Top 6 Tips To Increase The Efficiency Of Your Commercial Refrigerator
Keeping your commercial refrigerator healthy and running at its best is vital. The amount of work your refrigeration system has probably handled so far will likely continue going into the future. Over time, it’s important to consider and revise particular processes to optimise efficiency and take stock with your commercial refrigeration systems.
These are 6 top tips to increase the efficiency of your commercial refrigerator.
Clean Your Systems Regularly
Cleaning your commercial refrigeration is more critical than most people realise. Putting in place a regular cleaning program, while keeping up to date with all servicing and maintenance schedules is essential.
Regular cleaning should always be central in your daily, weekly and monthly chores and a comprehensive, deep clean is a great place to start. Deep cleaning your refrigerator can be done with just a few easy steps. Be sure to take everything out of the cabinet and keep it in an inventory. Leaving your refrigerator free of anything is important for easier cleaning. Maintaining an inventory will help you date order your food items and refill your refrigerator once the cleaning is done.
Be sure to also organise stock rotation to reduce potential food waste and scrub every inch of your refrigerator, while cleaning removable parts and the remaining unit thoroughly with soap and water. Vents and accessible components should also be cleaned to remove any dust or debris which may have accumulated. This can be done with a vacuum or by wiping with a cloth.
Allow Space For Airflow
Airflow is one of the most important determinants of a commercial refrigerator’s efficiency. Be sure to place the back of your refrigerator at least two inches from the wall to allow heat to move away from the condenser coils.
Proper airflow helps reduce the amount of energy used by helping you save costs on energy bills. Your refrigerator needs space to breathe so it’s important not to stack other appliances close to the unit. It’s also important to allow room for air to circulate cold temperature within your cabinets. This can be done by properly organising your stock on the shelves to allow effective chilling.
Use Appliances Responsibly
Not using a high performing commercial refrigerator responsibly can cause irreversible damage. It’s key to check temperature settings on your unit regularly to ensure it’s at the optimum temperature. Keeping your doors closed as much as possible can make a difference to the efficiency in your commercial kitchen, while reducing energy wastage.
Putting in place simple actions such as these and reminding staff of them can greatly reduce the strain on refrigeration components as they continuously work to bring temperatures back down. Be sure to reinforce these basics in your commercial refrigeration environment to make sure your appliances continue to work well.
Check For Faults And Performance Issues
Regularly checking equipment for any faults or performance issues is imperative in preventing breakdown. In a busy commercial kitchen where refrigeration is in constant use, there is a high risk of experiencing performance issues, which can then become a bigger problem in the future. A breakdown has the potential to cause a loss of stock, if it were to occur. If your unit isn’t performing as expected, be sure to replace any worn out parts. Door gaskets or shelves are usually easy to replace and can be purchased by your equipment supplier.
It’s also important to check the condenser coils and ensure that they’re clean and functioning properly. These coils are important as they draw heat away from the system to allow the unit to regulate itself and perform at its best.
Alternatively, getting a technician to check refrigerant levels should also be done. The refrigerant is one of the most important components that could signal how the unit is performing, allowing the technician to advise accordingly.
Find The Right Location
Placing your refrigerator in the right place in your commercial environment allows for optimal performance. Determining your unit’s climate class can assist you in this.
Climate classes vary depending on what atmosphere the unit is specially designed for. Some commercial refrigerators with a lower climate class are manufactured to be located in separate storage areas with lower ambient temperatures. Higher climate class equipment however, also referred to as catering fridges, are specifically designed for use in the heart of a kitchen where cooking appliances will raise the ambient temperature.
Ensuring that your unit is placed where it’s been designed to, will increase its efficiency and lifespan, as well as reduce the risk of a breakdown.
Keep Your Refrigerator Organised
Keeping your commercial refrigerator organised is a simple and cost effective way of boosting efficiency. If you’re able to find things quickly, it will be unnecessary to keep your door open for long. Be sure to organise your refrigerator well by designating spots for food items. Keeping an updated inventory list will also prevent people from having to dig around in the freezer and leave your door open.
If you’re looking for a commercial fridge on sale, maintaining a fully functioning and efficiently used refrigeration system is crucial to saving time and money. Employing efficient procedures will ensure that your commercial refrigerator is up to the required standards of operation, while avoiding the potential of any costly breakdowns.
