Commercial Refrigerator Maintenance Tips for First-Time Restaurant Operators
A commercial refrigerator is a must-have appliance for hotel operators because of the convenience it provides when storing beverages, food, and vegetables. Most perishable foodstuffs, when stored in the fridge, last longer compared to keeping them at room temperature. Therefore, commercial refrigerators prevent food contamination by maintaining a steady temperature thereby helping you to keep your consumers happy and satisfied. However, some components of the fridge might break down at one point, causing the entire system to shut down. As a shrewd owner of a commercial fridge, you should anticipate such an eventuality through regular maintenance. Here are some top tips to maintaining and identifying faulty refrigerator components.
Compressor -- When you want to fix your commercial refrigerator, you have to repair or replace the problematic components. The causes of compressor failure are a leaky refrigerant or compressor oil and failure of the motor that drives the unit. You have the choice to acquire a reconditioned or new compressor unit based on your budget. However, the latter option might be the better choice in the end because it will extend the life of your commercial refrigerator despite the high initial costs. Notably, coupled with labor costs, fixing the unit might set you back a couple of hundreds of dollars.
Thermostat -- A thermostat's sensor is connected to an evaporator to regulate energy usage of the refrigerator. By controlling the setting of the thermostat, users allow the compressor to run until a given temperature is achieved. When the unit reaches the set temperature, the thermostat shuts off energy supply to the refrigerator, albeit temporarily. The compressor is restarted when the temperature declines to a set limit. However, a faulty thermostat will cause the commercial unit to run continuously, and thus, freeze all the foodstuffs. Checking and replacing a thermostat is not usually a DIY-project due to the complex components and the safety aspects of such a project. A specialist will isolate the defective parts and replace them with original components from the manufacturer, giving your fridge a long lifespan.
Insulation -- Insulation is vital in a commercial fridge because it forms an air and thermal barrier, which holds cold temperature and prevents the flow of heat. Nowadays, modern walk-in commercial coolers use insulation panels reinforced with polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam enhances insulation due to the extra thickness. Furthermore, this material is resistant to moisture present in the fridge, and thus, ensures optimal insulation of the panels. A refrigerator expert can install polyurethane foam for you by injecting it in the insulation panels.