In the current economic climate everyone is looking for ways to make savings. One way to do this is to maximise the efficient use of resources available to you.
Commercial refrigeration equipment is an essential resource within the hospitality and catering industry, however, long term use of this type of equipment can lead to expensive running costs.
Capital Cooling have created a list of guidelines designed to help you operate your refrigeration equipment more efficiently. These invaluable tips can help you save money by reducing/eliminating unnecessary refrigeration service and maintenance costs.
1 PositioningThe positioning of your commercial refrigeration cabinet, whether it is a multideck chiller, chest freezer, ice cream freezer, back bar bottle cooler , glass door fridge or even an ice machine, can have a huge effect on efficiency operation. By taking care with the positioning you can not only improve the lifespan and performance of the product but also reduce the energy consumption and general running costs.
• Avoid draughts from doors, open window and air conditioning ducts• Do not expose the equipment to direct sunlight, other heat sources or incandescent light• Do not obstruct or restrict the flow of air to the condenser• Maintain a minimum air gap of 100mm between the back of the equipment and the wall to ensure good air circulation
2 Day to Day OperationsThe day to day operation of your unit plays a major part in the performance. Adhering to these rules will maximise the efficiency of your refrigeration product.
• Glass door fridges and freezers should have doors closed whenever possible to maintain stable temperatures• A fully stocked and neatly merchandised cabinet will operate more efficiently• Never exceed loading limits or obstruct air flow to chillers, freezers, cold rooms and cellars• Always ensure that thermostats are set at realistic levels
3 HousekeepingAlways monitor the performance of your equipment, should you see a decrease in temperature or increase in noise/heat generated by the unit there may be something wrong.• Check for damage to door seals as these may cause temperature loss• Regularly inspect the equipment for spillage and debris in the air grilles, wells and condensate trays• Regularly clean equipments, including fan decks, condensate trays and water outlets• Use a vacuum cleaner to carefully remove dust and air borne debris from the condenser unit and cooling fins
4 Service and MaintenanceDon’t wait until your unit develops a problem before calling someone to look at it, an engineer should be asked check over your unit and clean the internals on a regular basis.• In the event of a temperature rise allow one hour for recovery before reporting a fault• When a fault is obvious, request an engineer visit promptly to prevent further equipment damage• In the event of an equipment failure, transfer perishable goods to an alternative cabinet orback-up chiller• When logging a service or maintenance call always quote equipment type, manufacturer, model number, serial number and to help with a swift response
5 Finally • KEEP DOORS CLOSED• Make sure there is power!• Do not overload!• Clean condensers where safely possible regularly• Clean/wipe door seals on a weekly basis• Make sure the equipment is not on defrost• Make sure the evaporator is kept clear• Clean on a weekly basis• Defrost periodically where applicable
These top tips have been brought to you by Capital Cooling, the leading UK commercial refrigeration specialist.