The most common refrigeration maintenance issues and how to fix them
Retail grocery and cold storage facilities rely heavily on their refrigeration systems to keep their inventory safe and fresh.
Proper maintenance of refrigeration systems is critical for the smooth operation of these facilities. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns, downtime, and potential loss of inventory.
Let’s explore the most common refrigeration maintenance issues that retail grocery and cold storage facilities face and how to fix them.
Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are one of the most common issues that can occur in refrigeration units. Leaks can be caused by several factors, including vibration, poor installation, or corrosion. Refrigerant leaks can be difficult to detect. Some signs that indicate the possibility of a leak include reduced cooling capacity, higher energy bills, and the presence of oil stains around the unit.
In retail grocery and cold storage facilities, refrigerant leaks can be particularly problematic, as they can lead to the loss of perishable inventory. It's essential to address refrigerant leaks promptly to minimize the potential loss of inventory.
The first step in addressing a refrigerant leak is to locate the source of the leak. A qualified refrigeration technician can use specialized equipment to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. Once the source of the leak has been identified, the technician can repair the leak by replacing the damaged component or sealing the leak with a refrigerant sealant.
Axiom Cloud’s applications can now be used in place of mandatory manual leak checks. Check out previously-recorded webinar to learn more about how Axiom Cloud can help find and alert you to refrigerant leaks.
It's important to have a refrigeration management plan in place that includes regular leak detection and repair to prevent costly and potentially devastating refrigerant leaks.
Dirty condenser and evaporator coils
Coils can become dirty over time, leading to reduced cooling capacity, higher energy bills, and increased wear and tear on the unit's components. Dirty coils can also lead to poor air quality, as they can harbor mold and bacteria.
Dirty coils can lead to the spoilage of perishable inventory. It's essential to clean the coils regularly to prevent issues with dirty coils and ensure that the unit is running efficiently. Condenser coils, which are located on the outside of the unit, should be cleaned at least once a year, while evaporator coils, which are located on the inside of the unit, should be cleaned every three to six months.
To clean the coils, turn off the power to the unit and use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any debris or dust from the coils. For more thorough cleaning, a specialized coil cleaner can be used. Regular cleaning can help prevent issues with dirty coils and ensure that the unit is running efficiently.
Poor defrost
Defrosting is an essential function of refrigeration units. Poor defrost can lead to ice buildup on evaporator coils, which can reduce cooling capacity, increase energy bills, and cause damage to the unit's components.
If you suspect that your refrigeration unit has a defrost issue, the first step is to check the case temperature over time.
In addition to checking the case temperature trend it's also important to check the defrost schedule, coil outlet temperature, and if required the defrost heater, If the defrost heater is not functioning correctly, it should be replaced.
Regular maintenance of the defrost system, including checking and replacing components as needed, can help prevent issues with poor defrost and ensure that the unit is operating efficiently.
Overrides
Overriding the set temperature on a refrigeration unit is a common practice in retail grocery and cold storage facilities. While overrides can be useful in certain situations, such as during restocking or cleaning, they can also lead to issues with the unit's performance and potentially costly breakdowns.
Overriding the set temperature can cause the unit to work harder than necessary, leading to increased wear and tear on the unit's components and higher energy bills. Additionally, overrides can cause issues with temperature regulation, leading to spoilage of perishable inventory.
To prevent issues with overrides, it's important to establish clear guidelines for when and how overrides can be used. Additionally, regular monitoring of the unit's temperature and performance can help detect any issues that may arise from overrides.
Proper maintenance of refrigeration units is critical for the smooth operation of retail grocery and cold storage facilities. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns, downtime, and potential loss of inventory. By addressing the most common refrigeration maintenance issues promptly, retail grocery and cold storage facilities can ensure that their inventory remains safe and fresh while minimizing costly repairs and downtime.
By implementing a regular maintenance plan that includes regular coil cleaning, leak detection and repair, defrost system maintenance, and electronic component checks, retail grocery and cold storage facilities can ensure that their refrigeration units are operating efficiently and effectively.
Contact us to learn more about how Axiom Cloud can take the hassle out of regular refrigeration maintenance and monitoring.