It is no secret that planned preventative maintenance (PPM) helps to keep your heating and cooling air conditioning systems up and running efficiently resulting in fewer breakdowns and repair bills.
However, from our experience in the HVAC industry over the years, we have noticed that many people do not realise that PPM is just as important for commercial refrigeration systems and units, especially for businesses in the F&B industry whereby service success heavily relies on refrigerated goods.
For any restaurant or kitchen, commercial refrigerators and freezers are important assets that can quickly impact business operations when they go down, not to mention cost a fortune. At times it can appear that everything is working fine on the outside however your refrigeration units may be consuming too much energy, affecting both your wallet and the environment.
Preventative measures and regular inspections can help save you money in the long-term and we have put together this useful guide on key steps you can take to maintain your commercial refrigeration systems.
Have a Maintenance Contract in Place
A maintenance contract not only helps protect your beloved refrigeration equipment from emergency breakdowns but also allows for your systems to be optimised in terms of efficiency. A refrigeration expert will be able to detect issues and fix them before the unit breaks beyond repair.
During the PPM visit, you can expect for worn parts and seals to be replaced ensuring your system continues to run at maximum efficiency. Checking electrical connections can help prevent power loss and overconsumption on energy. Regular cleaning of the commercial refrigeration units also helps reduce wear and tear preventing critical parks from breaking down and being clogged up with dirt. For example, by cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils helps to reduce the load on the compressor thus minimising the risk of breakdowns.
By investing in a relatively small cost of regular inspections you can ensure your systems are always health and safety compliant providing peace of mind that you won’t face a large repair or replacement bill later on.
Prevent the spread of Mould and contaminated ice
Mould is a critical health concern not only to your staff but also your customers. Dirty or smelly ice can impact your customer’s health and business reputation and is a quick way to lose customers.
Neglected ice machines have been known for making people sick as they carry bacteria and viruses from Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. In some cases, your business can even be hit with a health code violation/lawsuit. Therefore we stress the importance of regularly cleaning commercial refrigeration units to avoid a build-up of contaminants.
Some ice makers have an automatic cleaning cycle however the level of cleaning is not to the same level compared to having a refrigeration maintenance expert disassemble the unit and thoroughly clean all components with cleaning solutions specifically designed for ice machines/refrigeration systems. We recommend having inspections at least twice a year and for those with regular usage, once a month.
By regularly cleaning your refrigeration systems you not only keep health concerns at bay but also have the added benefit of increasing the units life cycle and efficiency.
Check your energy bills
Noticed an increase in your energy bills recently? Lack of maintaining your commercial refrigeration systems and lead to higher energy usage and costs. Regular inspections can help save between 5-10% on energy costs whilst keeping your units running at optimal performance.
For example, when condenser coils are dirty your commercial refrigerators and freezers have to work harder than usual to maintain temperature. Cold air leaks from the units can also lead to higher usage of electricity. For the maximum efficiency and minimum power consumption ensure your systems are routinely inspected and serviced.
Educate Yourself on Preventative Measures
Be sure to look for an experienced company when arranging a planned preventative maintenance inspection. Commercial refrigeration maintenance experts, depending on the system size and usage, should thoroughly inspect the following key areas:
✔️ Check temperature and defrost settings and calibrate thermometers
✔️ Check filters on ice makers
✔️ Thoroughly clean all ice maker components
✔️ Clean evaporator and condenser coils
✔️ Check lines for condensation
✔️ Clean fan blades and inspect the fan motor
✔️ Check integrity of the insulation
✔️ Check for air leaks through cracks, holes, and worn parts like gaskets and seals
✔️ Lubricate door hinges and handles
✔️ Check for loose electrical connections
✔️ Clear drain lines of debris
Poorly maintained refrigeration equipment causes a great deal of waste. When units run inefficiently, they waste energy, food and also your money. This is why it is important to look after and care for your commercial refrigeration systems by taking preventative measures.
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM), is the best way to keep your commercial refrigerator units working effectively. It is advised not to wait until the last moment to get your commercial fridge repaired and fixed. This will save you money in the long-term, along with the stress and hassle to your business.
At ADK Kooling, we understand the importance of early detection and repair of your commercial refrigeration equipment. Our PPM programmes ensure that your equipment is always working efficiently, reducing the likelihood of a costly failure. Should a problem develop and a reactive service is required, our expert team is on hand to help. Contact us now to speak to our PPM experts.
The benefits of PPM:
- Reduction in Breakdowns
- Saves Costs for Reactive Callouts
- Improved Asset Life Cycle
- Remaining Legal & F-GAS Compliant
- Lower Energy Consumption
- Reduces Environmental Impact
- Less Customer / Employee Complaints
By undertaking some basic housekeeping tasks and signing up for a PPM contract you can protect your investment and ensure that you are always getting the best performance out of your commercial refrigeration units.
At ADK, planned preventative maintenance visits can be arranged with clients tailored to their personal requirements within a timescale to suit their business needs and budgets. Tailoring our works for minimal disruption to your schedule, we’ll ensure that your refrigeration unit is maintained and that your cooling system is always working to the best of its capabilities, as efficiently as possible.
For more information about our refrigeration services, please get in touch with us today or call 0208 831 8900 and we’ll be more than happy to help you with anything you need. Alternatively, you can contact us to request an engineer and site survey.