Owning commercial refrigeration units can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, they’re the heartbeat of your business, keeping products fresh and safe. On the other, they’re a source of stress—energy bills, breakdowns, and the constant fear of failure.
That’s why maintaining refrigeration efficiency isn’t just smart—it’s crucial to your bottom line. Here are my top 5 tips (plus a bonus) to help you cut costs, extend lifespan, and breathe easier.
They’re easy to forget but critical to performance. Dirty condenser coils cause your unit to overwork, increasing energy use and risk of failure.
How to clean them:
Shut off the power
Access coils (typically behind or beneath the unit)
Brush off dust and debris
Vacuum any loose particles
Wipe down with a damp cloth
đź“… Clean every 3 months. This simple step pays dividends in lower energy bills and longer equipment life.
Damaged gaskets = escaped cold air = wasted energy and overworked compressors.
Quick check:
Look for visible cracks or tears
Try the “dollar bill test”: close the door on a dollar bill. If it slides out easily, the seal needs replacing
Clean with warm water and mild detergent to prevent dirt buildup
đź› Replacing worn gaskets is far cheaper than losing stock or spiking your power bill.
Not too cold, not too warm—your unit should sit in the ideal temperature range for food safety and efficiency.
Pro tips:
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended settings
Use internal thermometers to check for even cooling
Monitor temperatures daily for sudden shifts
🎯 Staying in the sweet spot avoids spoilage and keeps energy use in check.
Even the best-kept units need a trained eye. A licensed technician can catch small issues before they turn into major failures.
Benefits of a regular service plan:
Early problem detection
Better performance
Fewer emergency repairs
Longer equipment life
📅 We recommend scheduling maintenance at least twice a year. Think of it like insurance for your fridge—and your business.
Your refrigeration unit needs space to "breathe." If airflow is blocked, it strains the system and drives up energy costs.
Simple tips:
Leave a few inches of space between the unit and walls
Avoid stacking boxes or equipment nearby
Regularly dust and clean vents
🧼 A clear space = better airflow = higher efficiency.
A spike in energy use could be your first warning sign of trouble.
What to do:
Use an energy monitoring device like Kill A Watt
Set a monthly baseline
Investigate any unusual spikes
đź“Š Catching inefficiencies early can prevent equipment failures and reduce operating costs.
Maintaining your commercial refrigeration units doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little consistency and care, you can reduce downtime, cut energy costs, and extend your system’s lifespan.
And when in doubt? Call in the pros. At ACRO Refrigeration, our expert technicians are just a phone call away, ready to help you get the most from your equipment—so you can focus on running your business.
đź“ž Need help with commercial fridge maintenance or repairs? Contact ACRO Refrigeration today.
Because a reliable refrigerator shouldn’t be a gamble—it should be a given.