Neglecting your commercial refrigeration equipment is likely to leave you facing increasing energy bills. The refrigeration system can account for as much as half of your restaurant's energy costs. The right care and maintenance can save you as much as a tenth of the overall refrigeration costs for the facility. Here's a look at some of the things that you can have your staff do to help you control your energy costs for the restaurant's refrigeration system.
Monthly Preventative Maintenance
Once a month, your staff should clean the condensing coils and the evaporator. Make sure that you avoid any of the chemical cleaners, though, because they can be corrosive. Instead, create a three-to-one mixture of water and degreaser.
Clean the area with a soft brush so that you don't damage the coil. Then, a spray bottle with clean water will flush away any residual degreaser. Always scrub in the direction of the coils, not side to side. At the same time as the coil and evaporator cleaning, clean the fan blades. Remove the fan cover so that you can clean that, too. Use the degreaser mixture for this, and then rinse it clean.
Take a walk around the outside condensing units and clear out any weed growth, tall grass and trash. This is vital because this type of debris can block air flow. Commercial refrigeration units depend on consistent airflow for cooling, so don't overlook this step.
Semi-Annual Preventative Maintenance
Twice a year, your service technician should evaluate the fan motor to be sure that it's clean. Use those appointments as a reminder to lubricate the hinges of your cooler doors. This ensures proper travel on the hinges so that the doors close properly. Air loss from improper closure can be costly, so make sure that the hinges are working and the doors close completely.
During these semi-annual appointments, you can also check the suction lines between the condenser and the coils. The insulation on those lines should be intact and free of any damage. Damaged or cracked insulation can lead to water damage and condensation in the lines.
With the right instructions, your staff can help you maintain your commercial refrigeration unit and keep your energy costs under control. The tips presented here can help you save significantly on your energy costs and keep your system running at its best for a long time. For more information, contact a business such as Sparks Refrigeration.
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