Profit margins for most businesses in the food industry tend to be very thin. If you currently own a restaurant or food-related business then you may be thinking about the condition of your current equipment.
Will it last for a few more years? If not, should I replace it as soon as possible before it breaks down? Commercial food equipment can be quite costly, so you need to carefully assess the condition of your food display and storage products before you make a decision.
It should also be noted that it is possible to sometimes extend the lifespan of some of your commercial food equipment via ongoing or routine maintenance or repairs. An electrician can inspect each item to ensure that it is still in good, working order.
If repairs are minor then your unit should still be fully operational without the need to replace it altogether. Here, we will provide tips that should help you determine when your commercial freezer should be replaced.
Story Stages
If the Freezer is too Noisy
If the freezer or refrigerator is currently generating a lot of noise it may be a sign that the unit needs to be replaced. The compressor and coils of the freezer need to be cleaned as often as possible.
Doing so will ensure that the airflow from the fan is optimal. The amount of noise produced should also be drastically reduced when cleaned properly. If the current equipment is contaminated or dirty then the freezer will struggle to cool itself properly, hence the noise.
The end result is the lifespan of the unit will be lowered by a significant amount, which will cost you more money down the line. If you notice that your freezer is louder than usual, you should get it cleaned and inspected. If the noise keeps persisting, it may be time to look for a replacement unit.
If the Food Spoils Quickly
The products and ingredients that you invest in are precious. They need to be safeguarded from harm or spoilage by any means necessary to maximize your profitability. All of the beverages and food items that are stored in the freezer unit will need to be kept cold in order to prevent them from quickly spoiling.
By protecting your freezer you will be able to maximize your return on investment. Routine upkeep should help preserve food and beverages for longer. If your current model is not up to task then you may need to replace it quickly.
Failure to do so will lead to your ingredients and other products spoiling rapidly, costing possibly several hundred dollars to replace. Not to mention, the social and economic repercussions if someone eats spoiled food and gets sick. For these reasons, you should take note anytime food spoils before its best-before date. If multiple food items are being thrown out early, its time to start shopping for a new freezer.
If You Notice Any Leaks
Small leaks may seem inconsequential at first. However, they will grow larger over time. They can eventually cause significant water damage that may cost thousands to repair.
Some restaurant owners may opt to clean in and around the wet area in order to prevent any serious issues: This approach may work, but only for a short period of time. If leakage is habitual then it is a telltale sign that the model is not properly cooling its contents and that it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Trying to repair leaks tends to be a futile ordeal since there could be several different reasons for the leak from faulty parts to physical damage or a loose connection. It is not only an ineffective approach but quite an expensive one as well.
When the Freezer Feels Hot
The back unit or section of a commercial freezer should feel warm to the touch. You may even feel some heat emanate from the back without needing to make contact. However, the temperature should never be hot to the touch.
The condenser coils of the freezer help maintain the ideal temperature to help keep food and drinks cool. They need to be cleaned on a routine basis in order to keep them functioning properly.
If the coils become dirty then the motor of the unit may be forced to overcompensate. The end result is the motor will overheat, causing the freezer to generate excess heat.
The good news is routine maintenance will usually suffice in order to keep the condenser coils clean and in solid, operational condition. However, if regular cleanings are not sufficient to rectify the issue, then purchasing a new commercial freezer may be the only available solution.
Being Proactive
Being proactive will help you nip problems in the bud while they are still minor. With margins being razor thin, you need to take any and all measures necessary in order to properly maintain your food storage appliances and equipment.
The majority of commercial refrigerators and freezers that are sold today will last you up to two decades if they are maintained and repaired properly. However, if your appliances are reaching the end of their life then you should replace them before they completely fail on you.
Failure to do so may cost you thousands of dollars in frozen or chilled products and ingredients. Service interruptions can also lead to lost profits, disgruntled workers, and frustrated customers.
In sum, any defective, inefficient, and/or obsolete commercial refrigerators and freezers should be replaced before it is too late.
