The refrigerator is the most essential appliance in many kitchens. Commercial refrigeration and freezer equipment is a large financial investment required to run many businesses smoothly. Extend the life of your commercial refrigerator or freezer, and it will save you money and prevent losses from spoiled products. Here are some tips to keep your appliance running better for longer.
The Right Temperature
Correctly setting your refrigerator’s temperature can save money and improve product freshness. The ideal temperature for a refrigerator is 34 degrees Fahrenheit and 4 degrees Fahrenheit for a freezer. A refrigerator set to 10 degrees cooler than necessary can use up to 25% more energy. If your refrigerator feels warm inside, here’s what to do.
Organize for Optimum Air Flow
Maintaining an even temperature distribution is crucial, no matter the size of your refrigerator. Air needs space to flow to provide a consistent temperature distribution throughout the unit. Declutter your refrigerator and organize the items to improve airflow. Larger packages should be avoided, especially on the top shelf. Use the built-in bins or drawers to store oversized items. More open space provides more airflow and allows the temperature to remain even.
When organizing your refrigerator, arrange the food so that you can get in and out quickly. Put the more commonly used food items toward the front of the shelves so they can easily be seen. Quick access to frequently used items reduces the time the door is left open.
Position Away from Heat
Most kitchens have limited locations for refrigerators due to the available water and electrical hookups. However, a refrigerator requires airflow, so placement is important. Additional warmth from appliances like an oven, dishwasher or direct sunlight will cause the refrigerator to work harder, leading to a higher energy bill. Place your refrigerator in the coolest area of your kitchen.
Use Power Saving Mode
Some refrigerators have a “Power Saving Mode” or “Energy Saver.” It allows you to adjust or turn off the heating coils that prevent condensation between the cabinet and door seal. The power saving mode will disable the heating coil, which prevents frost from building up on the doors and saves power. It’s a good rule of thumb to use the energy saver in the winter and turn it off in the summer when the humidity increases. Power saving mode is estimated to reduce energy costs by 5-10%.
Reduce Frost Build-up
Frost build-up over time can cause a refrigerator to work harder. Minimizing frost is an important part of preventative fridge and freezer maintenance. It will keep things cooler and give your appliance a break. Here are some tips:
- Keep the doors closed as much as possible.
- Check the refrigerator thermostat temperature.
- Make sure the appliance is level so doors stay closed.
- Be sure the doors shut firmly.
- Let hot food cool before storing it to reduce a build-up of moisture
Keep Coils Dust Free
Cleaning coils should be a part of every commercial refrigerator maintenance checklist. Dusty and dirty coils are among the most common service calls for refrigerators. When the coils in the back or bottom of refrigerators get dusty, they struggle to remove heat from the appliance effectively. Regularly clean off the coils using a coil brush or soft brush and a vacuum to help extend the life of your commercial refrigerator.
Rubber Gasket Replacement
The refrigerator door has a rubber seal around the edge of it that helps keep cold air inside. When an improper seal is made, cold air escapes. Over time, the rubber seal can become weak. Check the strength of your rubber seal by placing a thin piece of paper between the door and the seal. If you feel resistance when removing the paper, it is likely the seal is still in good shape. If the paper slides out easily, it might be time for a replacement. Test the rubber seal once a year as part of appliance maintenance to help extend the life of your refrigerator. Here’s how to replace a refrigerator door gasket.
Equipment You Can Count On
Iron Mountain Refrigeration is an expert in commercial refrigeration and freezers. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, robust warranties and free shipping to nearly every state. We’re 5-star rated for a reason. Explore our range of commercial refrigerators and freezers. If you have questions, we’re here to help you find the best equipment for your business.