As a restaurant owner or manager, you rely on your walk-in freezers and coolers to keep your kitchen running smoothly. If something goes wrong with them, that could be disastrous for your business, so maintaining this important equipment is crucial. Here are a few tips to help you keep your freezers and coolers in fantastic condition.

Maintenance Tips for Commercial Freezers & Coolers

1. Clean Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils can be hard to reach on some walk-in freezers and coolers but keeping them free of dirt and debris is one of the most important things you can do to keep your units running properly, so don’t skip this step. For your safety, always unplug the unit and turn off the breaker in the panel before cleaning the evaporator coils. Once a month, use a wet-dry vac to clean the surface and then reverse the air flow to blow out any dust that has accumulated deep inside the coils. Finish by wiping the outside of the evaporator coil with a damp rag.

2. Check Door Gaskets & Door Closers

If the doors on your refrigerators and freezers don’t seal tight, or close properly, warm air can enter the units, causing condensation to form and the interior temperature to rise, putting your food’s safety at risk. Examine the door gaskets and closers on a regular basis, and if you notice any damage, contact a commercial HVACR contractor to replace them. Keep the door gaskets clean by wiping them down with a soft cloth, soap, and water.

3. Clear the Drain Lines

When drain lines get clogged, collected moisture can’t drain out, causing water to back up into the freezer or cooler. Failed heat tape lines can also cause drain lines to freeze, which can appear as a clog. Once a year, schedule an appointment for a professional who specializes in commercial food equipment to come and clear your units’ drain lines and check the insulation. The technician will unplug the freezer or cooler for safety first, then check the drain lines for debris and mold, clean out the lines, and disinfect the inside of the units.

At Lindbergh Commercial Services, we’ve been providing reliable HVAC services for businesses in the Maryland Heights, MO, area for over a decade. If you need commercial food equipment repairs or maintenance services for restaurant equipment, such as ovens, ice machines, and walk-in freezers, our team is ready to help, 24/7. Call (314) 731-0404 today for a free estimate or visit our website to learn more about our services.