Commercial refrigeration equipment in the Mesa, AZ, area can include ice machines, coolers, and freezers. Properly keeping products at a safe temperature can protect quality and improve profitability. That’s why scheduling routine maintenance for your commercial refrigeration units is so important. Let’s look at the benefits of regular maintenance and what this process entails.
Preventing Breakdowns of Equipment
Over time, commercial refrigeration equipment can experience varying degrees of wear and tear that can lead to equipment breakdown if ignored. Routine maintenance allows our staff to inspect various refrigeration equipment components, such as refrigerant levels, condenser coils, and electrical connections. If anything seems wrong, repairs can be made before problems worsen. In the world of commercial business, having a piece of refrigeration equipment stop working can slow or shut down productivity for the day, forcing you to lose profits.
Extending Equipment Lifespan
The expected lifespan of your refrigeration equipment will differ depending on what you have on-site. For example, an ice machine can last as long as 10 years if properly maintained. A commercial freezer runs non-stop, which can increase wear and tear concerns. However, it can last approximately 8 to 15 years with proper maintenance.
By addressing minor repairs and maintenance during a routine appointment, we can extend the lifespan of your equipment. We can also assess its current condition so that you aren’t faced with an unexpected replacement. We aim to ensure you have time to plan and budget for this major expense.
During routine maintenance, we will inform you about various signs that may indicate a problem. If you observe any of these signs, please contact our team for assistance immediately.
Maintaining Temperature Control
You must maintain a consistent temperature with all your refrigeration equipment. If you have a drop in temperature and don’t realize it, this could result in damaged products and profit loss. Routine maintenance includes inspecting and calibrating any thermostats you have installed on-site. We will compare the reading on your thermostat to a separate reading from the equipment to ensure they match within one degree.
If you’re experiencing inconsistent temperatures, low refrigerant levels may need to be topped off. We will investigate the cause of the low refrigeration and ensure there isn’t a leak that will lead to bigger problems later.
Improving Efficiency
As refrigeration equipment ages, it can experience a decrease in efficiency. This decreased efficiency can cause an increase in energy consumption, which raises your monthly bills. There is the potential for dust and debris to accumulate on the interior components of your refrigeration equipment, which can impact function and efficiency. Worn-out components can cause your equipment to work harder to maintain its set temperature, leading to high energy consumption. We can help you lower your operational costs with regular maintenance.
It’s also imperative that you can maintain efficiency during peak times of the year. Depending on your business, this may be during holidays, special events, seasonal peaks, etc. Planned maintenance can be beneficial before these times of the year to ensure efficiency and dependency when you need your equipment to run the most.
Adhering to Safety Standards and Compliance
Food and product safety is essential in a commercial business. Malfunctions can lead to compromised quality, an increased risk of foodborne illness, and even local health code violations. These violations have the potential to shut down your business, which is what we hope to avoid. Following a specific maintenance plan can ensure that your refrigeration equipment is working consistently and according to local compliance rules. Not to mention, it’s part of your responsibility to ensure you provide safe products to your clients.
Saving Money on Emergency Calls
If a refrigeration unit breaks down in the middle of the workday, this can dramatically decrease production. While we may be available for emergency repairs when you need us, the cost of these services is substantial compared to routine maintenance. Scheduling inspections and maintenance services is affordable.
In Between Service Appointments
Some things you can do between routine service calls can help protect your equipment and prevent breakdowns.
Always Keep Equipment Clean
Regularly cleaning your refrigeration equipment can protect it from bad smells, mold, and any of the products inside. Avoid using chemical-based products that could cause contamination. Transferring the product to a clean refrigerator is the safest method to prevent contamination. Once the cleaning is complete, return the product.
Monitoring Temperature Settings
Monitor the temperature readings on your thermostats regularly to maintain efficient temperatures without compromising product quality. Having someone check every few hours can help catch issues early.
Routine Defrosting
Look at the documentation for your refrigeration equipment. Follow the recommended steps and schedule for defrosting your equipment. Avoid defrosting too frequently, as this can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your interior components. If you don’t defrost often enough, this can reduce efficiency and the space you must work with. Ice buildup can occur on the surfaces of your equipment and even on your product.
Avoid Stockpiling Excessive Products
It’s easy to get carried away and stock up on products, especially when you find a sale or discount. However, it’s important to ensure proper air circulation inside your freezer. Overloading it can cause the unit to work harder than necessary, leading to strain over time. This can make it challenging to maintain the desired temperature. Additionally, avoid blocking the exhaust fans on the exterior of your refrigeration unit, as this could result in a system failure.
Checking Seals Routinely
Several types of gaskets and seals are located around your equipment’s doors. Over time, these components can become damaged or loose due to normal wear and tear. It is crucial to replace them as needed to prevent cold air from leaking into surrounding areas. Ignoring this issue can result in decreased equipment efficiency and an increased need for repairs.
When Should You Schedule Maintenance?
Routine maintenance for commercial refrigeration equipment should be scheduled at least twice a year. These biannual checkups help ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and a longer lifespan for the equipment. During maintenance, technicians inspect and clean components such as coils, fans, and compressors, check refrigerant levels, and address any wear or potential issues before they escalate. In high-usage environments, more frequent inspections may be necessary. Regular maintenance minimizes breakdowns, reduces repair costs, and ensures consistent cooling performance for your business’s refrigeration needs.
Looking for reliable care for your refrigeration units? Reach out to us at CAM Air! We’re more than just freezers, coolers, and ice machine experts. We also offer heating and cooling system installation, repair, and maintenance. Our team is also a trusted local provider for handling indoor air quality concerns and water heater service. Choosing a dependable contractor is essential for your business’s success, and we’re honored to be a trusted leader in the Mesa area. Join our satisfied clients and experience the difference we can make together.
Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact CAM Air today to schedule an appointment in the Mesa area for your company’s freezer, cooler, and ice machine installation services.
