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Extend the lifespan of your refrigerated counters with preventive maintenance: Best practices to keep your equipment in top condition

October 3rd, 2024

Refrigerated counters play a crucial role in many industries, including restaurants, grocery stores, and industrial kitchens. These units keep food at safe temperatures, ensuring product freshness and food safety. To extend the lifespan of your refrigerated counters and avoid costly repairs or premature replacements, it is essential to implement preventive maintenance. Here are some of the best practices from Frigotech in Outaouais to keep your equipment in top condition and ensure optimal long-term performance.

  1. Regular cleaning of condenser coils
    The condenser coils play a key role in cooling your refrigerated counters by dissipating the heat generated by the refrigerant. However, over time, they tend to accumulate dust, grease, and debris, which can lead to compressor overload and decreased efficiency. To prevent this, it’s recommended to clean the coils every three months. Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove accumulated dirt, and ensure that the ventilation around the coils is sufficient.
  2. Check the door seals
    The seals on the doors and drawers of your refrigerated counters are essential for maintaining a stable internal temperature. Damaged or worn seals can allow cold air to escape, forcing the cooling system to work harder to compensate for temperature loss. Regularly check the condition of the seals and replace them if necessary. A simple test to check their effectiveness is to close the door or drawer on a sheet of paper: if the paper can be easily pulled out, the seals likely need replacement.
  3. Regular defrosting
    Frost buildup in refrigerated counters can impede airflow and reduce equipment efficiency. Even though some models are equipped with automatic defrost systems, it’s good to regularly check the interior of your counters to ensure there is no excessive ice buildup. If there is, perform manual defrosting to avoid overloading the cooling system.
  4. Maintain an appropriate ambient temperature
    The environment in which your refrigerated counters are installed directly impacts their performance. Excessive ambient temperatures force the compressor to work harder to keep the unit’s interior cool. Make sure the equipment is placed in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources such as ovens, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding optimal ambient temperature.
  5. Monitor refrigerant levels
    A refrigerant leak can result in decreased performance of your refrigerated counter and potentially damage the compressor. If you notice a drop in temperature in your equipment or hear unusual noises coming from the compressor, there might be a leak. In such cases, contact the professionals at Frigotech in Outaouais and Ottawa to check refrigerant levels and, if necessary, repair the leak.
  6. Train your staff
    Proper use of refrigerated counters is just as important as their maintenance. Train your staff on the correct use of the equipment, emphasizing simple actions like ensuring doors are always properly closed and avoiding overloading the counters, which can block airflow and reduce efficiency.
  7. Schedule regular professional inspections
    Lastly, even with rigorous preventive maintenance, it’s recommended to have professionals, such as those from Frigotech serving the Outaouais and Ottawa areas, inspect your refrigerated counters at least once a year. We can identify potential issues before they become major problems and advise you on adjustments or repairs to maximize the lifespan of your equipment.

By adopting these preventive maintenance practises, you can not only extend the lifespan of your refrigerated counters but also optimize their daily performance. This will help you save money in the long run by reducing repair and replacement costs while ensuring the safety and freshness of the food you store. Regular maintenance by Frigotech in Outaouais and Ottawa is an essential investment in guaranteeing the durability of your equipment and the sustainability of your business.