Commercial freezers and coolers are reliable, critical pieces of equipment for any restaurant, grocery store, and deli. Unfortunately, the dependability of this equipment makes it easy to take your commercial refrigeration for granted. Below are a few of the most common mistakes that owners make that will degrade your equipment and drive up the operating costs.

5 Common Commercial Refrigeration Mistakes

1. Disorganized Ingredients

A cluttered, disorganized walk-in cooler or commercial freezer makes finding items challenging and can lead to cross-contamination. To maintain the safety standards your guests expect, keep all food off the refrigerator floor and ensure all products are dated. Storing meat on lower shelves will also keep juice and residue from leaking onto other food.

2. Putting Off Repairs

The rubber or plastic seals around the door seal in cold air, helping your equipment run efficiently. If these gaskets are broken or torn, the escaping air forces the refrigeration equipment to work harder than necessary. In time, the temperatures inside your commercial freezer or cooler will rise to unsafe levels, prematurely thawing, or spoiling food.

3. Not Cleaning Equipment

Dirt and debris building up on the coils prevent the heat transfer that runs your entire refrigeration system. If not cleaned on regularly, the coils themselves can also freeze, causing the system to fail and resulting in hundreds or thousands of dollars in spoiled food.

4. Blocking the Coils

Stacks of boxes and clutter around the cooling unit reduces air circulation over the coils, which prevents the system from running at peak efficiency. Keeping the area around your equipment clear allows your freezer to maintain the correct temperature, prevents premature breakdowns, and allows quick access to the unit.

5. Not Installing a Motion Detector

The light inside your commercial freezer or cooler consumes significant energy and can drive temperatures up inside the unit. Installing motion detectors that trigger the light can save hundreds of dollars in energy expenses and prematurely burnt-out light bulbs.

For over 30 years, the expert technicians at Commercial Refrigeration of KY have kept restaurants cooking throughout Campbellsville, KY. Whether you need a new commercial freezer or your walk-in cooler is uncomfortably warm, rely on their team to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Visit their website for more on their products and services, follow their Facebook for more advice and tips, and call (270) 465-2910 to request an estimate.