As we head into the colder winter months, it's a great time to make sure your refrigeration systems are up-to-date. While that might seem counterintuitive, the coming change in seasons provides an opportunity to make sure you're following the recommended preventative maintenance checklist.
Let's take a look at the three most important tips to make sure your refrigeration system is ready for winter.
INSPECT
The first and arguably most important step to any maintenance plan is to inspect the entire refrigeration system. Your first step of the inspection process is to look for things that are out of the ordinary, worn, or need to be replaced. Is your condenser clogged with dirt and debris? Are your fan blades free of defects and spinning without restriction? Is your compressor running normally? Are your exterior panels securely installed? Is your insulation crumbling apart? Are your electrical connections secure? All of these items should be closely scrutinized for any issues resulting from prior seasons. An annual inspection should be a top priority to make sure everything is working as it should.
CLEAN
During the inspection process, it's highly probable that things will be found that need to be cleaned. Pay special attention to condenser coils, drains and areas where air needs to flow freely. Leaves, dirt, papers, and other debris can restrict airflow, reducing your cooling capacity or worse, result in system failure.
FOLLOW
Lastly, follow a set of best practices such as regular inspections, turning off lights when operators or staff aren't in the walk-in, and use on-demand defrost or develop a defrost schedule to reduce energy usage.