How to Prepare Your Refrigeration Equipment for the Warm Season
Why Preparing Refrigeration Equipment Before Summer Is Essential
As outdoor temperatures rise, refrigeration equipment in shops, restaurants and bars is subjected to significantly greater thermal stress. Compressors work harder, energy consumption increases, and the risk of technical failures grows considerably. Properly preparing your refrigeration equipment before the warm season is not just about preventing unexpected repair costs — it also means protecting your product stock and maintaining food safety standards.
Whether you own a food store, a supermarket or a HoReCa venue, the steps below will help you enter the warm season with your equipment in the best possible condition.
1. Check and Clean the Condenser
The condenser is the component that expels heat from the refrigeration system. Over the course of winter and spring, the condenser grille accumulates dust, lint and various impurities that reduce its efficiency. A dirty condenser means an overloaded compressor and significantly higher energy consumption.
- Clean the condenser grilles with compressed air or a soft brush, taking care not to damage the fins.
- Check that the condenser fan is operating correctly and that there are no abnormal noises.
- Make sure there is sufficient space around the unit for optimal air circulation.
On MODACO display fridges, condensers are designed for easy cleaning; however, periodic inspection remains essential for peak performance on hot days.
2. Inspect Door Seals and Equipment Doors
Door seals are often overlooked, even though they play a crucial role in maintaining the internal temperature. A worn or deformed seal allows warm air to enter the display fridge or refrigeration unit, forcing the compressor to run continuously to compensate for the cold loss.
- Visually inspect every seal: it must show no cracks, missing sections or deformations.
- Test the seal by placing a sheet of paper between the door and the frame: if the paper slides out easily, the seal needs replacing.
- Clean the seals with a mild degreasing solution to remove deposits that can affect their elasticity.
3. Check the Refrigerant Level
An insufficient refrigerant level drastically reduces the cooling capacity of the equipment. If you notice that your display fridge is no longer maintaining the set temperature, or that uneven ice deposits are appearing on the evaporator, there may be a refrigerant leak.
This check must be carried out by a qualified technician. Do not attempt to add refrigerant without a prior diagnosis from a specialist, as you may worsen the problem or compromise the safety of the equipment.
4. Calibrate Thermostats and Check the Temperature Control System
In summer, high ambient temperatures can affect the way the thermostat senses and regulates the internal temperature. It is important to adjust settings accordingly to keep products within the safe temperature range, especially in the case of dairy products, meat or chilled prepared foods.
- Use a calibrated external thermometer to verify the actual temperature inside the unit against the displayed reading.
- Check that temperature alarms are functioning correctly, if the unit is equipped with this feature.
- Consult the equipment manual for the recommended settings based on ambient temperature.
5. Ensure Correct Placement of Equipment Within the Space
In summer, additional heat sources inside the shop or restaurant — direct sunlight, cooking appliances, strong lighting — can significantly raise the ambient temperature, placing extra strain on refrigeration equipment.
- Avoid positioning display fridges in front of windows exposed to direct sunlight.
- Maintain a minimum distance of 10–15 cm from walls and other heat-generating equipment.
- Ensure adequate ventilation of the space in which the equipment operates.
MODACO display fridges, manufactured in Romania since 1992, are designed to perform efficiently under the specific conditions of the local commercial environment, including periods of high ambient temperature.
6. Schedule a Technical Service Before Peak Season
The surest way to enter the warm season without unpleasant surprises is a comprehensive technical service carried out by a specialist. Preventive maintenance always costs less than an emergency repair in the middle of summer, when equipment is running at full capacity.
A technical service involves checking all electrical and mechanical components, professionally cleaning the circuits, verifying refrigerant pressure and testing operation under summer conditions.
Prepare Your Refrigeration Equipment with the Help of MODACO Specialists
Don't let summer catch you off guard with unprepared refrigeration equipment. MODACO, with over 30 years of experience in the manufacture and servicing of commercial refrigeration equipment, is at your disposal for consultation, technical service and solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact the MODACO team now on 0727.324.787 and make sure your display fridges and refrigeration equipment are ready to handle the warm season with ease!