How to Prepare Your Commercial Refrigeration and Ice Machines for the Colder Months

As summer gives way to fall and then to winter, restaurant and foodservice operators are starting to diligently prepare their establishments for the changing season. While winterizing outdoor patios and adjusting menus are top of mind, it is crucial not to overlook the heart of your kitchen’s preservation systems: your commercial refrigeration and ice machines.

The colder months bring a unique set of challenges for this equipment, from fluctuating ambient temperatures to the potential for component strain. Proactive preparation is not just a matter of maintenance, but a critical step in protecting your inventory, preventing costly breakdowns, and ensuring operational efficiency throughout the winter.

Why Do I Need to Winterize Refrigerators and Ice Machines?

The assumption that colder weather means refrigeration systems get a break is a common misconception. In reality, the opposite can be true. Extreme temperature swings can place undue stress on compressors, condensers, and other vital components.

For businesses in regions with harsh winters, this is a particularly pressing concern. A well-maintained refrigeration system is a year-round asset, and a targeted winter-readiness plan is your best defence against unexpected failures and the associated financial and operational disruptions.

Foundational Maintenance for All Commercial Refrigeration

Before getting into the specifics of winter preparation, we must perform a thorough cleaning and inspection of all your refrigeration units. This foundational maintenance will not only prepare your equipment for the colder months but also enhance its performance and longevity. A systematic approach ensures no detail is overlooked.

Here is a checklist of foundational maintenance tasks to perform:

• Empty and deep clean. Completely empty each refrigeration unit. This allows for a thorough deep cleaning of the interior. Use a food-safe sanitizer to meticulously wipe down all surfaces, including shelves, walls, and door liners.

• Inspect for damage. With the unit empty, take the opportunity to inspect for any signs of wear and tear. Look for cracked shelving, which can be a safety hazard, or damaged door gaskets. A compromised door seal can lead to significant energy loss as the unit works harder to maintain its internal temperature, a problem that can be exacerbated by colder ambient air.

• Clean condenser coils. The condenser coils are responsible for dissipating heat from the refrigerant. Over time, they become caked with dust, grease, and grime, which insulates them and plummets the system's efficiency. This forces the compressor to run longer and harder, increasing energy consumption and the risk of burnout. Carefully clean the coils using a stiff brush and a vacuum cleaner. For particularly greasy buildup, a specialized coil cleaner may be necessary.

• Check airflow and fans. Proper airflow is critical for refrigeration efficiency. Ensure that there is adequate clearance around each unit, at least a few inches on all sides, to allow for proper ventilation. This is also a good time to inspect and clean the fan blades, ensuring they are free of debris and functioning correctly.

For a more in-depth understanding of the various components that keep your refrigeration running, exploring different commercial fridge features can provide valuable insights into their operation and maintenance needs.

Winter-Specific Preparations for Your Refrigeration Units

With the foundational maintenance complete, you can now focus on the specific challenges that winter presents. The primary concern is the impact of lower ambient temperatures on the refrigeration cycle.

For units located in areas with significant temperature drops, such as near poorly insulated walls or in unheated storage areas, the refrigerant pressure can fall below the optimal level. This can lead to a host of problems, including a reduction in cooling capacity and potential damage to the compressor.

One of the most effective ways to counteract this is to ensure your outdoor and remotely located condenser units are equipped with low ambient temperature (LAT) controls. These controls, which can include fan cycling switches and head pressure control valves, help to maintain the necessary refrigerant pressure even when the outside air is frigid. If your systems are not already equipped with LAT controls, consulting with a qualified refrigeration technician is highly recommended.

For walk-in coolers and freezers, pay special attention to the door heaters and pressure relief ports. Door heaters prevent condensation and ice buildup around the door frame, ensuring a tight seal. Test these heaters to confirm they are functioning correctly. The pressure relief port equalizes the pressure between the interior and exterior of the walk-in, preventing a vacuum effect that can make the door difficult to open, a common issue in colder weather.

Furthermore, consider the location of your refrigeration equipment. If any units are situated near drafty windows or doors, the constant exposure to cold air can cause them to work inefficiently. If possible, relocate these units to a more temperature-stable environment. If relocation is not feasible, take steps to minimize drafts in the vicinity.

Prepping Your Commercial Ice Machines for the Cold

Commercial ice machines, like their refrigeration counterparts, require special attention as winter approaches. The combination of water and freezing temperatures, both internal and external to the machine, necessitates a thorough preparation process.

Begin with a comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing cycle. Over time, scale, slime, and mould can accumulate within the machine, contaminating the ice and posing a health risk. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a complete cleaning cycle using an approved ice machine cleaner and sanitizer. This process typically involves removing all ice from the bin, circulating the cleaning solution through the water system, and then repeating the process with the sanitizing solution.

Water filters are the first line of defence against impurities entering your ice machine. Clogged or old filters can restrict water flow and lead to a host of problems, including smaller or misshapen ice cubes and increased strain on the machine. As part of your winter preparations, replace the water filters to ensure a clean and steady supply of water.

For businesses that close or experience a significant slowdown during the winter months, properly winterizing your ice machine is crucial to prevent damage. This process involves completely draining all water from the machine to prevent it from freezing and causing cracks in the water lines, reservoir, or other components. This is a meticulous process that often requires specialized tools to ensure all water is removed. If you are unsure about any step of the winterization process, it is always best to consult a professional.

The Value of Professional Expertise

While many of the preparatory steps outlined above can be performed by knowledgeable staff, the importance of professional servicing cannot be overstated. A qualified refrigeration technician has the expertise and specialized tools to perform a comprehensive inspection and identify potential issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. They can accurately check refrigerant levels, test electrical components, and ensure that all parts are functioning at peak performance.

Investing in professional servicing is an investment in the longevity and reliability of your equipment. From essential maintenance to outfitting your kitchen with the right commercial kitchen accessories, a trusted partner can make all the difference.

Closing Thoughts

Don’t let the winter weather catch you off guard. Once you take a proactive approach to preparing your commercial refrigeration and ice machines, you can safeguard your inventory, prevent costly disruptions, and ensure that your kitchen continues to run smoothly and efficiently, no matter how low the temperature drops.

For a comprehensive assessment of your refrigeration needs and to schedule a pre-winter service, contact the experts at Canadian Commercial Appliance today at 1-800-393-0120.