A cold room requires a constant and intensive workload to ensure that food drinks and other goods are held at a stable temperature. The risks posed by a malfunction are enormous since the loss of stock can occur within hours and lead to substantial losses in revenue and customer retention. Fortunately most malfunctions can be prevented. The following guide details How to Prevent Cold Room Breakdowns and Protect Your Stock
How to Prevent Cold Room Breakdowns and Protect Your Stock
Why Cold Room Breakdowns Are Costly
A breakdown is rarely a minor issue that requires a simple repair. It usually involves the loss of potentially thousands of worth of goods and additional costs incurred from emergency call outs and higher electricity bills. In addition food safety regulations require that spoiled stock must be disposed of thus resulting in additional expenses. The best way to prevent losses is to avoid breakdowns completely.
Many breakdowns occur gradually and are caused by avoidable issues. A build up of dirt on the coils or a faulty seal can lead to malfunctions that interfere with the performance of the cold room causing additional stress on the system.
How to Prevent Cold Room Breakdowns and Protect Your Stock
. Book Regular Servicing Appointments
During the service the engineer will inspect the system looking out for weak points and worn parts. A competent engineer will also check the electrical appliances and fans for any faults. Most companies offer a planned maintenance package that includes 4 visits per year which allows the engineer to carry out a thorough inspection. In addition regular servicing also provides proof that the cold room is operating up to standard.
. Clean the Coils
Evaporator and condenser coils should be cleaned during every service. These parts absorb dirt and debris which reduces their efficiency resulting in the cold room having to work harder to maintain the set temperature. Ask the engineer to clean the coils during every service. In addition make sure that the outdoor unit is kept clear of any leaves or objects that could obstruct the fan.
. Check and Replace Door Seals
The door gaskets are responsible for maintaining the internal temperature of the cold room by preventing warm air from entering. As such it is vital that they are examined regularly to detect cracks and looseness. It is advised to carry out a monthly inspection to check for cracks or ice forming along the edges. If any issues are noted the seals should be replaced immediately.
. Check the Refrigerant Pressures
This procedure requires specialist tools and training and as such should be left to qualified professionals. In the United Kingdom working with gas requires a F-Gas certificate therefore always make sure to hire certified personnel whenever carrying out such procedures.
. Monitor the Temperature Daily
A record of the operating temperature of the cold room should be kept on a daily basis. If you notice a gradual increase in the temperature it might be an indication of a fault.
. Avoid Overfilling the Room
It is advisable to leave some space between the goods and the walls of the cold room as well as the evaporator. Overfilling especially near the cooling unit can obstruct the flow of cold air and cause pockets of warm air to form. In addition never place goods directly on the floor since this can promote moisture build up and bacterial growth.
. Carry Out Employee Training Sessions
Staff members are responsible for most faults that occur in cold rooms. By encouraging good practices among your employees you can prevent many potential issues. All employees should be trained to always close the doors and report any faults immediately. In addition make sure that they are not allowed to stack goods near the cooling unit and underneath the evaporator. Conducting brief training sessions once or twice a year is usually sufficient.
. Always Address Minor Issues
It is advisable to address minor issues as they arise. Left alone minor issues will usually develop into major ones forcing you to spend more on repairs. Always contact a professional to inspect the equipment when you suspect that something is not right.
. Develop a Backup Strategy
Even with proper maintenance breakdowns can occur. It is advisable to always have a contingency plan in place. Make sure that you identify alternative storage solutions and keep the contact details of an emergency cold room service provider. In the event of a malfunction the faster you can respond the lesser the losses will be. Emergency cooling support services can minimize financial losses significantly especially if the cold room is used to store high value goods.
How to Respond to a Cold Room Breakdown
If the cold room ceases to function keep the doors closed and monitor the temperature. Once the temperature has started to rise move the stock to another warehouse if it is available. Do not attempt to open the doors and call the authorities right away.
How to Choose a Professional Refrigeration Company
to ask for their experience with similar projects and inquire if they offer maintenance plans.
ColdTec Cooling Service has over fifteen years of experience in the industry and has achieved the F-Gas accreditation and Refcom approval. Our engineers are fully equipped with genuine Copeland and Bitzer parts and commonly used spares in their service vehicles. We offer a comprehensive maintenance plan that includes 4 visits per year to all our clients together with completion certificates for every service carried out.
FAQs
How often should a cold room be serviced?
It is advisable to carry out at least 4 servicing appointments per year.
What are the common causes of a cold room breakdown?
Dirty coils and faulty gaskets are the leading causes of a cold room breakdown.
Can I service a cold room myself?
Yes you can carry out some basic inspections and checks however any task that involves gas or electricity should be left to certified professionals.
Conclusion
Breakdowns are usually an expensive affair mostly because they interfere with the continuous operation of the cold room. Most malfunctions can be prevented by carrying out regular servicing cleaning the coils and inspecting the door seals. In addition conducting daily temperature checks and providing training to employees is also crucial.
Contact
Phone: 020 3773 1250
Company Name: ColdTec Cooling Service
Email: info@cold-tec.co.uk
Address: Unit 7 177 Hook Road Surbiton KT6 5AR
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