Commercial Refrigeration Best Practices: Keeping Businesses Cool & Profitable

Commercial Refrigeration Best Practices:

Keeping Businesses Cool & Profitable

Commercial refrigeration is usually meant for a higher volume of perishables in cooled storages, so they are safe from spoilage. They are especially pivotal to the success of the FMCG industry, grocery store chains, restaurants, and cafes. Those who are at the forefront of these busy commercial ventures understand best how important it is to combat downtime and keep your refrigeration working at its best.

Certain best practices can help you improve the way your commercial refrigerator works: 

Key Best Practices For Commercial Refrigeration

1.   Airflow Optimization

Optimal airflow is crucial if you want your refrigeration system to perform well. Refrigerators with poor airflow will need to work harder to keep temperatures low, consuming more power in the long run. On the other hand, refrigerators with optimized airflow will quickly allow the cooling air to pass through the system, allowing your items to freeze faster and conserving energy costs.

Note that poor airflow is usually due to ice gathering over your freezer walls or evaporator coils. The occasional freezer maintenance by a refrigeration services provider will help you optimize your freezer’s airflow.

2.   Door Opening/Closing

In order to minimize the amount of heat that enters your commercial refrigerator, keep the opening and closing of doors to a minimum. Only open if you know exactly what you need, grab it, and walk out! This will also boost the efficiency of your commercial refrigeration system.

3.   Seals Maintenance

Seals and gaskets perform a very crucial function in the refrigeration system. They keep the dry, cold air from leaking out of your system. Because if the cool air can go out, warm and moist air will find a pathway to come rushing in.

Inspect the seals and door gaskets of your refrigerator from time to time to ensure there is no breakage or wear and tear. If your door seals and gaskets are not working properly, they will begin to reduce the efficiency of your cooling systems. Over time, you may even spot signs of food spoilage and higher utility bills. Your system will naturally need to work even harder to keep up with cooling demands. The harder your systems’ compressors work, the quicker they will wear down and require replacement.

4.   Regular Cleanliness

Regular cleanliness is key, as it will not only make the area more accessible to your technicians but will also make it easier to spot leaks, oil seepages, or other needs that may need to be serviced. Keep in mind that oil seepage means that your cooling refrigerant is leaking and must be fixed before it transforms into more costly concerns. At the same time, you want to prevent the buildup of grime and dirt in your refrigeration units, specifically around the condenser and evaporator coils, which can reduce their efficiency.

5.   Defrosting To Prevent Ice Buildup

Nearly all types of commercial or even residential refrigeration systems need to be defrosted from time to time. The reason is simple. Over time, ice begins to build up in your freezer, occupying the available space and obstructing the cooling process, especially when it starts to coalesce over your evaporating coils. Schedule defrosting sessions to prevent such ice buildups in your units.

6.   Timely Maintenance

A commercial refrigerator system comprises several components that only a well-versed professional can assess. Even a singular component’s failure could put your entire refrigeration unit at risk. The best way to combat this is by scheduling maintenance checkups by a professional at least 2x – 4x per year. A maintenance check will help you flag down cracks in your system that might not be perceptible to the naked eye. You can then sort out these issues proactively before they take a turn for the worse.

7.   Staff Training

Routine checkups by reliable refrigeration services are important, but think of the practitioners you have in-house as well. To keep your refrigeration units working at their best, educate your staff on the property maintenance of these units. Share the key best practices we have enlisted to keep your units working at their best.

 

Final Thoughts

Commercial refrigerators are major investments for any business. In order to make the most of your units, ensure you and your staff follow the necessary maintenance and upkeep guidelines. Regular maintenance by an experienced professional is critical if you want to protect both your business and your customers.

 

Looking for reliable refrigeration services for your commercial refrigeration repair?

For a complete refrigeration services checkup and maintenance, connect with the team at Can-Am Air, the leading HVAC systems installer in Vancouver.