When a refrigerator or freezer stops working, it can bring everything in a commercial kitchen to a screeching halt. Inventory must be transferred, meal prep has to come to a stop, and everyone has to scramble to handle the wrench thrown into their plans. However, not all commercial refrigerator malfunctions are this serious. In fact, by having a few key OEM parts on hand, you can prevent catastrophic failures from occurring right in the middle of a busy meal service or a Health Inspection Write-up. Here are the top four commercial refrigeration parts you should keep when any problems arise.
1. Door Gaskets
2. Commercial Refrigeration Shelves
Although commercial shelves are built to last, a commercial kitchen can rack up quite a bit of inventory, especially during a busy month or season. If you typically stock a lot of extra goods, you may want to invest in a few extra wire shelves. By having these on hand, you can quickly replace a shelf if it bends or buckles under excess weight. Most shelves will easily slide into place, making them easy to switch out if needed. At a minimum, remember not to block fans when stocking units, as this will lead to poor air flow, resulting in temperature variations in the box and possible freezing up of the unit.
3. Commercial Refrigerator Drain Lines and Heaters
Drain lines may need to be replaced if they start to overfill, back up, or crack. To keep from needing to replace them, it’s a good idea to clean your drain at least once a month with soap and water or a mild vinegar solution. When cleaning, check it regularly for cracks and replace it if you notice any. Blockages in the drain tube could cause leaking from a commercial refrigerator, so these components should be replaced regularly as well.
Drain and door heaters (heat tape) keep water from freezing and, in the case of freezer doors, keeps the door from freezing shut. Having the tape available and in working order will keep your boxes in good working order and minimize additional repairs for ice build-up.
4. Condenser Fan
Having an extra condenser fan or a condenser fan motor on hand can save you if the fan slows or fails. It is possible for you to do this type of repair, but it’s important to do so carefully and safely. The commercial refrigerator MUST be DISCONNECTED from a power source before the condenser fan is replaced. We recommend calling a trained Authorized Service Agent to handle the repair.
An ASA can finish the job quickly
and prevent any damage to your equipment or the new replacement fan. Having the part on-hand can also minimize down time.
If you don’t normally keep commercial parts on hand, it may be worth considering, especially for components that need regular maintenance or replacement. Purchasing spare parts for your commercial refrigerator is
a proactive exercise in preparation for a worst-case scenario. It can also save you time and frustration if a part needs to be replaced in the middle of service.
Your Ally for Commercial Refrigeration Repair
For more advice on what parts to order in advance, call ATECH today at 615-255-2002 to speak to our parts specialist. As an authorized OEM parts supplier for many commercial kitchen equipment brands, we can provide you with the right part for the right price. ATECH is committed to repairing and maintaining your commercial equipment quickly, efficiently, and effectively. To help you keep a regular schedule for servicing your commercial kitchen equipment,
reach out to us for a planned maintenance visit today.
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