Easily Overlooked Signs Your Commercial Refrigerator Needs Service
Not many business owners can confidently say that they recognize the signs that their commercial refrigerator needs service or could be breaking down. But there are some easy ways to identify your refrigerator needs service as soon as possible.
A Nose Knows
If a commercial refrigerator is opened and a person is hit with the smell of something not quite right, it could mean that the temperature inside of the fridge isn’t cold enough to prevent spoiling.
Junior Petersen of 32 Degrees Refrigeration in Las Vegas explains, “Another indicator that the temperature isn’t cold enough is by putting an item in the fridge to cool and then later taking it out, and it’s hardly cold to the touch.“
No matter what scenario alerts there is a cooling problem, a service technician should be called immediately. The thermostat may need replacing, or maybe the door seal has become loose or ineffective. A quick assessment and repair can prevent the time, energy, and money it would take to replace a lot of spoiled food.
Listen to Your Refrigerator
Most business owners don’t notice a change in the sounds of their appliances until problems suddenly appear. This is especially true when it comes to commercial refrigerators.
A soft hum tends to be the typical sound of a fridge without problems, but any change to that is like an alarm bell indicating the appliance needs to be serviced. Some sounds that indicate a need for service include buzzing, knocking, loud whirring, and more. These can indicate problems with the unit’s evaporator fan or the condenser.
Running Hot and Cold
It’s sometimes easy to recognize when a fridge isn’t cooling, but a unit that keeps food too cold can also indicate a need for servicing. Sometimes ice or frost can build, or excessive condensation can appear, indicating a problem. The motor may be malfunctioning, the thermostat could be broken, or the coils may need maintenance. The sooner a serviceman checks it out, the better.
Out With the Old, in With the New
Refrigerators aren’t built to last forever. The older the unit, the less energy efficient it may become. When the cooling costs of a commercial refrigerator begin to skyrocket, or the unit hits double digits in age, it can mean it’s time for a new one.
If the age isn’t a concern, look at other signs that the unit is past its prime. Observe the door seal for any problems, check for water underneath or around the refrigerator, and check the hoses and drip pan for leaks. Ultimately, replacing an old commercial refrigerator with a new, more efficient one will be far more cost-friendly in the long run.
Conclusion
Some problems with a commercial refrigerator can be affordable, quick fixes, while others can be much more costly. The sooner a serviceman is contacted, the better. If a commercial refrigerator is showing signs of needing service and is ignored, there’s a chance it won’t be able to be repaired.
In most cases, the cost of servicing the appliance is much less than having to invest in a new one. Service a commercial refrigerator the moment the signs appear, and, ultimately, the fridge should have a longer life and cost less to operate in the long run.
