If you’re in part of the US that has daylight savings time, you are getting ready to spring forward. For everyone out there who doesn’t observe daylight savings, this means that we move our clocks forward an hour this coming Saturday night, or Sunday morning for some. The logic is that we are moving the clock so that we have more daylight in the evening rather than the morning. It signals that we are getting closer to summer time, longer days and higher temperatures. Warmer weather is nice for baseball, swimming and long walks but it can cause issues for foodservice equipment in commercial kitchens.
When the temperature goes up outside, it can also go up inside making refrigeration equipment, including refrigerators, freezers and walk in refrigerators, work harder and less efficiently. When the heat goes up, your refrigerated equipment has a more difficult time maintaining a consistent temperature which can increase the risk of a breakdown and product loss. Fortunately, there are actions you can take before the temperatures rise keep equipment running smoothly.
Clean and Inspect
One of the most important steps is to clean and inspect your refrigeration system. Heat is the enemy of commercial refrigeration systems no matter the season, but the added heat in summer can cause additional wear and tear. There is no part of your coolers or freezers that will suffer more from overheating than the refrigeration system including the condensing unit with a condenser coil. The coil needs to be free from dirt and debris because this is where heat is removed from the refrigerant during the cooling cycle. If the coil is blocked in any way, heat does not get released into the outside air causing the system to work that much harder potentially reducing the lifespan of your equipment. It’s a good practice to clean the coil as part of a monthly maintenance routine to maintain your refrigerator and freezer performance. You can use a coil brush and/or vacuum for cleaning. It is also a good practice to blow out any hard to remove embedded dust with a shop vac or other blower tool.
Along with cleaning the condenser coil regularly, it is important to clean the evaporator coils, particularly with walk-in refrigerators and freezers. The evaporator fans and coils should be cleaned every six months, or more frequently in a dusty, dirty environment. This practice will help maintain proper air flow. First, inspect all fans to ensure they are working correctly and remove any debris that is obstructing their movement. Clean fan blades and motors by wiping them off with warm soapy water. To clean the coil, use a shop vac and a soft wireless brush to remove debris.
Equipment Placement
When it comes to placement of commercial kitchen equipment, it’s particularly important to pay attention where your refrigeration equipment will go. Bright sun makes it harder for refrigeration equipment to stay cool, so you want to be sure to locate reach-ins away from direct sunlight. Clearance is another important factor when placing refrigeration equipment. Allow enough space around coolers or freezers for the warm air that is released from the condensing unit to disperse. Refer to your equipment manual for the recommended clearance for your specific equipment. Allowing this extra room also makes it easier to get to your equipment for routine cleaning.
Check Doors and Gaskets
Even a minimal air leak in your refrigeration and freezers will cause your unit to work harder to maintain proper temperature. Generally, air leaks are due to a damaged gasket or doors that are out of alignment and don’t close properly. During routine cleaning and maintenance, check your cooler or freezer door to be sure that it closes completely. When inspecting walk-in refrigerated units, the door closers or hinges may require adjustment to tighten up the fit. At the same time, you can inspect the gaskets that line the door edges. Replace any cracked or broken gaskets for a close seal.
Warmer weather in spring and summer can be a challenge for refrigeration equipment. Preventative maintenance and regular inspections and cleanings can keep your equipment running properly and efficiently, even during the hottest months. Keeping on top of refrigeration maintenance and addressing any issues as they come up is the best way to avoid a breakdown and a costly loss of inventory and to ensure you have what you need for your customers.
