Preparing Your Commercial Refrigeration For The Summer

When outside temperatures rise in the summer, refrigeration equipment works harder to maintain a steady internal temperature. As a commercial refrigeration service agent, we see an influx of units going down in the summer months. Fortunately, there are several steps an operator can take to better prepare their commercial refrigeration for the summer heat.

Set the unit up for success from installation

One of the best ways to help your commercial refrigeration is by setting it up for success from the beginning. Having an improper install of your equipment can result in many problems such as a voided warranty or future failure. Therefore, it is crucial to have an authorized service agent do the install of your unit, so it is done right.

The location of your refrigeration can also dramatically affect its performance, especially in the summer months. Airflow is very important for refrigeration equipment. So, to minimize the strain, install your unit in a place where it has enough breathing room. Also, keep your refrigeration units and ice machines away from sources of heat such as cooking equipment or windows. Another problematic area to avoid is near workstations that use or create debris such as grease, yeast, or flour. These can coat the unit’s parts and make it work harder to do its job.

Inspect your units regularly

Inspecting your equipment regularly helps catch issues as soon as they arise. You should regularly check to make sure your refrigeration units are maintaining a proper holding temperature. Also, check the hinges and seals on all doors for wear and tear. Cold air leaking out of damaged hinges and seals can make your unit work harder to maintain a proper holding temperature. Not only does this drive-up energy costs, in some cases it can even lead to the piece of equipment failing. If you notice any issues with your refrigeration equipment, get it serviced as soon as possible. Do not wait until the issue becomes worse and results in the unit going down. Due to widespread supply chain delays and the influx of summer service calls for service agents, there may be a delay in getting your unit back up and running if you wait until it is too late.

Regular maintenance and cleaning

To ensure your unit survives the summer, it’s vital to keep up with its maintenance throughout the year. This includes simple in-house cleanings and more in-depth maintenance performed by a service agent. Refrigeration’s coils are prone to being covered in dust and grime. So, it’s crucial to clean them often to keep your unit up and running.

At RSI, we offer customizable performance maintenance plans for commercial refrigeration equipment. We can meet all your schedule, budget, and performance needs.

Other simple tips to help your refrigeration equipment during the summer:

• Keep your refrigeration’s doors shut.
• Keep your refrigeration dry.
• Do not use your refrigeration to cool hot items – storage freezers, coolers and cold pans are designed to keep cold food cold.
• Set all refrigeration units to the correct temperature.
• Keep empty cold pans in cold wells when setting up and allow enough time for it to reach proper temperature before loading food.
• Do not use extension cords on units.