Even the most efficient of commercial refrigeration units can represent a large portion of your utility bills, especially in an environment where that refrigerator needs to be accessed many times throughout the day. Unfortunately, several common refrigerator issues can cause efficiency problems that push up both energy consumption and your utility bills higher. Additionally, an inefficient refrigerator needs to work harder, which increases strain on key components and makes the need for repairs more likely.

With that in mind, make sure you keep an eye out for these four common causes of poor commercial refrigeration efficiency.

1. Worn Gaskets 

Your refrigerator's door needs to establish a tight seal if it's to keep cool air inside, prevent warm air from entering, and maintain proper efficiency. One common reason that doesn't happen is that the gaskets have become worn. This can happen simply as a result of age and use, but the seal can break down faster when dirt and other grime are left to develop. When this happens, a gap will be created between gaskets, which will seriously impact efficiency.

2. Dirty Condenser Coils

Usually found at the back of refrigeration units, condenser coils are responsible for cooling and condensing the refrigerant that keeps your unit running. As such, they're one of the most important parts of your refrigerator, but they can become clogged over time by dust, dirt, and other contaminants. When the coils become clogged, they aren't able to release heat as effectively, which will in turn make the performance of your refrigerator less efficient. Luckily enough, you can usually avoid this problem simply by keeping the coils clean.

3. Faulty of Broken Control Gauge

Your commercial refrigerator needs to know what the current temperature inside actually is if it's to perform efficiently. However, that can't happen if the control gauge is either broken or simply calibrated improperly. You can check for this issue by measuring the temperature with your own thermometer and then comparing it against that of the refrigerator to ensure they match up.

4. Ice Accumulation

It might not seem like ice would be a problem inside a refrigerator — after all, wouldn't that help keep things cool? Unfortunately, this is not the case. When ice or frost forms over the evaporator, it creates a layer of insulation that prevents heat from being drawn out of the area. This often happens when water vapor enters the refrigerator when the door is open, then settles at the back, and it means your unit will need to work harder than ever and consume more energy simply to maintain the desired temperature.

Contact a commercial refrigeration repair service to learn more. 

Share