How to Avoid Refrigerator Breakdown and Repair

BEN STEVENSON • 3 May 2022

If you work in an industry that depends on the efficiency of your commercial refrigerator, you will understand how serious of an issue it can be when it breaks down.

The experts at Industrial Refrigeration Solutions have created the following guide to help you spot the warning signs of refrigerator breakdown, as well as the ways in which to maintain your fridge to prevent expensive problems from occurring.

The Warning Signs of Refrigerator Breakdown

Faulty door

When the refrigerator door stops sealing shut as it should, you should get this fixed as soon as possible. The cool air will escape, and you run the risk of the food or other produce inside spoiling. Contaminated food caused by this could make yourself or others seriously ill.

Build-up of ice

A thick build-up of ice that lines the exterior of your fridge is an early sign that there is an issue. You should get this checked immediately by a professional to prevent the problem worsening. Alternatively, if the ice is forming on the interior of the refrigerator, particularly near the evaporator coil, it is likely the fridge is not getting enough airflow.

Varying temperatures

When your fridge cannot maintain the correct temperature, this is a sign that there is a problem. You should not ignore this as it can lead to the spoiling of the fridge contents. It is likely more refrigerant needs to be added. However, as this is a dangerous chemical, it is best to let a professional do this unless you have the proper training.

Leaking water

If you notice a small or large water puddle below or surrounding your refrigerator, you should not ignore it. By regularly moving and cleaning under your fridge, you will be more likely to catch this warning sign. The water could indicate several issues, such as problems with the seal or gasket, a full evaporation pan, or an overflown drainage hose. To get it fixed, call a fridge technician to come and have a look.

Food keeps going off

Discovering that your food is going off before its use by date could indicate an issue with the refrigerator and its ability to keep the produce cold enough. The cooling system will not be able to

Unusually high energy bill

If your energy bill has suddenly increased and you do not know why, it would be a result of your fridge’s efficiency. When the refrigerator struggles to function, it consumes more energy than it should to keep cold enough. To solve this, have a professional carry out a refrigerator service and save money in the long-term.

It’s old

Regardless of how well you look after and maintain your refrigerator, they will eventually need to be replaced. After a certain amount of time, the parts begin to break, and the fridge efficiency depletes rapidly. This is usually anywhere between 10 and 20 years. While it is possible to have parts repaired and replaced, older refrigerators will need regular maintenance which can become more expensive in the long term. At this stage, the most cost-effective option is to purchase a new refrigerator.

Refrigerator Maintenance to Prevent Breakdown

Here are some simple ways that you can regularly maintain your refrigerator to improve efficiency and prevent a breakdown from occurring.

Clean your refrigerator

Try to schedule in a full cleaning of your entire refrigeration unit on a biweekly basis.

Start by emptying the contents of the fridge and placing the items in a temporary cooler.
Use a delicate brush or cloth to clean the racks and surface with warm water and cleanser.
If you can remove any of the racks or doors, you should do so to ensure a thorough cleaning.
Also clean the exterior of the refrigerator. Be careful to not use a rough material for this, as the material may be damaged. A solution made from warm water, vinegar, and baking soda will work efficiently.

Cleaning the condenser coil

You should check and clean the refrigerator’s condenser regularly. Most manuals will specify how often you should do this, as well as clear cleaning instructions. If you leave it, it will gather dust and struggle to maintain the correct temperature. Ensure you turn the machine off at the main switch or plug before doing so.

Check the air filters

A build-up of oil and other residue from your kitchen can crate issues for the air filters. Over time this can develop and stop the air in the unit from ventilating as it should. You can use a hand-held vacuum or other cleaning materials to keep this area clean.

Hire a servicing company

The best way to ensure your refrigerator does not breakdown is to regularly hire a servicing company to clean and check over the system so that it remains correctly maintained.

Industrial Refrigeration Solutions specialise in fridge maintenance and repair in London and Surrey. Our team of skilled engineers have the expertise to service and maintain all types of refrigeration systems, including natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO2.

Industrial Refrigeration Solutions offer a premium industrial refrigeration hire service. For a free quote, contact us on 001634 557 235.

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What to Consider When Buying a Commercial Refrigerator for Your Business

by BEN STEVENSON • 12 July 2022

Choosing the right commercial refrigeration equipment is essential for any business where food or other product must be stored or displayed. The right refrigeration system will protect your goods and keep it safe for you and your customers. Our experts at Industrial Refrigeration Solutions have put together the following list of things you should consider when buying a commercial system for your business. Energy efficiency Commercial refrigeration systems have high running costs because they use so much energy to keep their contents at the right temperature. It is therefore vital you select a refrigeration system that is as energy efficient as possible – to ensure the money you are spending is getting its maximum worth. Size The size of the system will also impact its efficiency – as a large sized refrigerator that is never filled to its full capacity will be using more energy than it needs to. This waste of energy and money could be avoided by purchasing a smaller sizes refrigerator that is filled to its storage capacity. Before choosing your system, you should evaluate how much you will need to put inside it on a weekly and monthly basis. Functionality The functionality of your refrigerator will inform what type of system you need to purchase. If you’re unsure, start by looking at what your competitors and other similar businesses are using and go from there. If your business requires food to be displayed in a store-front environment, then the equipment will need to be easy to use and the design will need to make the food accessible and simple. If the refrigeration system is being used solely for storage, a customer-facing design is not necessary or appropriate. Lifetime maintenance The initial purchase of a refrigeration system is costly, but don’t forget the lifetime maintenance costs that are associated with using the equipment on a day-to-day basis over a long period of time. The higher quality the system, the less likely you will need to pay out for maintenance. You should consider a yearly commercial refrigeration service to keep the equipment working at its best and to spot any potential problems early. This will allow you to save more money in the long term. Temperature Different systems will allow you to store products at different temperatures. If you know exactly what you will be storing and the temperatures at which they need to be at, you will be informed on what type of system is best for you. For example, there is no need for a refrigerator with freezing capabilities if you just need to keep the product cool. Reliable brands The system you purchase is an investment that your business will rely on for years to come, so it is essential you are confident in the reliability of the commercial refrigerator. By choosing a reputable brand, you are likely to be purchasing a higher quality system that you can rely on. It is therefore vital you research the market thoroughly and check for reviews before purchasing. If you know people in the industry, you could also ask them what industrial refrigeration system they use and if they would recommend it. Industrial Refrigeration Solutions offer a premium industrial refrigeration hire service. For a free quote, contact us on 01634 624 980 .

Complete Guide to Commercial Air Conditioning

by BEN STEVENSON • 1 June 2022

The experts at Industrial Refrigeration Solutions have put together your complete guide to commercial air conditioning – what it is, how it works, the different types available, and how it can be installed.

A Guide to Industrial Refrigeration Repair and Maintenance

by BEN STEVENSON • 1 April 2022

If your industrial refrigerator is not working properly, then you should act quickly to get it fixed. When using Industrial Refrigeration Solutions, you can rely on a 24/7 emergency callout service to ensure your business is always operating. How often should an industrial refrigerator be serviced? Keeping your industrial refrigerator working to the best of its ability is essential to running your successful business. A system with issues will not cool the desired product as intended. If left unsorted, issues can worsen to become major problems that may result in you needing to purchase a brand-new system. This is both timely and expensive. As a standard practice, you should intend to have refrigerator maintenance every three to six months. It should be carried out by a trained engineer that has been certified by a governing body. What is the life expectancy of a commercial refrigerator? The average life expectancy of an industrial refrigerator is approximately 10 years. However, its longevity will depend on its treatment and use over time, including the general wear and tear. The quality of the refrigerator will also influence its durability – with some high-quality systems able to last up to 20 years with correct maintenance. A lack of maintenance is one of the key factors that will diminish the life expectancy of your system. The regular maintenance of your refrigerator will help detect minor issues before they cause major problems. The following signs indicate that your system has reached the end of its lifespan. Food spoiling quickly, as the cooling is not working as intended. Condensation and ice build-up, due to the cooling system not circulating correctly. This can be dangerous as condensation can lead to food rot and poisoning. Rising energy costs, which could be due to sealing issues whereby cold air is escaping. How do you maintain a commercial refrigerator? If you are keen to maintain your refrigerator yourself alongside regular maintenance from a trained expert, there are numerous things you can consider: Clean the filters, grills, and other surfaces weekly. Check your door seals weekly and clean them when dirt builds up. Do not overload the interior space as this will restrict air flow from circulating. Defrost commercial freezers as per the manufactures’ instructions. Visually check the compressor fans and vents each month. Do not leave the doors open or slam the doors when closing. This will be detrimental to the seals. Check the temperature monthly. Ensure the fans are not obstructed. Position the system somewhere that is away from anything producing heat, such as cooking equipment. Arrange regular maintenance by a qualified refrigerator engineer. Industrial Refrigeration Repair from IRS Industrial Refrigeration Solutions specialise in commercial refrigerator repairs in London and Surrey. Should something go wrong, you can rest assured knowing that we offer 24/7 emergency callouts. We can tailor our service to your specific needs – be that rebuilding your compressors on site to commercial fridge maintenance . Our team of skilled engineers are F-Gas trained and will be able to fix your refrigeration system efficiently and within a timely manner. Once you’ve made contact, one of our team will dispatch to your location with a range of key refrigeration solution parts. In the unlikely case we do not have the required component with us, we will be able to source this through our extensive network of suppliers located across the UK. Industrial Refrigeration Solutions offer a premium industrial refrigeration hire service. For a free quote, contact us on 01634 624 980 .

Different Types of Commercial Chillers for Your Business

by BEN STEVENSON • 1 March 2022

Your guide to understanding the different types of commercial chiller available, and which is the most suitable for your business niche.

How much does Industrial Fridge Hire cost?

by BEN STEVENSON • 2 February 2022

If you are considering chiller or industrial fridge hire, understanding exactly what the process involves can be confusing at first. Here is everything that you need to know before making your decisions, including the types of systems available, how the installation process works, and how much it costs. Industrial Fridge Hire: How does it work? The hiring process begins with selecting the right industrial refrigeration system for your needs, as there are different utility options and sizes available. · A blast chiller is ideal for food storage, helping you to meet the specific regulations regarding safety and handling. · A display fridge is designed for shops and stores that want customers to view the contents through a panel of glass. · Glass top refrigerators allow people to view the contents from the top, without compromising any health and safety regulations. Modern industrial systems have multiple in-built features, helping to maximise efficiency. It is important to consider the size, design, colour, and foot storage capacity, as once installed it is not easy to change. Whatever the system you require, the installation process must be carried out by certified professionals that have HVAC/R accreditation. They will be able to carry out the installation from start to finish, using their own tools and equipment, ensuring the necessary health and safety standards are met. In many instances, aftercare services such as maintenance will be included as part of this installation service. How much does it cost to hire? The cost of your industrial fridge hire will be dependent on a variety of factors: · The length of time you are hiring for. · The type/manufacturer of refrigeration system you need. · The size and aesthetic of the fridge. · The purpose of the refrigeration system. · The equipment and technology that is needed to assist the system. Industrial Refrigeration Solutions provide a high-quality industrial fridge hire across the UK at an affordable and competitive price. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote. Why you should use Industrial Refrigeration Solutions Industrial Refrigeration Solutions specialise in designing, installing, servicing, and maintaining industrial refrigeration systems. Our systems can be hired on a short- or long-term basis, with our expert team able to work with a wide variety of different styles and systems – so you can be confident that your system is going to be working in the most efficient manner, delivering the best performance possible. We use HFC, HC, HFO, CO2, and ammonia refrigerants, as well as Mono Propylene Glycol and other secondary cooling systems. Our range of efficient refrigeration systems are available in cooling capacities from 10kW to 1mW and capable of -40 degrees. We will ensure the fridge, installation, and maintenance process are all confirming to the latest health and safety standards, installed by qualified HVAC/R technicians. Industrial Refrigeration Solutions offer a premium industrial refrigeration hire service. For a free quote, contact us on 01634 624 980 .