Cleaning & Maintenance for Reach-In

Summary

This video provides essential guidelines for the proper maintenance of refrigerators and freezers. It highlights the importance of disconnecting the power before servicing and performing quarterly preventive maintenance. Key steps include checking and tightening door hinges, handles, and casters, calibrating the thermometer, cleaning the condensate pan and drain tube, and using a baking soda solution to clean the interior. The video emphasizes keeping the condenser coil clean and free from obstructions to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Following these steps helps extend the lifespan of the appliance and prevents warranty issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always disconnect power to the cabinet before performing any service or preventive maintenance, using either the master toggle switch or the power cord at the wall receptacle.
• 😀 Preventive maintenance should be performed quarterly or as needed to extend the lifespan of the refrigerator or freezer and avoid potential warranty issues.
• 😀 During maintenance, check and tighten the wall door hinge keeper, handle screws, casters, and legs to ensure they are secure and flush with the bottom of the cabinet.
• 😀 Place a calibrated thermometer on the center shelf to verify that the control on the front of the case matches the thermometer. Calibrate if necessary.
• 😀 Check the condensate pan for debris or corrosion, and clean it if required. Ensure the drain tube is properly positioned.
• 😀 To clean the cabinet interior, disconnect the power and move products to another refrigerated location. Remove shelves, clips, pan racks, and pilasters, then clean with a warm baking soda solution and rinse with clean water.
• 😀 Clean the front of the cabinet and the door gaskets with the same baking soda solution. Use a stiff bristle brush to remove dirt and ensure all surfaces are dry to prevent water stains or streaks.
• 😀 The performance of the air-cooled condensing unit depends on the airflow through the condenser coil fins. A clean condenser coil improves efficiency and reduces energy consumption.
• 😀 The condenser coil should be checked frequently, especially before requesting warranty service, to ensure it is free from dust or dirt.
• 😀 Never place anything on top of the cabinet or in front of the condenser coil, as this restricts airflow and can negatively affect performance.
• 😀 If the condenser coil is dirty or greasy, disconnect the power and clean it with a stiff brush or vacuum cleaner. In some cases, chemical cleaning or compressed air may be needed. Always rinse with clean water afterward to remove any chemical residue.
• 😀 Do not place any filters on the condenser coil, as this acts as a secondary restriction to airflow and will void the warranty.

Q & A

Why is it important to disconnect the power before performing maintenance on the refrigeration unit?

Disconnecting the power ensures safety during maintenance by preventing electrical hazards and accidental starts of the equipment while working on it.

How often should preventive maintenance be performed on the refrigeration unit?

Preventive maintenance should be done quarterly or as needed to extend the lifespan of the refrigerator or freezer and to maintain warranty coverage.

What are some components to check during preventive maintenance?

During preventive maintenance, check the wall door hinges, keeper, handle screws, casters, legs, and ensure they are tight and secure.

What is the purpose of placing a calibrated thermometer on the center shelf of the unit?

Placing a calibrated thermometer helps confirm that the temperature set by the control is accurate. If necessary, adjustments can be made to ensure proper temperature regulation.

What should you do if you find debris or corrosion in the condensate pan?

If debris or corrosion is found in the condensate pan, it should be cleaned to maintain proper drainage and prevent buildup that could affect the unit's efficiency.

What is the proper procedure for cleaning the interior of the refrigeration unit?

To clean the interior, disconnect the power, relocate the products, remove shelves and racks, and wash them with a warm baking soda solution. Rinse and dry all surfaces before reinstalling.

Why is it important to keep the condenser coil clean?

A clean condenser coil ensures the unit operates efficiently, uses less energy, and extends the lifespan of the refrigeration system by allowing proper airflow.

What should you avoid placing in front of or on top of the condenser coil?

Avoid placing any objects in front of or on top of the condenser coil as they block airflow, which can reduce the unit's efficiency and lead to overheating or malfunction.

Can a filter be placed on the condenser coil for easier maintenance?

No, a filter should not be placed on the condenser coil, as it acts as a restriction to airflow and will void the unit's warranty.

What should be done if the condenser coil is greasy or requires deeper cleaning?

If the condenser coil is greasy or requires intensive cleaning, it may need to be chemically cleaned or cleared with compressed air. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue.