Is your refrigerator running?
Faulty refrigeration can lead to inventory loss, injury, property damage and increased utility expenses. Use the checklist below to perform regular preventive maintenance on your refrigeration unit and keep it in tip-top shape.
Preventive Maintenance Steps
Not only is it important to perform preventive maintenance steps, but it’s also critical to understand the reasons behind each action. This will better your overall knowledge of your system. Always keep to a regular preventive maintenance schedule.
Action: Check the temperature settings.
Reason: A temperature that is too high can cause food to spoil. Temperatures that are too low can cause the refrigeration system to overwork itself.
Action: Make sure the area around the refrigerator is free of clutter and debris.
Reason: Objects close to the unit can restrict airflow and cause the refrigerator to run inefficiently.
Action: Ensure that lights inside the unit are kept off when the door is closed.
Reason: Lights give off heat, which can cause the unit to work harder to maintain a proper temperature.
Action: Check hinges and latches for tightness.
Reason: Loose or faulty hinges and latches are often the sources of cold air leaking outside the unit.
Action: Clean the condensing and evaporator coils.
Reason: A buildup of dirt can obstruct the flow of air through the coils and lead to a reduction in efficiency.
Action: Clean fan blades.
Reason: A buildup of dirt can slow the movement of fans and affect the efficiency of the motor.
Action: Calibrate thermometers.
Reason: A faulty thermometer will give inaccurate temperature readings.
Action: Inspect electrical connections.
Reason: Many equipment failures are the result of a loose electrical connection.
Action: Measure refrigerant levels.
Reason: Low refrigerant levels reduce efficiency. Leaking coolant is also an EPA violation.
Action: Check the operation of the compressor.
Reason: If the compressor fails, you may need to replace the entire unit.
Preventing Damage To Refrigeration
One aspect of refrigeration care that is often overlooked is the risk of collision from forklifts, pallet jacks, trucks and other machinery. All it takes is one driver accidentally backing into a refrigerator to cause serious and expensive damage to your system.
At McCue, we provide bollards, barriers and other protective equipment to keep your refrigeration unit safe from harm.
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Sources:
Arista: http://aristair.com/blog/your-ice-machine-the-most-dangerous-item-in-your-restaurant/
Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/ozone-protection-under-title-vi-clean-air-act
