Routine Refrigeration Maintenance: A Case Study

The following table is a case study of two clients of ours. Our service records from 7/1/12 – 6/31/13 were used to create this table. This comparison is between two bars located in the West Loop area in Chicago. One location (Bar #1) has had a routine maintenance schedule and the equipment is serviced quarterly. The second location (Bar #2) has never accepted a maintenance quote and never had all equipment cleaned and checked on a regular basis. They always call on the hottest days and nights getting whatever piece of equipment fixed that needs immediate attention. The table below will illustrate the importance of routine maintenance and the consequences of equipment neglect.

Establishment	Total Number Of Coolers & Freezers	Scheduled Maintenance 7/1/12 - 6/30/13	Non Emergency Service Calls 7/1/12 - 6/30/13	Overtime Service Calls 7/1/12 - 6/30/13	Compressor Failures 7/1/12 - 6/30/13
Bar #1	27	Every 3 Months	10	2	1
Bar #2	24	None	18	4	3

This table clearly shows the benefits of a maintenance plan. Bar #1 has more total equipment than Bar #2, but has less service calls for the year. Also, Bar #1 had only one compressor failure as compared to three at Bar #2. The overall cost of service for the year was much less at the client with a maintenance plan. The properly maintained equipment required far less electricity as well. Routine maintenance plans reduce service calls, save electricity and extend the life of refrigeration equipment.

When it comes to reliability of any equipment, preventive maintenance is a crucial factor. Failure to properly maintain commercial refrigeration will almost always lead to costly repairs and loss of product. As Murphy’s Law would have it, these breakdowns usually occur at the most inopportune times like nights and weekends. It is at these times that service of coolers and freezers comes at a premium. Failure to properly maintain equipment also causes much higher utility bills and shortens life of equipment.

Problems caused by failure to maintain refrigeration equipment

Increased utility bills
Burnt wiring due to increased amp draw
Failure of fan motors caused by dirty coils
Failure of thermostat due to increased amp draw
Failure of compressor due to dirty coils
Restriction of metering device caused by overheated & damaged refrigerant oil
and more!

Benefits of routine maintenance

Reduced electrical consumption
Less equipment breakdown
Lower service and repair costs
Longer equipment life
Fresher product
Reduced product spoilage
Decreases chance of emergency service due to neglect
Decreases stress
and more!

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