Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Checklist

Commercial refrigeration maintenance is an important part of keeping your equipment running at peak efficiency and extending the life expectancy of commercial refrigerators. There are times when refrigeration systems require more attention than others. This article highlights the importance of having a regular maintenance checklist in place to guide you through the process.

Below are some lists of important commercial refrigeration maintenance procedures that need to be done monthly, quarterly, annually, or as needed. 

Monthly Maintenance Checklist

1. Check the temperature. Make sure that it’s set at the right level, especially if you have perishable goods in your refrigerator.
2. Inspect the condenser coils during a monthly commercial refrigeration maintenance. Look for any signs of rust or corrosion, which could indicate problems with your system.
3. Check the fins on the compressor to see whether they are bent or broken. If they are, it could be causing an issue with your system.
4. Check all tubing and hoses to make sure they’re in good condition and not leaking any coolant or other fluids. Check for any loose connections or clamps as well.

Quarterly Maintenance Checklist

1. Clean and lubricate compressor bearings.
2. Clean condenser coil, check for leaks and damage.
3. Check control boards, sensors and wiring connectors for signs of corrosion, damage or loose connections.
4. Checking refrigerant charge, and replacing it if necessary is also part of commercial refrigeration maintenance.
5. Replace defrost thermostat if it fails to operate properly during the defrost cycle. The defrost thermostat should open at approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit above normal operating temperature.

Annual Maintenance Checklist

1. Verify that all commercial refrigeration equipment is fully operational and that there are no abnormal sounds or smells.
2. Check all electrical connections and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
3. Check all compressor discharge lines for obstructions and leaks at fittings, valves, or junctions with piping. Replacing any components found to be defective or damaged is an important task to do during an annual commercial refrigeration maintenance.
4. Clean condenser coils and evaporator coils as necessary to remove dirt, dust, lint, etc., which may reduce heat transfer and efficiency.
5. Lubricate moving parts such as bearings, seals, and gaskets where normal operating conditions require it using proper lubricant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Inspect refrigerant charge to see if it is within manufacturer’s specifications (i.e., 80% charge at normal operating temperature). Check for signs of leakage around system components such as tubing connections and joints if applicable. Add refrigerant if necessary but only if done by trained personnel using an approved method under conditions specified by the manufacturer.

Main Reasons Why You Need Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance

A good commercial refrigeration maintenance service can help you avoid expensive repairs, product loss, and even food-borne illness. By keeping your commercial refrigeration equipment maintained, you can make sure it will continue to work properly, keep your products safe and save you money in the long run. This is the very reason why you need to invest in routine preventive maintenance. And this is all possible with the help of Advanced Commercial Group, the Southeast’s most trusted refrigeration, HVAC, electrical, and facilities maintenance service provider. Call us at (678) 567-5642, or email us at info@advanced-commercial.com.