Can you repair commercial refrigeration on your own?
March 9, 2019
Owning a commercial refrigeration unit is not as simple as plugging it in and leaving it alone. It requires routine maintenance and weekly attention for optimal performance. Without maintenance, it is more likely to break down and need repairs.
You should probably leave the repairs to the professionals, but there are some steps you can take to help take care of your refrigeration unit and minimize the need for repairs:
- Check the temperature every day — The temperature of your refrigerator should remain within a consistent range. Any deviation from this range, especially if the temperature is too high, means there is an issue for which you need a refrigeration professional.
- Turn off the lights in walk-in units — Lights can run up your electric bills, and they can generate heat that makes it harder for your refrigerator to maintain temperature. Many units feature lights that automatically turn on and off when you enter and exit the refrigerator. If your walk-in unit doesn’t do this, you and your team must remember to turn off the lights when not in use.
- Clean your refrigerator — At least once a week, you should clean the inside of your refrigerator. Do not use chemicals or bleach that can contaminate any of the perishable goods in your refrigerator.
You can also clean the condensing coils, evaporator coils and fan blades once every month. These components can become covered in dirt or grime that inhibits their ability to perform correctly. When these components cannot perform correctly, they overheat and break down more easily. - Inspect for issues — Look for signs of issues like puddles, leaks and the buildup of frost, ice and rust. Also, listen for any strange noises like grinding or rattling sounds. All of these may be a sign that your refrigeration unit needs repairs.
Contact a refrigeration professional for repairs
It’s not recommended that you make any repairs to your commercial refrigeration system on your own. Doing so can void any warranty you may have and may not correctly solve your refrigeration problems.
A refrigeration professional can examine your refrigeration system and determine the root cause of specific issues. For example, the buildup of frost in your freezer can have multiple causes, such as a clogged drain or a broken gasket. In either of these scenarios, you’ll need a professional to handle the repairs.
At CoolSys, our team members are trained and experienced in working with commercial refrigeration in a variety of industries. If you’ve inspected your refrigerator and discovered signs of an issue, contact us today for help. Our team can visit your facilities and inspect your refrigeration unit to develop a solution that works best for you.