit performance. 

Avoiding Getting Annual Inspections

An expert will know what to look for and get into the smallest space to spot wear and tear that you might not catch otherwise. This will save you money in energy costs and prevent product waste from an inadequate running system. 

So, if you're not a professional with training in commercial equipment, don't risk it by putting off annual inspections. 

Need Commercial Refrigeration Support? Solid Refrigeration has You Covered

These are just a few of the worst habits that will degrade your system down much faster, and a few small changes can help prevent full replacement and breakdowns. Whether it's time for an annual checkup or you need refrigeration repair, Solid Refrigeration has been serving the Twin Cities since 2005.

Our technicians are also trained in commercial HVAC, and we specialize in refrigeration energy audits to give you a better idea of your usage and find ways to build money-saving efficiency practices. 

Your free estimate is just one click away, or give our Bloomington office a call at 952-854-2850 to get started.