Extending the Life of Your Commercial Refrigeration Units

Commercial refrigeration units are key components of any restaurant business. From walk-ins to freezers to ice machines, proper working refrigeration units are necessary to keep a restaurant up and running. Today's blog from Fast Fix LLC discusses a few things you can do to extend the life of your commercial refrigeration equipment.

1. Maintain Proper Airflow. 


With the hustle and bustle that goes along with a restaurant kitchen, it's easy to let boxes and items pile up in places they don't belong, say next to refrigeration units. It's important that you keep these areas clear though to maintain proper airflow around the condenser coil. Most manufacturers recommend at least 2-4 inches of clearance. The more air that can freely move around, the less power will be consumed by the unit. Keeping the refrigeration units from working too hard will help the vital components last longer, extending the life of your equipment.

2. Keep the Condenser Coils Clean. 


The condenser coil is the part of the refrigeration unit that exchanges the heat. It is located on the outside of the unit, and it expels the heat from the refrigerant by passing it through a coil with the aid of a fan. In order for the condenser coil to operate properly, it must stay clean. Failure to keep it clean can result in expensive repairs, including premature replacement of the equipment. Professional commercial refrigeration maintenance in Missouri is recommended every six months. Pressure cleaning by a professional will get the inside of the condenser coils clean. In between these maintenance visits, you can use a brush to keep the exterior of the coils clean.

3. Regularly Inspect Door Gaskets. 


Ensure that the cold air inside your refrigeration unit isn't seeping out causing the equipment to work harder to maintain proper temperature. Routinely inspect the door gaskets, or seals, on all refrigeration units. Make sure that all four sides of the gasket are making contact with the door frame. In addition, check for any tears, rips or missing magnetic strips. If you find that the gaskets are worn out or not sealing properly, it's time to get them replaced. The key to maintaining temperature and reducing power consumption is good door seals. This is particularly important in hot restaurant kitchens.

4. Check the Door Hinges and Closers. 


In addition to the door gaskets, you also want to take a close look at the door hinges and closers. Most refrigeration units have hinges with spring cartridges to ensure the doors close properly. Larger units, such as walk-ins, often have a hydraulic door closer. In a busy kitchen, it's easy to leave a door open and these hinges and closers are vital. If they are not working properly, doors can easily become ajar, which leads to a variety of issues including excessive run time, inefficient power usage and shortened equipment life. Check your door closing operations regularly and make any necessary repairs promptly.

Fast Fix LLC is here to help you ensure a long life for your commercial kitchen equipment. Talk to us about our individualized maintenance plans. We are here for all your Missouri restaurant equipment maintenance and repair needs. One call to 573-544-0456 does it all. From emergency repairs to warranty work, we've got you covered!

Fast Fix LLC. Restaurant Equipment Service & Repair - 

One Call Does It All! 


Fast Fix LLC. Restaurant Services
9403 County Road 154
Auxvasse, MO 65231

Phone: 573-544-0456
St. Louis Customers: 636-FASTFIX
Website: www.FastFixLLC.com

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Location: Auxvasse, MO 65231, USA

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