Energy (and Life) Saving Tips For Your Walk-In Cooler

Your walk-in cooler makes the difference between having fresh food and having no food at all.  Some would go so far as to say that it’s the most important piece of equipment that you have working for you. Like all equipment, it must be maintained and used properly if it’s going to keep food fresh. Here are some tips to help you keep your cooler working at optimum levels.

This may seem obvious, but sometimes doors don’t get shut all the way or people stand in the cooler with it open while they are hunting for something. If the cold air keeps escaping, the cooler must work harder to stay cool and that reduces the life of the unit. The door of any walk-in cooler should only be opened when going in or coming out.

If there is too many items surrounding any type of fridge, airflow gets blocked. Refrigerators require a constant airflow to function. If it can’t get enough air it will work harder than it has to. If you have a walk-in built into the wall, your installer will have vents for air exchange. Make sure these don’t get blocked.

Make sure that when you leave the cooler that you turn the lights out.  The bulbs generate heat, and the freezer must compensate for it if they’re left on.  Fortunately, it’s just a flick of a switch and you’re good as gold.

This works the same as putting stuff near the intake.  Putting items on top of the walk in freezer or fridge have the potential to damage the top of it and can block airflow as well.

Take a really good look at the cooler every six months to determine whether there are leaks, cracks, or other imperfections in the sealing.  Any damage means that the cooler is working harder than it should, causing increased energy bills and possibly spoiled food.  If you find something out of place, take action.

Your walk in cooler is perhaps the most important piece of equipment that you’ve got in the shop. Without fresh food, a restaurant cannot last. Keeping your cooler well-maintained will help that piece of equipment last for a long time.