A Simple Guide To Commercial Refrigeration Servicing: Essential Checks to Prevent Problems with your Commercial Chiller

This guide will explain easy checks you can make to proactively solve problems before they occur with your commercial freezer. One of the most common causes of costly or underperforming freezers is failing hardware. Commercial chillers are built to be highly insulated sealed boxes that keep to a specific temperature. So the biggest vulnerability is your door, as that is the main thing that can cause temperature to escape or come in.

 

Here's the main things to look out for and why:

 

1. Seals

What to Look For: Check for wear and tear, incorrect mounting, or anything that looks like the seal is falling off or not mounted correctly.
Why It Matters: Defective or old seals are one of the biggest causes of escaping temperature and can cause huge increases in power costs to run your chillers due to unwanted gaps and air flows. 

2. Hinges

What to Look For: Ensure hinges are level/even and the bushes are not worn down. Check if the door has moved, as this could prevent a tight seal. Also, inspect for potential OSH issues if a hinge looks close to failure or has been damaged by the likes of a forklift.
Why It Matters: Misaligned hinges can prevent proper sealing of the door, leading to temperature loss. Also faulty hinges pose safety risks if the door is vulnerable to falling on someone.

3. Cooler Latch

What to Look For: Verify that the tongue and striker are working correctly. If the latch tongue is getting stuck or rigid, it may be time to replace or service it. When applying lubrication, ensure it is suitable for your particular latch.
Why It Matters: A durable and reliable cooler latch is essential for a tight/proper close of the door, ensuring a tight seal. Note incorrect lubrication can damage a latch further.

4. Hydraulic Door Closer Assist

What to Look For: Ensure the hydraulic door closer assist is functioning correctly and engaging the cooler latch.
Why It Matters: This ensures the door closes tightly every time, maintaining the seal and temperature integrity.

5. Internal and External Damage or Corrosion

What to Look For: Inspect for any signs of internal or external damage or corrosion around walls, floors and ceilings.
Why It Matters: Damage and corrosion can deteriorate rapidly over time. It's easier and more cost-effective to fix small damage than big damage before it worsens.

6. Fans and Cooling Technology

What to Look For: Fans and cooling technology should always be checked by a qualified serviceman or electrician.
Why It Matters: These components are crucial for the refrigeration system's performance and require professional maintenance to ensure it's producing required temperatures.

Checklist for Servicing Your Commercial Refrigeration Hardware:

• Check seals for wear, tear, and proper mounting.
• Inspect hinges for alignment and wear; ensure they are not close to failure.
• Verify the cooler latch's tongue and striker are functioning correctly.
• Ensure the hydraulic door closer assist is operational.
• Look for internal and external damage or corrosion.
• Schedule required checks of fans and cooling technology by an appropriate professional.

By following this guide, you can ensure that your commercial refrigeration hardware is in optimal condition, preventing costly repairs and maintaining efficient operation of your chiller. As well as a sensible Power Bill!