Maximize the Longevity of Your Industrial Cooling Equipment with Proper Maintenance
Keeping your industrial cooling systems online and in good working order can be a full-time job in itself. Fortunately, you’re not left in the cold (no pun intended) when it comes to your commercial refrigeration equipment. Central Washington Refrigeration has a service and parts department open 24 hours a day to serve your needs, along with highly trained technicians.
However, the longevity of your equipment also depends on you, as you’re the one seeing the equipment day in and day out. By maintaining the interior and exterior of your industrial cooling equipment, you can keep your systems running efficiently, saving time and money. Additionally, you can catch potential problems early on, before the systems fail and result in spoilage.
Below are some tips for maintaining your cold storage facilities in Washington, Oregon or Idaho.
Inspect the Refrigeration System
The refrigeration system is an integral part of any cold storage system. Therefore, it should be monitored continuously to ensure it’s working correctly. If it’s not, perishable goods can spoil, resulting in lost time and revenue.
The first thing to watch for is the temperature of your system. Check the refrigeration sensor and compare this to the temperature from a professional thermometer. There should be no discrepancy between the two. If there is, this means that the refrigerator sensor needs to be calibrated or replaced.
Next, inspect the compressor. If this part is not working properly, it will create excess noise and overheat. The evaporator also needs attention. This part is responsible for absorbing heat from the stored products. If you notice loud noises, hot air or water/oil leakage, you’ll need to service your evaporator right away.
Lastly, inspect the condenser, which is the outdoor portion of the refrigeration system. Its primary task is to cool down the refrigerant solution. The pipes leading out to the condenser should be cool. If they are hot, schedule maintenance right away.
Keep Your Facility Clean
You should be keeping your cold storage facility clean using the appropriate products. This prevents mold and bacteria from growing, potentially contaminating foods, beverages and medicines. Common sense goes a long way in this instance – be sure to remove expired food items to prevent the spread of mold spores and regularly clean the seals on the doors.
Another step you’ll want to take is to check for air leaks. If you find any, repair them. Air leaks might not seem like a big deal, but they can cause temperature fluctuations due to air escaping and entering, allowing mold and bacteria to grow.
Inspect for Ice
When entering your cold room, make sure that you remove any buildup of ice on the walls, ceilings or floors. This is especially important if you’re storing fruits and vegetables, as these can spoil easily when ice is present.
Large ice crystals can lead to fruit cell wall damage and water migration, causing them to get mushy inside and shrivel up. A buildup of ice also indicates that there may be a problem with your equipment, such as the temperature sensor, compressor or evaporator. Check these parts and ensure they are working properly.
Check Electrical Connections
It’s important that your cold storage systems have the proper flow of current, which is why you need to check on the electrical connections. These can fail over time, especially since they are running 24/7.
In many instances, it’s just a simple fuse that needs to be replaced. Other times, more extensive electrical work will need to be done. It’s also important to make sure that your systems are running as efficiently as possible, as being unable to control energy costs can put your business at a competitive disadvantage.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Cold storage facilities must also monitor their humidity levels daily. If these levels reach higher-than-average levels, mold and bacteria can grow, resulting in spoilage. The best way to keep an eye on humidity levels is to monitor the digital hygrometer.
Our only word of caution is to make sure that the refrigerator hygrometer is functioning properly. Just as you would check the thermometer using one of your own, you should do the same with the hygrometer. If you notice a discrepancy between the two devices, you should calibrate or replace the hygrometer.
Maintenance Services for Refrigeration Systems in Washington, Oregon and Idaho
When your cold storage facility is well cared for, you can operate at total efficiency. By following the tips above and staying on top of your equipment, you can prevent unexpected and costly breakdowns.
When you need maintenance, be sure to count on the professionals from Central Washington Refrigeration. We are a local company that works with the most complex refrigeration systems in any industry. Our service and parts department is open 24 hours a day, so you can count on us to keep your systems online and functioning efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about our maintenance services for refrigeration systems.