DIY Maintenance Tips for Commercial Refrigeration Units

Refrigerator repair can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the type of service and number of units. Unfortunately, most of the issues found in commercial refrigeration equipment were preventable, but neglect lets minor problems grow into critical issues.

To avoid spending thousands of dollars on preventable issues, you should conduct routine commercial refrigeration maintenance.

Here is a list of four things to look for and do when maintaining your commercial refrigerator. You’ll avoid problems and see future issues before they worsen with these tips.

Tip #1: Clean Exterior and Interior

The first tip to maintaining your refrigeration unit is to clean the exterior and interior with proper cleaning solutions, like mild soapy water..

How does cleaning prevent issues?

You prevent gunk, grease, and food particles from collecting in hard-to-reach places, which can cause odorous problems later on. Additionally, cleaning around the condenser and evaporator coils helps prevent ice buildup.

Tip #2: Inspect Gaskets

While cleaning the unit’s exterior, it helps to check the gaskets while you work. Gaskets are only helpful if they keep the door closed and retain a strong seal.

However, if gaskets have holes, tears, or all falling out of place, they can’t do their job–seal the door closed.

Additionally, check each gasket’s magnetic pull. Are there points where the magnets no longer work? If so, the gasket needs replacing.

Tip #3: Check and Clean Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are essential for cooling your unit and releasing the heat the refrigerator creates during the day. If the coils are dusty or have a thick layer of food debris on them, the unit can overheat, which causes a slew of other problems.

To clean the condenser coils, take a thick bristle brush and scrub them down to detach any dirt or grime.

Tip #4: Inspect the Evaporator Coil

Similarly, the evaporator coil is crucial for maintaining a safe working temperature within the unit.

The refrigerator will overheat and leak water if the evaporator coil cannot extract warm air from the unit. You can avoid unnecessary damage by keeping your fridge clean, orderly, and lightly packed.

Conclusion

The best way to avoid costly repairs and replacements is to conduct basic maintenance tasks. When you regularly check your units, you avoid catastrophic surprises down the road.

If you want help maintaining your units, use PGS’s Preventative Maintenance Program. Our technicians can handle the routine maintenance for you and keep your commercial refrigerators running in tip-top shape