Although walk-in freezers and coolers are crucial components of many businesses, they are commonly mistreated. Unfortunately, most business owners just don’t realize the importance of these hard-working appliances until they break. Business can be demanding and demands are constantly evolving these days, resulting in cooler and freezer maintenance going to the bottom of your to-do list. However, a neatly organized and well-maintained cooler or freezer can be a huge asset to your business in many ways. A1 Houston Commercial Refrigeration Repair
Clean coolers and freezers not only create safer and more enjoyable working environments, but they make business more efficient, reduce the stresses of operation, and could potentially save you a bundle of cash. The real trick is learning to keep these appliances in top working condition.
Tackling The Floors
The floors are just one component of a cooler or freezer. They could, however, be one of the most potentially dangerous when not properly cared for. Unorganized and misplaced inventory creates trip hazards, and stressful working conditions, and increases the change of damaged inventory. Throw in dirty, debris, ice, or frost, and it only doubles the likelihood of the above potential scenarios.
The floors of your cooler or freezer are something that should be tackled regularly. Sweeping, spot mopping, picking up inventory, and removing ice and frost will only make your life and working conditions so much easier. At the very same time, you’ll greatly lower the odds of growth and bacteria build-up. Just remember spot mopping is essential to safety. Tackle one area, let it dry, and then move on to another and repeat.
Closed Doors
Coolers and freezers are frequently accessed throughout the working day. This is something that simply can’t be avoided. However, you can avoid propping the door open while inside or for extended periods. Some employees might want to keep the door propped open to create a more desirable working environment. Unfortunately, that’s only going to create problems.
Doing such will rapidly introduce ambient temperatures. These temperatures will mix with your arctic environment and create condensation. It’ll also raise the inside temperature and can cause the appliance to work harder and longer to bring the inside temperature back to desirable levels. Even more so, the humidity creates a perfect thriving environment for mold and bacterial growth. Stress this to your employees!
Lighting
Lighting is oftentimes one of the most overlooked components within a freezer or cooler. Depending on where your appliance is located and the model you have, you might not even be able to navigate the appliance without the assistance of lighting. Although it probably seems like a minor concern, you’d be surprised at the temporal effect lights can have on the inside environment of appliances like these.
Lights create heat and when they are left only for extended periods they’ll make it harder for your appliance to maintain desired set temperatures.
In addition to the increased energy consumption, this is a process that’ll cause a hike in your energy bills. Make it a point to always turn out lights when exiting the appliance. Spending a little extra money and installing motion-activated lighting might even be a viable option for some.
Clean Seals And Gaskets
You can keep your cooler and freezer doors shut all day and night but if you have leaky or corroded seals and gaskets, you aren’t doing yourself any favors. Taking the time to regularly inspect and wipe down your door gaskets can make a world of operational difference. Soap and warm are the best products to use, as harsher cleaners can potentially hasten the wear of such components.
Tackling The Coils
Your evaporator and condenser coils will be a bit more of an arduous task, but maintaining them will only prove fruitful. It’ll keep your appliance running as smoothly as ever while reducing the costs and likelihood of future mechanical failures. These are components you’ll want to try to tackle at least twice a year and might even involve temporary shutting down power to the unit. If this is the case, you’ll want to work efficiently.
These are also maintenance tasks that any local refrigeration company will take on for you if you prefer to go that route. In fact, getting signed up on a maintenance plan is never a bad idea and an expense you can write off on your taxes.
The Drain Lines And Pan
When cleaning the evaporator coil or the inside coil, you’ll notice that it is attached to a drain pan and plastic PVC drain line. This is where the majority of the condensation takes place and the process in which it is removed. It likely goes without saying that you’ll want to ensure this line stays clog-free.
One great way to accomplish this task is by pouring a specified amount of drain cleaner into the pan when cleaning the coils. Let it work its way through the drainage system and erode any built-up sediment.
While tackling this task take the time to inspect the pan for leaks and sediment growth.
A Clean And Clear Condenser Environment
The condenser is the component of the freezer or cooler that’s located outside. It’ll more than likely be on the roof of the building, but could potentially be on the ground level. Either way, some business owners like to conceal these components with fences, hedges, or shrubs. There is nothing at all wrong with this, but the condenser needs an environment where it can breathe freely. Make sure you maintain a foot of clearance around all sides of your condensing unit