Businesses must ensure that their commercial refrigeration systems are clean and well-kept, especially if they engage in food preparation and service.
Commercial refrigerators require cleaning more frequently than the one you use at home. Most residential refrigerators can still function properly without a month of cleaning.
Commercial units, however, should be cleaned at least once every two weeks. This doesn’t include a routine maintenance check by an HVAC professional.
A HVAC professional also knows about better ways to clean commercial units, particularly on how to clean mildew off the refrigerator seal. Here are three things to remember:
How Professional Commercial Refrigeration Cleaning Protects Your Investment
1. You Remain in Compliance With Industry Regulations
Food safety laws in Australia are among the strictest in the world. These regulations allowed the country to become a global leader in food quality. Regular cleaning of commercial refrigeration units not only protects your investment, but it also keeps you from violating industry protocols.
In Queensland, the Food Act 2006 requires every food business to observe three primary rules:
- Food for sale must be clean and safe for human consumption
- Never engage in misleading conduct for selling food
- Adopt the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code in business
Regular cleaning of commercial refrigerators also reduces the risk of food contamination. The Australian Institute of Food Safety estimates that one out of five Australians become sick every year because of food-borne illnesses.
Business closure, cancelled or suspended licences, hefty fines, or prosecution await those who violate food safety laws.
2. Routine Maintenance Prevents Costly Replacements for Commercial Refrigeration
The price of commercial refrigerators may range from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on quality. Upfront expenses on replacing a unit aren’t the only consequences of overlooking routine maintenance. A broken refrigerator disrupts your business and causes a dent in operation or sales.
You might say that a manufacturer offered a five-year warranty for the refrigerator. Most warranties for commercial refrigeration units only cover 12 months from your purchase.
A longer warranty period that also covers labour and parts often means a higher upfront expense. In most cost cases, the manufacturer won’t be responsible for maintenance and repairs caused by neglect.
Keep in mind that warranties serve as the manufacturer’s proof of build quality for the equipment. Most people mistakenly think that warranty coverage includes solutions to underlying problems, such as removing mould and mildew.
3. A Professional Can Recommend Products To Clean Mildew Off the Refrigerator Seal
It’s better to rely on HVAC professionals who know more about useful tips for better performance of refrigeration systems.
When attempting to remove stubborn mildew on refrigerator seals, the use of aggressive or inappropriate cleaners (e.g. all-purpose cleaners, degreasers) can do more harm than good.
One such consequence of a DIY cleaning is a shorter lifespan of the system’s magnetic seal and door rubber.
Though many HVAC professionals probably won’t offer this service themselves, they can make product recommendations for safe cleaning, and you might even be able to purchase them directly!
Of course, there are some reasons that a professional may recommend a replacement instead of repairs. For example, you should consider buying a new refrigerator if the old one is more than 10 years old. The Australian government said that doing so helps you to save up to 30% of energy consumption.
Always Consult an HVAC Expert
Routine cleaning for commercial refrigeration units saves you from legal troubles, spending money on sudden replacements, and fixing underlying issues before they escalate into bigger problems.
Whether you’re interested in boosting your unit’s performance or knowing how to clean mildew off the refrigerator seal, contact BEARS today to find out how it’s professionally done.
