In commercial kitchens, there are some instances where inefficient equipment can slow down the steady pace of your workflow. That’s especially true when it comes to refrigerators. To help you prevent slowdowns, we’ve collected five signs that indicate your commercial refrigerator may not be working efficiently or may be in danger of becoming nonfunctional in the near future.
1. Your commercial refrigerator isn’t keeping a consistent temperature.
If your refrigeration equipment is taking an excessive amount of time to cool down after opening, it may have an issue with the compressor, a nonfunctioning fan, or issues with the evaporator coils. Keeping a refrigeration unit at the correct temperature is essential for keeping food safe. If temperatures aren’t staying consistent, it’s a sign that
you need a service technician
to check the equipment for several possible issues.
2. The doors of the refrigerator aren’t staying shut.
Although it may seem more like an annoyance than a danger, door gaskets that no longer seal can force your equipment to work much harder than it needs to. This can lead to increased energy costs or even unsafe food temperatures. Door gaskets should be replaced as soon as you notice any issues with the seal. An ounce of prevention can save you money in the long run.
3. There is excessive frost on the refrigeration components.
A buildup of frost may seem harmless, but it can actually put more stress on your equipment than you might think. If the equipment has an auto-defrost, excessive ice buildup can mean the defrost function is no longer working. Excessive frost can be tough on your product as well, even causing freezer burn in some cases. A service technician can determine if the frost is due to a blocked drain, high humidity, or a broken defrost clock. An
authorized service agent (ASA)
will be able to correctly diagnose and address the problem.
4. Your refrigeration equipment is making a loud, unusual noise.
A low-level hum should be the only sound you should hear from your commercial refrigerator. If you start to notice other noises, that may be a sign that the equipment needs a maintenance checkup. If you hear squeaks or chirps coming from inside the equipment, you may have a malfunctioning evaporator fan that needs repair or replacement. If the new sound is more of a rumble, and it seems to be originating from the back of the fridge, that may indicate an issue with the compressor or a condenser fan.
5. Your refrigerator is leaking water.
Even a small leak can cause big problems in a commercial kitchen. Employees may be at risk for slips and falls, and standing water on the floor could increase the risk of electrical shock from faulty wiring. Luckily, leaking refrigeration equipment
usually has an inexpensive fix. It’s likely due to an obstructed drain line that needs to be cleaned or replaced. Have a service technician address this issue before it leads to huge puddles underneath your equipment.
Does your commercial refrigerator need some attention?
We understand how important your commercial kitchen equipment is to your bottom-line profitability. That’s one of the many reasons we’re trusted by numerous Tennessee business owners to provide quick, expert service. To see how we can help keep your equipment up and running, call us for a service appointment or reach out for a
planned maintenance visit.
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