In any business that depends on cold storage—whether it’s a restaurant, grocery store, café, or healthcare facility—reliable refrigeration is critical. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your units but also improves efficiency, prevents breakdowns, and protects your products.
Use this essential refrigeration maintenance checklist to keep your commercial units running smoothly all year round.
Cleanliness is the foundation of performance and hygiene in commercial refrigeration.
Condenser Coils: Clean monthly to prevent overheating and system stress.
Evaporator Coils: Remove dust and buildup to ensure proper heat exchange.
Interior & Exterior Surfaces: Wipe down regularly to prevent mould, bacteria, and odours.
Worn or dirty door seals compromise temperature control and increase energy use.
Inspect Weekly: Look for cracks, brittleness, or misalignment.
Clean: Use mild soap and water to maintain flexibility.
Replace if Damaged: Faulty seals let cold air escape and force compressors to work harder.
Incorrect temperatures can lead to spoilage or unsafe food storage.
Use a Digital Thermometer: Cross-check your built-in gauge.
Adjust for Seasonal Changes: External temperature fluctuations affect internal performance.
Log Daily Readings: Maintain compliance and track inconsistencies.
Fans and motors are the heartbeat of your refrigeration system—don’t let them fail.
Visual Inspection: Look for dust, wobbling, or odd noises.
Clean Blades: Improve airflow and reduce motor strain.
Lubricate Bearings (if applicable): Follow manufacturer guidelines.
Clogged drain lines cause water overflow, mould, and even electrical issues.
Inspect Weekly: Look for blockages or slow drainage.
Flush with Vinegar or Hot Water: Prevent bacterial buildup and algae growth.
Watch for Odours: Smells can be an early sign of clogs.
Low refrigerant equals poor cooling and high energy bills.
Check Pressure Readings (professionally): Requires proper tools and licensing.
Monitor System Performance: Icing or weak cooling may indicate a leak.
Call a Licensed Technician: Refrigerant handling is regulated—don’t DIY.
Electrical faults are a leading cause of commercial fridge failure.
Checking for Loose Wires or Frayed Cables: Especially around control panels.
Testing Connections and Relays: Ensure no signs of overheating or corrosion.
Scheduling Annual Professional Checks: Prevent fire hazards and unexpected shutdowns.
Routine matters. Create a maintenance calendar and stick to it.
Daily: Temperature checks, surface wipe-downs.
Weekly: Seal inspections, drain checks, airflow assessments.
Monthly: Coil cleaning, fan/motor checks, refrigerant pressure review.
Annually: Full system inspection by a professional.
Well-trained staff are your first line of defence against issues.
Recognising signs of wear or faults
Cleaning procedures and product handling
Recording temperature logs
Knowing when to escalate issues
Some tasks require certified technicians—don’t delay expert help.
Refrigerant Issues
Persistent Electrical Faults
Unexplained Temperature Swings
Annual Full-Service Inspections
At ACRO Commercial Refrigeration, we offer full-service support across Queensland. From cold room maintenance to 24/7 emergency repairs, our experienced team is ready to keep your systems running efficiently and reliably.
Ready to book preventative maintenance or an inspection?
📞 1300 227 600
📧 workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au
🌐 Or request a service online