Category: Commercial Refrigeration

Why Are Commercial Refrigerators So Expensive?

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What is it about Commercial Refrigerators that makes them so expensive?

Commercial refrigeration units are one of the pricier investments a new food service establishment has to make. Having good equipment is the difference between passing a health inspection and having a patron become ill because their food was not chilled properly.

There are six main reasons why commercial refrigeration units cost more than equivalent residential ones.

1. Wear and Tear

Commercial refrigerators are under constant use by a lot of people in a commercial establishment. With their doors opening and closing perhaps hundreds of times a day, a commercial refrigerator needs to be able to hold up to constant abuse from people in a hurry.

2. Longevity

While a home refrigerator barely lasts 5 years these days, a commercial one is designed to perform its function for 10-18 years under heavy use. That means that everything involved in the manufacture of a commercial refrigeration unit must be of exceptional quality. Quality costs money.

3. Materials

Residential refrigerators typically have a lot of plastic components such as shelves and dividers which are fine for occasional or light use. The working parts are engineered for sporadic use and aren’t always made from the highest grade materials to cut down on weight and cost. Further, the top must-have items for a residential fridge are not the same as for a commercial refrigerator and there will be a cost differential between those priorities.

4. Certification

All commercial refrigeration equipment must be NSF certified. NSF International is a regulatory body tasked with the mission of ensuring food safety. To meet these standards, refrigeration equipment for commercial establishments must be made from approved food contact surface materials such as stainless steel, which is more expensive than plastic or aluminum.

Stainless steel is able to be bleached and sanitized to local health code standards. Other refrigerator materials are not.

5. Consistency

Refrigerators used for commercial establishments must be able to maintain a consistent temperature no matter how many people open and close the door during the course of a day. This puts great strain on cooling mechanisms which must be robust enough to provide enough cooling capacity per square foot to maintain this chosen temperature. This means larger fans and condensers.

6. Competition

There are fewer commercial refrigerator makers than their are residential refrigerator manufacturers. Competition helps keep prices down. When you are making fewer units per year for your commercial customers and prospects, the cost of what you are making will necessarily increase.

Five Steps to Prolong Refrigeration Equipment Lifespans and Conserve Energy

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There are 5 steps you can do to save energy and extend the life of your refrigeration equipment.

The following is a short, important list of things you can do to reduce power use and extend the life of your commercial refrigeration units, including coolers, freezers, and ice machines.

 

This list is simple to check and essential for keeping product temperatures consistent. If you have any questions after reading this, please do not hesitate to contact us!

 

1. Clean Condenser Coils

Coolers, freezers, and ice makers all have condensers! The heat exchanger in refrigeration units is the condenser coil. It is the coil on the outside of the unit that expels heat from the refrigerant by forcing it through a coil with the help of a fan. It is essential to keep this coil clean in order for the unit to work properly. Failure to do so will result in costly repairs such as compressor failure, fan motor failure, capillary tubing constraints, burnt wiring, and thermostat failure, to name a few.

 

Every six months, we recommend having the condenser coil pressure cleaned by a professional. Users can clean the coil with a brush in between expert maintenance visits. The brush approach, on the other hand, does not clean within the coil and should not be used in place of routine maintenance. These coils may need to be degreased and cleaned more often on a kitchen line. The condenser coil is commonly found at the bottom or on top of self-contained coolers and freezers. It’s normally accessible by removing four Phillips screws from the corners of a cover. Condenser coils are usually found at the back of ice machines. It could have an air filter that needs to be washed. Inspections should be performed on a regular basis. A clean condenser coil is one approach to GO GREEN by reducing energy usage and extending the equipment’s life. The image below shows a condenser coil that has been neglected for much too long. This is something we see on a daily basis.

 

2. Clearances Around Units

It is critical to maintain minimum clearances around units in order to maintain optimum air flow around the condenser coil. Self-contained units should have 2 to 4 inches of clearance around the sides and back, according to most manufacturers. The more clearance, the better in our opinion! We’d like 5 to 8 inches of clearance around the sides and back of the unit. We recognize that commercial kitchens have a restricted amount of room. We also know that the more air that can freely circulate through a unit’s condenser section, the less power it uses and the longer key components last. Jamming coolers against each other and against a wall is a surefire way to waste a lot of energy and cause a lot of problems. Coolers should not be boxed in under bars or any other enclosure. Not only would this obstruct airflow, but built-in units are incredibly complex and time-consuming to maintain.

 

3. Gaskets

Why let the cold seep out after your refrigerator has worked so hard to maintain the right product temperature? Inspect the door gaskets (seals) on all coolers and freezers on a regular basis. Ensure that all four sides of the gaskets are in solid contact with the door frame. Inspect gaskets for tears, rips, or missing magnetic strips. Gaskets that are worn out or not sealing properly should be changed. A good door seal is essential for regulating temperature and lowering run times as well as electricity usage. In a hot kitchen, this is especially true!

 

4. Door Closers and Hinges

Most hinges feature spring cartridges that assist in closing the doors of refrigeration units to guarantee that they close properly. A hydraulic door closer may be situated at the top of the door on the external area of larger coolers and freezers, notably walk-in equipment. Most cooks and kitchen personnel are just too preoccupied with hurrying orders out to be concerned about properly closing doors. It is for this reason that automatic door closers are so important. There’s a good likelihood the doors are ajar if the automated door closers aren’t working properly. Excessive run time, poor energy use, and shorter equipment life are all consequences of partially closed doors. The evaporator coils will also ice up as a result of this. Check the operation of your door by opening it all the way and then gently closing it. If the closer is working properly, it should finish the job and close the door. If the door does not close on its own, new hinges or tighter hardware is recommended.

 

5. Check Internal Food Temperature

Due to rapidly changing ambient circumstances, we recommend utilizing a product sensing thermometer rather than an air sensing thermometer in refrigerated units. When you use an air sensing thermometer, it only informs you how cold the air in a refrigerated unit is when you open it. It does not always provide an accurate image of a product’s real temperature. Use a Sure Temp Glycol filled thermometer to determine the real average product temperature. In a conditioned space, this thermometer is immersed in liquid and will offer an accurate average temperature reading of the product. Take a look at the temperature reading after leaving the Sure Temp thermometer in a conditioned room for a few hours. On a chilly day, temperatures between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal. If it gets colder outside, you can turn the thermostat to a warmer setting to save energy. The temperature in a freezer for storing ice cream should be around -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Adjustments to the thermostat can be performed after obtaining an average temperature with the Sure Temp thermometer.

Equipment Repair and Upkeep for Restaurants

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Don’t Forget About Kitchen Repairs and Upkeep

In the back of the house, quick-service restaurants must focus on data-driven preventative maintenance strategies. This is a critical, make-or-break change in your operations to keep you one step ahead of a breakdown that might cost your company a lot of money.

 

During peak hours, the walk-in cooler stops cooling, the fryer fails, or the HVAC gives out. Rather than assisting the line, serving customers, or providing support to employees, you must find a quick solution to avoid losing inventory, unfilled orders, or an even hotter kitchen.

Customers demand a speedy and consistent experience in quick-service restaurants. Safety, quickness, and convenience are more important than ever to keep customers coming back.

Consumer behavior and preferences changed dramatically as a result of COVID-19. Contactless pickup has becoming the norm. The drive-thru continues to reign supreme. Innovation is still fueled by technology.

In today’s competitive landscape, embracing technology to optimize the front-of-house experience is critical to preserving brand loyalty and addressing consumers’ requirements. Back-of-house (particularly, repairs and maintenance) receives far less attention and optimization than front-of-house, despite the fact that customers want a quick, convenient experience. It is, nonetheless, equally important.

Quick-service restaurants must focus on data-driven preventative maintenance strategies to avoid a nightmare scenario in the middle of peak service. This is a critical, make-or-break change in your operations to keep you one step ahead of a breakdown that might cost your company a lot of money.

Developing a Preventative Maintenance Strategy

Understanding which areas of your kitchen are most in need of attention or would benefit the most from easy preventative maintenance is the first step toward creating a preventative maintenance (also known as proactive repairs or scheduled maintenance) strategy that actually works.

While preventative maintenance may appear to be time-consuming, the price of emergency repairs much outweigh the time invested preparing ahead. Restaurant repairs can cost up to 1.5 percent of sales in 2020, according to the National Restaurant Association, while other estimates suggest it can cost much more, ranging from 2 percent to 6 percent.

Planned maintenance eliminates the need to dispatch a vendor outside of business hours or replace worn-out equipment on the spur of the moment. Most of the time, you’ll be able to properly troubleshoot and repair before replacing with well-done preventative maintenance.

It is critical to create and keep to a timetable. Many preventative maintenance tactics can be implemented once or twice a year, or every 30/60/90 days. You should think about your restaurant’s specific schedule, as well as seasonal menu changes or significant promotions that boost sales and cause equipment wear and tear.

Don’t Forget The Cooling Equipment

Quick-service restaurants prioritize their cold side, which also happens to be the source of their most common equipment repairs. According to data from more than 7,000 service incidents collected by 2020, cold side equipment accounted for 35% of all incidents, with walk-in coolers, reach-in refrigerators, and walk-in freezers being the most common. The average cost of these accidents was $668.30.

The average temperature for a walk-in cooler should be between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the model. Your product is at risk if it exceeds this sweet spot.

Follow these helpful hints to do preventative maintenance on your walk-in cooler:

  • Turn off the breaker for one minute before turning it back on.
  • Examine the evaporator for ice or frost buildup and, if necessary, defrost the device.
  • Compressed air or a wet vacuum can be used to clear the drain pipe.

These will help you notice any issues before they become a full-fledged breakdown or necessitate a vendor visit.

Preventative maintenance will save you and your staff not just time (which is more important than ever), but also inventory and revenue. Equipment repairs are unavoidable, but proactive, data-driven facilities management may help you save time, money, and energy by maximizing the time, money, and energy you have to deal with last-minute errors and get through the day.

Consider accepting solutions that streamline your back-of-house procedures as technology evolves and enhances the front-of-house experience. It may seem impossible to improve efficiency in the elusive repair and maintenance process, but with the correct tools, you can plan, troubleshoot, and strategize to improve your organization.

Above all, smart repair and maintenance allows you and your team to concentrate on what you do best: feeding hungry clients.

Costs of Repairing Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

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Costs of Repairing Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

Commercial refrigeration maintenance isn’t high on the priority list when it comes to all of the obligations that come with running a business. Repairs, lost merchandise, and operational disruption can all put a major dent in your bottom line when there’s an issue.

Any system or appliance that enables large-scale freezing or chilling storage for perishable foods is considered commercial refrigeration equipment. It is commonly found in business establishments such as restaurants and supermarkets. A walk-in unit, a reach-in unit, or a simple refrigeration display cabinet can all be used. It is the most important asset of any food store, restaurant, or grocery store because it caters to a wide range of perishable commodities. When commercial refrigeration equipment fails, it can destroy the food it supports and result in considerable losses for any organization.

Commercial refrigeration maintenance is typically quick and inexpensive, and it can help avoid breakdowns and repairs from occurring at inconvenient times. In today’s blog, you’ll learn more about preventative commercial refrigeration maintenance and how it can save you time and money.

Costs of Neglected Maintenance

Commercial refrigeration, such as walk-in freezers, coolers, product cases, floral displays, and other types of commercial refrigeration, are an important element of your business. Even little flaws might cause this equipment to fail, costing you a fortune in lost merchandise and damaging your brand with dissatisfied consumers.

If you think your equipment is brand new and unlikely to have a problem, consider how much stress it is subjected to on a regular basis. Refrigeration equipment is always in use, therefore it must be well-maintained to guarantee that it is up to the task.

For professional HVAC-R services, call Celestial Air today at (973) 627-4899.

Consider how much a breakdown could cost you if you’re concerned about the extra cost of maintenance:

Product lost: How much of a loss would a single product, let alone an entire freezer or refrigerator, be?
How much business will you lose by not being able to give your consumers what they need if a case is down for maintenance for a day or two?
What if a health inspector walks up and discovers that your equipment isn’t at the right temperature? How long would it take for your company to recover from a failing health inspection?
Costs of energy: Refrigeration equipment that isn’t properly maintained needs to work harder to complete its job, which means it requires more electricity.
Replacements and repairs: Labor and parts for your equipment can be expensive, and more complex repairs take longer than minor ones. However, if you need to replace your equipment, you’ll face a big outlay, as well as the risk of spending more to get something installed swiftly enough to minimize downtime.

Commercial Refrigeration Repair Costs

The best way to avoid difficulties with your cooling system is to maintain it actively and aggressively. In other words, you’ll need a professional who can provide a comprehensive maintenance plan for your commercial refrigerators. If a maintenance plan is out of your price range, a business refrigerator repair service in New Jersey is the next best option.

The cost of commercial refrigeration repair is determined by the extent of the damage, the materials and supplies required, and the cost of labor. It is critical that this task be completed by only qualified and authorized repair staff.

Almost one-third of every 100 units (on average) will fail within the first ten years of ownership. What is the typical cost of these repairs? The average cost of a commercial refrigeration service call is $375.

Restaurants, merchants, warehouses, food distribution facilities, and offices can all benefit from a reliable commercial refrigeration repair service provided by a fully qualified Celestial Air engineer. We are committed to providing you with quality and economical commercial refrigeration repair services at any time of day.

For professional HVAC-R services, call Celestial Air today at (973) 627-4899.

How Long Do Commercial Refrigerators Last?

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Commercial Refrigerator Longevity – How Long Do They Last?

Refrigeration systems are critical to the success of supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants. Food retailers rely on industrial refrigerators to preserve their chilled goods and keep customers safe because so much of their inventory must be kept at cold temperatures. Managers should evaluate the advantages of upgrading their refrigerator units when they start to exhibit indications of age or serious malfunction.

Commercial refrigerators should last ten years on average, depending on how much wear and tear they receive. Some high-quality models can endure fifteen to twenty years with proper maintenance. Regular inspections and repairs, on the other hand, can cut a refrigerator’s lifespan in half and impair its overall efficiency throughout that period. Here’s how to tell if your cold storage needs to be updated.

For professional HVAC-R services, call Celestial Air today at (973) 627-4899.

 

Perhaps you have a commercial refrigerator that has served you well in the past but is now showing its age. Other businesses use commercial refrigerators that have sporadic maintenance concerns, raising their ownership costs over time. Do you want to keep repairing it or replace it with a new industrial refrigerator? Although commercial refrigerators with one to three sections have an average life expectancy of around ten years, various factors such as maintenance, use, original quality, and environment cause variation from this average.

There are currently some very high-quality versions on the market that can last as long as 20 years if properly maintained during its operation.

Many people, unfortunately, do not take the time to properly inspect their refrigeration equipment on a regular basis. Most individuals do not devote time and efforts into maintaining their refrigerators, but doing so might assist detect faults while they are still small.

Negligence can cut a commercial refrigerator’s life expectancy in half and reduce the unit’s overall efficiency. For example, if the evaporator and coil of the commercial refrigerator are not cleaned once a month, the lifespan of the machine might be reduced by up to 50%.

The unit’s condenser will have to work harder than usual if the coil is dirty, reducing the compressor’s lifespan.

How to Tell if Your Refrigerator Is Nearing the End of Its Service Life

There are certain telltale indications to watch for that may indicate that it is time to replace your refrigerator with a new model.

1. Quickly rotting food

The first sign to look for is food that spoils quickly. When a customer or patron walks into your store, they are most likely looking for fresh food to consume. Processed foods, on the other hand, have an expiration date that you should be aware of; meats and plant-based foods, on the other hand, do not last as long.

If your industrial refrigerator isn’t cooling as it should, it could be experiencing an issue that has to be addressed right away. Food that smells bad or unusual scents coming from your refrigerator are also indicators that something is wrong with it.

2. Ice and condensation

Look for leaks, moisture, and ice buildup, among other things. If ice is forming in your refrigerator unexpectedly, the device is most likely not cooling properly. Seals will eventually become weary and old, causing water to leak over time.

Water flow can generate additional major problems, such as condensation, which can lead to bacterial growth if left unchecked. Food rot and, in some situations, food poisoning can be caused by water movement.

3. Increasing energy bills

Furthermore, if your energy expenditures rise, it could be due to a problem with your sealing system. Such flaws can allow cold air to escape, resulting in an increase in your energy bill at the end of the month.

For example, when cold air escapes from your industrial refrigerator, the compressor is put under additional strain. As a result, the internal temperature of your refrigerator will rapidly change.

A properly functioning refrigerator will have no trouble maintaining a constant interior temperature, which will keep energy costs low.

4. Repair costs are rising

If your repair expenses are becoming too high, we recommend that you keep track of your refrigerator’s maintenance costs as well as its energy consumption levels to be safe.

If the repair estimate you receive from the refrigerator provider is more than half the cost of your broken or malfunctioning commercial refrigerator, it could be better to just buy a new one.

For professional HVAC-R services, call Celestial Air today at (973) 627-4899.

Commercial Cooler Repair

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When it comes to commercial refrigeration repair, all of your commercial refrigeration equipment is serviced and repaired by Celestial Air’s skilled and qualified experts. We provide New Jersey commercial businesses quick local commercial cooler repair services. With planned maintenance, our specialists can reduce or eliminate unplanned downtime, but they can also respond quickly with restaurant cooler repair in an emergency, such as when a walk-in freezer breaks down soon after a food delivery or the ice maker breaks down right before the holiday weekend.

 

Celestial Air delivers commercial refrigeration equipment service and maintenance throughout northern New Jersey 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

We service and repair many types of commercial refrigeration equipment and have considerable training in the following areas:

 

Ice Makers

Coolers

Refrigerators

Freezers

Walk-In Coolers

Walk-In Freezers

Keg Coolers

Beer Coolers

Bottle Coolers

 

Reach-In Refrigerators

Reach-In Freezers

Prep Tables

Undercounter Refrigerators

Undercounter Freezers

Blast Chillers

Blast Freezers

Display Cases

 

Expert Commercial Beer Cooler Repair on Your Timetable

 

Bars and restaurants that employ them rely on commercial coolers. Bottled beverages, kegs, mugs, glasses, and plates can all be stored and chilled in drink or beer coolers (also known as bar coolers, bottle coolers, and bottle/bar refrigerators). They not only provide refrigeration, but also storage and organization. If your cooler isn’t working properly, don’t hesitate to contact Celestial Air’s commercial cooler repair near me specialists.

We understand that time is money in business, and we experience the consequences of damaged commercial equipment every day! This is why we provide beer cooler repair near me service on your timetable.

Make an appointment with our beer cooler repair experts today by calling (973) 627-4899 or scheduling online!

Five Reasons to Contact a Commercial Refrigerator Repair Company for Commercial Beverage Cooler Repair

Strange noises: Commercial refrigeration machines are notoriously loud, but you should be able to tell when something isn’t right. Bangs, bumps, screeches, grinding, clanking, and other unusual noises should all encourage you to make an appointment for service.

Temperature fluctuations: Commercial beverage coolers are a significant investment. If you are noticing that your equipment isn’t maintaining a consistent temperature, call us to protect your investment in equipment and beverages.

Frost and Ice. A buildup of frost or ice can suggest a number of problems, but the two most prevalent are a clogged vent or a unit that is having trouble keeping a consistent temperature.

Water accumulation is a common symptom that a gasket, hose, or vent is failing, and commercial beverage coolers aren’t supposed to leak. Whatever the issue is, you should schedule commercial beverage refrigerator repair as soon as possible to avoid having to pay for water damage.

Bills that are too high: Are your company’s utility bills going up for no apparent reason? A faulty cooler that consumes more electricity than it requires could be the cause.

Although these are the five most prevalent difficulties we deal with during our sessions, they are by no means the only ones. If something doesn’t seem right and your unit isn’t working as it should, give us a call and we’ll gladly inspect it.

Commercial Bar Cooler Repair

We repair a variety of commercial bar coolers.

Celestial Air’s experts are well-versed in a wide range of commercial cooler types and brands. If you require commercial cooler repair for any of the following, give us a call:

Back Bar Coolers
Bottle or Beer Coolers
Horizontal Bottle Coolers
Wine Coolers
Glass and Plate Chillers

 

We Fix the Most Common Commercial Cooler Issues

 

If you’re having problems with your commercial cooler, it’s possible that you’re dealing with multiple issues. You can rely on Celestial Air’s commercial refrigeration experts to bring your unit back in working order, whether it’s having trouble regulating its temperature or won’t switch on. Here are some of the most common problems we fix:

 

The Bar Cooler is Malfunctioning

Check to see whether the bar or wine cooler has been switched off or unplugged, or if it has blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker if it isn’t working. If none of these things are the problem, contact a Celestial Air technician to diagnose and solve the problem.

 

Beverages Freeze

If your business cooler’s beverages are freezing, it could be due to a thermostat that has to be adjusted or replaced. Don’t let your beer go to waste! To solve the problem, contact one of our professionals.

Commercial Refrigerator Isn’t Cold Enough

 

A heated climate, dust clogging the condenser, dirty evaporator coils, low refrigerant, and other factors are all common causes of this problem. Fortunately, Celestial Air experts will be able to promptly diagnose and resolve the issue.

 

Warm Air is Coming from Exhaust Vent

It could be due to a faulty compressor or a refrigerant leak if your business cooler is blowing heated air. Contact a professional for assistance before the situation worsens.

 

Chiller Turns On and Off All the Time

Commercial appliances and coolers that cycle on and off frequently could be a sign of an environmental problem, such as hot weather or someone leaving the door open for long periods of time. Professional troubleshooting and repair may be required if this is not the case.

 

If you’re having trouble with your business cooler, call the experts at Celestial Air near you immediately for the quick and dependable service you require. We recognize that a broken beverage or beer cooler is inconvenient during your busy day, and we want to assist you in diagnosing the problem as soon as possible, according to your schedule. Simply dial

(972) 627-4899 to get started.

 

Walk In Cooler Repair

 

Factory reps educate and certify our technicians on a regular basis so that they can keep up with the ongoing changes that the industry experiences in the service of commercial walkin coolers. If you have a problem with your walk-in cooler, need commercial walkin cooler repair,  or any other commercial cooler, you can count on the experts at Celestial to respond quickly and effectively. When you have a business to run, a broken commercial walk-in cooler  is more than just a minor annoyance, which is why we want to team up with you to diagnose the problem as soon as possible, on your time.

Commercial Walk in cooler door repair

The door is the single most important component in the performance and efficiency of your your walk in cooler. A properly designed and constructed door maintains an airtight seal, prevents drooping, and always closes completely.  Our business walk-in cooler door repair New Jersey professionals are well-versed in the latest technologies and undergo ongoing training.

Many of the most common walk-in cooler door parts are on hand in our trucks. If the components you need aren’t on the truck, we’ll have them sent to you or the technician as soon as possible to provide the quickest possible repair.

Commercial Cooler Repair Cost and Estimates

 

We’ve seen cooler repairs that have cost very little, and others that were quite expensive to repair mostly because of lack of maintenance.  We can discuss the repair or replace option with you but will always try and keep your costs low.  We’ll be glad to give you a free estimate on your cooler repairs.

Looking for commercial cooler repair near me?  Give Celestial a call at (973) 627-4899. We’re the commercial refrigeration equipment repair experts in New Jersey.

 

Did you know we also make other refrigeration machine repairs such as ice machine repairs and refrigerator appliance repair?