When working in an office or restaurant, people are often distracted by their work busy interacting with customers and clients. With everyone being so busy focusing on the job at hand, many people may not realize that there is an HVAC system that must be maintained. Although there are plenty of good reasons why those in these environments forget to show their HVAC some TLC, that doesn’t make them exempt from the many consequences of neglect.
Here are some of the consequences of failing to invest in commercial HVAC repairs in Eugene, OR:
Poor performance: When your unit was first installed, it probably performed efficiently with no problems, but over time that performance may have decreased. A poorly maintained HVAC system will perform much less efficiently than it did when it was first installed. As a result of the system’s poor performance, you’ll likely experience an increase in your monthly energy bill because your HVAC will be working harder to do its job.
Health will be negatively affected: There are a variety of ways to properly maintain your system, but one of the most common maintenance tasks is the changing of the filter. When the filter is not changed, it is unable to filter out particles that can cause you and others in the office harm when they are breathed in. If you want to keep yourself healthy, you’ll want to make sure you maintain your system and change the filter when necessary.
Unit may break down faster: Similar to a car that has not been maintained, an HVAC breakdown is likely to occur at some point. The more you neglect your HVAC system, the faster it will break down. When this happens, there are some cases where you will need to just replace it instead of repair it because it is simply too damaged. Regular maintenance will keep your unit working the way it is supposed to and prevent it from completely shutting down on you.
Unnecessary repairs will need to be performed: Failure to maintain your HVAC system will lead to otherwise unnecessary repairs having to be performed on your unit. The reason they would be considered unnecessary is that they could have been avoided if the unit had been properly maintained, rather than neglected. With most HVAC maintenance being simple and more affordable than repairs, it is something business owners and building managers should stay on top of on a regular basis.
If you want to avoid things like poor health, system replacement and unnecessary HVAC repairs in Eugene, OR, then you want to avoid neglecting your HVAC system. It is easy to forget about your HVAC system because it is not something you see every day, but it is just as easy for this lack of maintenance to negatively impact your business in a number of ways. With a bit of maintenance helping you have better control, you’ll be pleased with your decision when you have a system that is running properly and you don’t have to spend money on otherwise avoidable repairs.
Want to learn more? American Refrigeration Inc. can answer any questions you have about commercial HVAC repairs in Eugene, OR and much more.
Businesses like restaurants, cafeterias, grocery stores, hotels and more all require the use of commercial refrigeration. If a unit breaks down, it could lead to a lot of unneeded trouble for the business owner. Therefore, it is important that anyone who owns a business that relies on the use of commercial refrigeration do everything they can to keep their units properly maintained so they can extend the life of the unit and avoid major repairs.
One of the best ways to accomplish this is through cleaning commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR. Here are a few tips about how to clean each part of the unit.
How to clean the condenser coils
As condenser coils become dirtier, they lead to the unit needing to work harder to accomplish the same task. This can lead to overheating and the eventual damage of some important parts of the equipment. Therefore, condenser coils should be cleaned once a month at the very least to ensure their longevity.
Condenser coils are not always located in the same spot, so you may need to check the manual or with the person installing the unit to figure out exactly where yours is located. Once you’ve found it, you’re going to want to clean it off with a commercial cleaner made specifically for these types of coils, sold at any location that provides kitchen equipment. Use a brush to scrub off the condenser fins, using a top-to-bottom motion as you scrub. After you’ve finished with the fins, make sure you straighten out any you’ve bent in the process with a comb.
How to clean the interior of the commercial refrigerator
The interior of the unit is what the customers are typically going to see, and so you’re going to want to pay more attention to aesthetics here. Therefore, you’re not going to want to use hard brushes or steel wool to clean, as it could cause a lot of damage to the finish and scratches to the interior. Additionally, you will want to avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, as they could leave behind unwanted scents or chemical coatings. The last thing you want is to negatively impact the flavor of the food.
Instead, use a simple mixture of a mild soap and warm water and gently wipe the inside of your unit with a towel. Additionally, once a week, you should take all of the gaskets off the refrigerator and let them soak in soapy water for a half hour or so. Then you can dry them off and put them back on the unit.
How to clean the fan blades and motor
You should also clean the blades and motor about once a month. This is a simple process—just use a soft cloth and run it over the fan blades and motor. If you notice the fan blades are particularly dirty, cover the motor with a dry cloth and use a damp cloth to wipe the blades. This will make sure no moisture seeps into the motor.
For more tips for cleaning commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR, contact the team at American Refrigeration Inc. today!
If you want to make sure your business constantly has properly functioning heating and cooling systems, then you need to choose the right service for commercial HVAC repair in Eugene, OR. Your HVAC systems need constant attention and care to operate at efficient levels. After all, you want your customers and employees to be comfortable when they’re working or visiting your business!
Here are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a company for commercial HVAC repair in Eugene, OR:
Services: First and foremost, you need to be sure the company you choose offers all of the services you are looking for. You want a team that is not only able to help you out with regular maintenance and simple, ongoing tasks, but also with major repairs should you end up needing them. Any HVAC company you choose to work with should also be able to help you with installation if, for example, you’re looking to put in a new furnace or want to install central air conditioning.
Experience: Experience is key in the HVAC industry. You want to work with a specialist who can diagnose a problem and find a solution almost instantly, because he or she has seen it hundreds of times before. The more experience a company has, the more types of units it has seen and the quicker it will be able to come to a solution for your HVAC issue.
Training: Always go with a company that focuses on regular training of employees. All technicians should constantly be learning about their job, because the technology is constantly evolving for HVAC systems. You might consider asking about what sort of ongoing learning happens in the company, or what types of certifications employees are required to have.
Emergency service: It’s always nice to know a company has your back when you need its services the most. See what types of emergency services are provided and if the HVAC technicians are available on a 24/7 basis. You never know when you’re going to have a sudden critical HVAC issue that could compromise your ability to do business.
Pricing: While you should never make price your single biggest issue when it comes to choosing your HVAC repair service, it is certainly something you are going to want to consider. The quality of service should always come first, but pricing can be used as a tiebreaker when all else is equal. After all, you want the services to fit within your budget.
Reviews: Make sure you browse review sites online and reach out to other companies that have used HVAC services so you can figure out exactly what kind of repair service you’re dealing with. You want to go with a team that gets great recommendations from the majority of its customers.
Looking for more tips about choosing the right service for commercial HVAC repair in Eugene, OR? Contact us today at American Refrigeration Inc., and we will be happy to help you.
There is no doubt that maintaining the temperature of your commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR will be the largest expense this summer for your food business. Fortunately, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy offers tips for keeping your appliances efficient when the outdoor temperatures start to rise. Here is what you can do to help your commercial refrigerator remain a vital asset, while also controlling your costs:
Watch anti-sweat heater usage: While there is a temptation to keep these on at all times, the only time you need them is when you see condensation buildup. You will either notice it on the inside of a refrigerator door or a cooled food display case. Add automation so the anti-sweat heater activates when necessary. This will save you money and also reduce continued wear on your commercial refrigeration.
Check door gaskets and auto closers: Energy leakage often arises from the refrigeration doors. This can happen for a couple of reasons. First, the gaskets eventually wear out and start to let cold air escape, which increases demand on the cooler or refrigerator. Second, employees may leave doors open slightly, or any auto closers installed on your appliances may quit working. You will want to educate your employees on being sure to close doors, but also keep an eye on your auto closers to make sure they work.
Clean coils: Dust accumulation on coils also reduces cooling and leads to inefficient heat transfer. If you can see the coils, vacuum them out frequently so they can continue to serve you well. However, if these are less accessible, arranging for regular maintenance and cleaning of your appliances will assure their long-term efficiency and functioning.
Be aware of space: Your refrigeration system needs adequate space for ventilation. Check for airflow around the coils and any obstacles blocking air circulation. When there is no airflow, the refrigerator and the coils work harder which drains energy, raises utility bills and eventually leads to failure.
Consider motion-sensing lighting: If your refrigeration system includes a display case, know that the lighting systems can also be an energy drain. By installing motion sensors, they will only turn on when needed, and that leads to more utility savings.
Install night curtains: Rather than keep your display coolers exposed, invest in night curtains so they can stay cool even when not in use. In the morning, they will not have to work as hard to get to optimal temperature.
Typical commercial refrigeration can consume up to 17,000 kilowatt-hours of energy, and commercial freezers can go as high as 38,000. However, these systems are necessary to keep your food safe for customers. While the Energy Department is working on standards to make these essential pieces of equipment more efficient, you can make efforts today to enjoy improved efficiency.
For assistance with repair and maintenance for commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR, contact American Refrigeration, Inc. We work on many models and offer special expertise to the food industry when it comes to HVAC demands.
It is a problem that can sneak up on you. One day, you notice your industrial refrigerator or display case does not feel as cold as it should. After dismissing it as your imagination, you may put off repairs because it does not seem likely that a refrigerator or display case could lose cooling power. Unfortunately, that approach could lead to the catastrophic position of having no cooling in your refrigerator or display case. In these instances, you need to call for commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR as soon as possible to reduce possible losses and keep your food quality safe.
A very bad development
There are few questions regarding the impacts of commercial refrigeration failure. The bad effects are immense. Commercial refrigeration is essential for any food industry. It is the difference between happy customers who continue to return and patrons who swear never to visit again after catching a case of food poisoning. These issues lead to safety and liability concerns that could hamstring your business. You may not only lose customers, but you might also fail inspections that keep your business doors open. Sometimes, you can even face fines and other civil penalties from the state or your locality.
That is not the only way you can lose money through failed refrigeration, however. These devices also preserve your inventory. Ingredients for restaurant meals or meat and cheese items in a display case are how you make your living. If they are not preserved, people cannot consume or purchase them. When you throw away your food products, it is essentially the same as throwing away your money from reduced inventory and sales.
Call a technician immediately
You need to trust your instincts on this matter. If you notice your commercial refrigeration is not cool enough, do not dismiss your feelings as imagined. You are handling food in that appliance every single day, and if there is a difference in its functioning, it is very likely you will notice it. This matter is too serious to take lightly, and it may be better to pay a technician to find nothing wrong than risk having a failure later. You will gain peace of mind, at the very least.
Also, issues with commercial refrigeration cannot be addressed as a do-it-yourself project. Commercial refrigeration is very different from its consumer counterpart, and there is also more at stake. A lack of cooling can have several causes, including worn-out coils or malfunctioning fans. An experienced technician can figure out these problems for you and, most importantly, repair it correctly the first time. You want to spend your time managing your business and creating products for your customers—not attempting to fix your essential and technical machinery.
Start your summer by completing all needed commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR as soon as possible. American Refrigeration, Inc. offers the experience you require for your food business. Call us today to arrange for a visit so your refrigeration can stay cool and productive all summer long.
