The weeks are getting hotter and refrigeration systems need to stay cool despite the heat. Commercial-grade refrigerators and freezers working through warm temperatures are critical for restaurants, grocery stores, convenience marts and many other businesses. FMs who have experienced a broken, overheated refrigeration system know a faulty system of any size can quickly turn into a catastrophe.
“Businesses need to prepare their refrigeration units to beat the summer heat,” says Bill Schaphorst, VP of Business Development at MaintenX. “But in reality, companies need efficient performance of their refrigeration units 24/7/365 in order to have a successful operation. Through proper maintenance and preventative measures, you can keep your system running smoothly, even during the hottest months.”
MaintenX offered three pieces of advice to prevent refrigeration problems:
1. Preventative Maintenance
The best way to ensure your refrigeration system is prepared for the hot summer months is through proper preventative maintenance. This maintenance includes checking the system’s temperature readings inside the refrigeration unit and inspecting the discharge, liquid and suction lines in the condensing unit. Preventative maintenance should also include checking refrigerant levels, verifying the thermostats and pressure controls, cleaning and lubricating the motors, and cleaning the coils and drain pans.
2. Invest in Automated Alarm Monitoring
Modern facility and alarm monitoring systems can alert you and your staff immediately if something is wrong with your refrigeration units. This technology also offers proactive refrigeration equipment performance monitoring. These monitoring systems can measure and report on suction pressures, coil temperatures, compressor run status and overall energy usage. Monitoring can also minimize food inventory loss, since businesses typically have about four hours to restore appropriate temperature settings before food must be thrown out. This time frame can be even shorter during the peak of summer.
3. Refrigeration Location
Make sure refrigeration equipment is located away from exterior walls and windows. These walls and windows can let in heat, which can hurt the efficiency of your refrigeration and potentially make it break down quicker.
