Is it Time for a New Commercial Refrigerator?

Many experts agree that refrigeration systems serve as the lifeblood of most restaurant operations, as well as numerous convenience stores and supermarkets.

In other words, a commercial refrigerator serves as the backbone of many commercial establishments. Many food retailers rely on commercial refrigerator units to keep the majority of their food inventory in cool or cold temperatures.

Here, we will delve into the benefits of commercial refrigerators and why a new commercial refrigerator may be in order for your business.

The Life Expectancy of a Commercial Refrigerator

The average life expectancy of a commercial refrigerator is roughly a decade, albeit its longevity will depend heavily on the wear and tear that it sustains over its use. Some very high-quality models are presently available on the market that can last as long as 20 years if they are properly maintained throughout their operation.

Unfortunately, many people do not take the time to inspect their refrigeration unit on a regular basis properly. Doing this would help detect issues while they are still minor, nor do most people invest time and energy into maintaining their refrigerators. 

Negligence can cut the life expectancy of a commercial refrigerator in half and reduce the unit’s overall efficiency. To illustrate, if you do not clean the evaporator and coil of the unit once per month, you can reduce the commercial refrigerator’s lifespan by up to 50%.

An unclean coil will cause the unit’s condenser to work harder than normal, which will reduce the unit’s compressor’s longevity.

How to Tell if Your Refrigerator has Reached its Life Expectancy

There are some telltale signs that you should look for that may help you determine if it is time to replace your refrigerator with a new model.

1. Food spoiling quickly 

Food spoiling quickly is the first sign to look for. When a customer or patron enters your store, they are likely looking to enjoy fresh produce. However, processed foods have an expiry date that you need to be aware of; meats, and plant-based foods, tend to not last for a long duration.

If your commercial refrigerator is not cooling as intended, then it may have an operating problem that needs to be rectified as soon as possible. Foul-smelling food or strange odours emanating from your fridge are also a telltale sign that something is amiss within the unit.

2. Condensation and ice

Leaks, condensation, and ice buildup are also issues to look for. For example, if ice is suddenly and unexpectedly rising in your fridge, the unit is likely not cooling as designed. Seals will also eventually get tired and old, which will cause water to leak in due time. 

Water flow can cause other serious issues, such as condensation, which, if left unchecked, will lead to bacterial growth. Water flow can cause food rot and even food poisoning in some cases.

3. Rising energy costs

In addition, if your energy costs increase, it can be due to sealing system defects. Such defects can lead to cold air escaping through, which can cause a hike in your energy bill at the end of the month.

To illustrate, when cold air escapes through your commercial refrigerator, extra pressure is placed on your unit’s compressor. This will subsequently cause your refrigerator’s internal temperature to fluctuate rapidly. 

A refrigerator working correctly will have no issues in keeping its internal temperature uniform, which will prevent the cost of energy from going up.

4. Growing repair costs

If your repair costs are becoming too expensive, then we would suggest that you keep tabs of the maintenance costs and the energy consumption levels of your refrigerator, to be on the safe side. 

If the repair estimate you receive from the refrigerator company is for more than half the cost of your damaged or defective commercial refrigerator, it may be best to purchase a brand new unit altogether.

Proper Maintenance Can Extend the Life of a Commercial Refrigerator

In order to extend the life of your commercial refrigerator, we would recommend that you check its gaskets routinely, as well as the area by the evaporator coil as well. 

What’s more, we recommend that you clean the condenser coil on a regular basis and thoroughly clean the exterior and interior of your commercial refrigerator as often as you can. This helps to eliminate grime and reduce the risk of mould and asbestos accumulation.

You should also avoid overloading the unit, as filling it to the brim will leave it vulnerable to damage, which will eventually lead to it breaking down earlier than intended.

Don’t Wait to Upgrade Your Commercial Refrigerator

If you have an older commercial refrigerator, particularly over a decade old — then it may be time to invest in a new model. Replacing an old model with a new one will pay great dividends in the long-run, as the newer models that are sold today are far more energy-efficient. As well, they are built to last longer than their predecessors. 

Upgrading to a new commercial refrigerator has many benefits, from greater long-term cost savings to added features, superior energy efficiency, and fewer repairs and maintenance. There are many benefits to replacing your antiquated refrigerator unit with a new state of the art model.