Many restaurants and other commercial organizations utilize large commercial walk-in freezers. If you have one in use for your business, then you already know how invaluable your freezer is. And, given its importance, it's wise to take great care of it. Fortunately, walk-in freezer maintenance is easier than you might think, especially if you can follow a few simple tips.
Clean Your Freezer Regularly
One of the most important things to do for your walk-in freezer is to keep it clean. Typically, you should clean the interior and exterior of your walk-in freezer a minimum of two to three times per year. However, based on the condition of your freezer, what you store, and how often you use it, you may need to clean it more regularly.
The good news is that you don't need any special products or harsh chemicals to get your freezer clean. A little soap and water is all you need. Remember that harsh chemical cleaners can sometimes contain damaging ingredients.
Regular cleaning prevents stains from spilled material, avoids the growth of bacteria, mold, or build-up, and helps you to pass regular inspections. If you can't commit to cleaning your freezer yourself, hire an experienced professional team to do it for you. They can get you set up on a regular cleaning schedule that will keep your freezer in awesome shape.
Clean the Condenser Coil
Not only do you need to clean the interior and exterior of the walk-in freezer, but you also have to clean the condenser coil. In most cases, four cleanings per year are recommended, though you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific freezer.
The reason it's so important to clean the coils is because, if you allow them to get too dirty, they can become overheated and cause your freezer to overheat as well. This can lead to reduced efficiency, damage to your freezer, and could even lead to spoiled food and other concerns.
Maintain Appropriate Temperatures
When you purchased your walk-in freezer, it probably came with clear instructions on what temperatures your freezer can maintain, as well as what temperatures are optimal for correct operation. Be sure to keep these in mind.
Balance the manufacturer's recommendations with the specifications required for the type of food you store. If you can get and maintain the right temperature balance, you'll keep your freezer in pristine shape, as well as properly and safely freezing the food you need to store.
If you're not sure if your freezer maintains correct temperatures, use a thermometer. If you can't get your freezer to hold the right temperature, then you'll probably need to call on some professional help to get it working as desired.
Lubricate the Hinges
Your walk-in freezer will typically have a door with hinges. These hinges and any other hinges on the freezer will need to be lubricated regularly. Usually, lubrication will be required at least four times per year, perhaps more often if you open and close the freezer door very frequently.
Lubrication ensures your freezer door opens and closes properly, which can go a long way in both conserving energy and maintaining proper temperatures, which is incredibly important for both the health and longevity of your walk-in freezer.
As you can see, keeping your walk-in freezer in great shape does take some work on your part, but the work you put in is well worth it. If you follow these tips and still have issues with your freezer or if you just need some help with all of the maintenance tasks required of you, don't hesitate to call on the experts at A M Refrigeration.