How to protect your businesses refrigeration system this winter
Refrigeration is a key component for many businesses and should be integral to general maintenance routines. The winter months can bring some specific issues, so protecting your refrigeration unit or system can be worthwhile to ensure proper function and minimise the need for repairs or replacements.
Common business refrigeration issues in winter
In a commercial setting, refrigeration systems are often kept in unheated spaces, and problems can occur when the outside temperature is lower than that inside the unit. This is because refrigerant is circulated through appliances, changing from a gas to a liquid to a gas. When the outside air is cold, the interior thermostat will assume that the inside air is optimal, and the unit won’t need to run the compressor. Another common issue is that oil within the compressor can thicken in the cold and won’t be able to move through the system properly, potentially causing burnout.
Build a regular maintenance schedule
In order to avoid problems in commercial refrigeration, creating a maintenance schedule can transform your business. A good plan of action should involve scheduling preventative maintenance checks before winter, but you can also:
- Inspect and make small repairs, such as damaged seals or gaskets
- Clean condenser coils (this will improve efficiency)
- Check refrigerant levels and ensure everything is properly sealed
Temperature control will also be necessary, so be sure to set optimal temperature settings with considerations for different food types, monitor temperature fluctuations (and adjust as needed) and consider using a temperature monitoring system for remote checks.
Consider steps for energy efficiency
Businesses can benefit from starting as they mean to go on, and tackling energy efficiency is a great way to save money and optimise function in the winter. From upgrading to energy-efficient models to investing in energy-saving devices like programmable thermostats, even smaller fixes like insulating pipes and equipment to reduce heat loss can all be favourable.
Be prepared for emergencies
Issues can occur at any time, so be prepared for anything. Make sure you have a backup power source in case of power outages, store emergency supplies such as ice and backup batteries, and have a clear emergency plan outlined for refrigeration system failures that is accessible and easy to follow for staff and operators to avoid unwanted downtime.
