Commercial refrigeration is the equipment and infrastructure used to store food in commercial buildings. Examples include reach-in freezers and walk-in coolers, often found in grocery stores, convenience stores, and food storage facilities.
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Commercial refrigeration uses a circuit and absorption system to cool the air. It expands liquid into gas, thus eliminating heat from the air. Sometimes the system will use a vapor compressor to dry the air.
Various types of industries need commercial refrigeration, including most of the food industry. For example, supermarkets, gas stations, and restaurants all require them. Other sectors like medicine and florists may also need commercial refrigeration. Check out the list below:
Commercial refrigeration is essential, so repairs require immediate attention. Unfortunately, downtime can cost you inventory and threaten public safety. The good news is that many commercial refrigerators have a long lifespan. Still, it’s essential to be sensitive to the following signs:
A refrigeration defect can spike your energy bills which you’ll notice immediately. Reach out to a professional for a full inspection to determine the culprit for the sudden spike. While repairs may mitigate the issue, sometimes replacing the fridge will save you more money long-term.
In less severe cases, replacing the coils may be enough to reduce your energy usage. However, mild spikes often go undetected, gradually increasing until a complete replacement is required.
Early food expiry is a sign of a broken refrigerator. If the food takes longer to cool or expires faster than its expected date, you can lose your inventory. Often this stems from filthy or overused gaskets which fail to trap the cool air and guard against the warm air.
Replacing the gasket may be enough; however, it’s likely a temporary fix. If the issue persists and you cannot regulate the temperature, you will need emergency refrigeration services.
Another bad sign is motor defects, including breakdowns. For example, if your hand feels very hot when you touch the back of the fridge, there is likely a motor problem. The problem may stem from dirty coils, which you should regularly brush and vacuum.
Another sign of motor problems is loud noises coming from the fridge. When you hear such noises, the refrigerator is running at maximum speed (which you don’t want). The culprit, in this case, is typically a failed control board. Unfortunately, it will also spike your energy usage and bills.
Working refrigerators maintain an ideal balance between cold and hot atmospheres. However, when you notice condensation and frost inside the fridge, there is a problem with the functionality. Pay extra close attention to the rubber sealing, revealing condensation when there’s a problem.
You might also notice mold in this area or near the door. Sometimes replacing the rubber sealing is enough, but excessive frost likely reveals a more significant problem. You can try adjusting the temperature, but it’s wise to address the issue ASAP to prevent spoilage.
Sometimes a freezer can be too cold and cause ice formation. When your fridge fails to respond to the temperature settings, it indicates a significant problem that requires repair. In some cases, you may need to replace the refrigeration system.
Emergency repairs are expensive and may only save some of your inventory, further draining your budget. The best action is to prevent problems with your refrigeration system before they become serious.
To achieve this, you must engage in regular freezer maintenance. Below, PHAA outlines some of the best commercial refrigeration maintenance tips for 2023:
The temperature ranges refer to the lowest and highest acceptable temperatures for a functional refrigeration system. This range is typically between 36F and 45F.
Commercial refrigeration saves money by reducing utility bills and preventing loss of inventory. In addition, it increases safety while reducing the risk of food safety violations and spoilage.
The required experience depends on your location. For example, in Texas, you need 48 months of practical experience in the field under a licensed AC & refrigeration contractor (in the past 72 months).
Keep an eye on your commercial refrigeration system to avoid inventory loss, energy use spikes, and food spoilage. These malfunctions will cost you and must be prevented to maintain a business.
It’s wise to perform regular maintenance on your refrigeration system to prevent minor problems from becoming major issues. Also, like all types of equipment, refrigerators will age. As a result, look for the signs that it’s time to replace your system and keep your business running at an optimal level.
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Most restaurants and food retailers have some form of refrigeration system for storing and keeping their products cold and fresh. Commercial refrigerators allow you to store food at the optimum temperature to keep food safe and meet food safety regulations. Here we discuss some of the benefits of a walk-in commercial cooler and how they work.
A commercial cooler is a self-contained or remote-condensing unit that uses a vapour-compression refrigeration system and is designed for food and beverage storage, in order to keep products at a consistent temperature to maintain their quality. Commercial coolers contain evaporators and condensers to ensure that the internal storage area stays cold. These types of industrial coolers are primarily used in the foodservice industry.
A commercial, self-contained refrigerator can be divided into categories according to various key characteristics including cabinet type, door type and orientation.
Some notable features that can vary in commercial coolers with glass doors also include the number of doors, width, and door opening style. Most commercial coolers have doors that are 30 inches wide. 2-door coolers can be up to 55 inches wide and can be either sliding or swinging doors. The type of doors varies depending on the desired display or access features that your company needs.
Different types of reach-in refrigeration units include buffet tables, ice cream, milk and beverage cabinets, and wine chillers. Reach-in commercial coolers are typically used in the food industry for storing larger amounts of food and beverage needed to successfully and effectively run a food service business.
Commercial coolers and refrigerators operate above 0 degrees Celsius and below 13 degrees Celsius and work in a cyclical process. Commercial coolers and refrigeration units include an evaporator, a compressor, and a condensing coil. Refrigerant is constantly flowing through the compressor to the condenser and then into the expansion device through the evaporator and finally, back to the compressor.
The refrigerant absorbs the heat from objects inside the cooler and ejects it from the commercial cooler through evaporation and condensation. The heat is usually then released outside, in the facility, or into cold water.
Some reach-in coolers have the compressors located on the top, while other reach-in coolers have the compressors located on the bottom. Reach-in coolers that have the compressors stationed at the bottom are ideal for hotter locations.
As heat rises, floors are generally colder. With this in mind, reach-in coolers with compressors at the bottom may make it easier to keep the cooler colder. However, reach-in coolers with compressors situated at the top are less likely to collect dust and are less likely to become clogged. Be aware of this as you may not have to get the unit serviced as frequently.
Industrial coolers, like our 2-door coolers, are advantageous for food retailers and other businesses that need to keep a large quantity of food at a consistent temperature. Some benefits of these types of refrigeration systems include:
Sufficient storage: Commercial walk-in and reach-in coolers have a great deal of space to store perishable food products. This allows businesses, such as restaurants, to keep a sufficient amount of food on-site without having to worry about it spoiling. Given that the average size of a 2-door industrial cooler is 55 inches in width, walk-in coolers can hold a great deal of storage for your food products.
Cost efficiency: Because walk-in and reach-in coolers can store so much food at one time, your company can save a great deal since you won’t have to replace spoiled food. Additionally, an efficient cooler will result in lower electricity usage and a lower electricity bill.
Reliable: While being cost-effective in terms of electricity, industrial coolers are also able to operate powerfully at the same time. Numerous walk-in freezers contain large compressors which keep food and beverages at cooler temperatures, while others use smaller compressors to keep food and beverages at warmer temperatures. Both can deliver your desired results based on your needs.
Customizable: Coolers used for commercial purposes in the foodservice industry can further deliver your desired results since they can be tailored to fit your unique needs. You can alter the layout of your cooler based on the purpose it is serving and easily maneuver it so that it fits nicely in your facility. The internal temperature settings can also be set to cater to the specific food products being stored.
Making the right decision when it comes to purchasing a commercial cooler for your business is very important. It is an investment that you are making in your company’s future, and it is imperative that you choose a cooler that can meet all of your needs.
One of the first things you need to consider is the efficiency of the cooler. In a restaurant or foodservice business, efficiency and time are imperative to the successful operation of your company. Therefore, the same should go for your refrigeration system.
Proper insulation within a refrigeration system, is the most vital feature that should be considered before purchasing a commercial cooler. Ensuring that the cooler comes equipped with the necessary insulation is a must because it is what keeps the cooler cool. Proper insulation ensures that the temperature inside your cooler remains consistent so that none of your products go to waste.
One way you will be able to understand which cooler is right for you, is by measuring the R-value of the unit. This determines how much heat can penetrate the insulation in your walk-in or reach-in cooler. It also evaluates the age, type and overall quality of the insulation.
The R-value for these types of refrigeration units is typically around 25. With this in mind, you will be able to assess the quality level of a cooler before you purchase it. You should also note that the higher the R-value, the better. This is because units with a higher R-value don’t need to use as much energy to remain cool. Therefore, your unit will last longer as well as lower the costs of utilities. You will find that your R-value will decrease over time, which may be another thing for you to consider before you purchase your commercial cooler.
For more information about our commercial coolers, call Ancaster Food Equipment at (855) 888-9644 or visit our website here.
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