Preventive Maintenance of Commercial Refrigeration Equipment: A Practical Guide for Retailers and HoReCa

A faulty commercial refrigeration unit means more than just repair costs – it means lost stock, dissatisfied customers and, for HoReCa businesses, serious food safety risks. That is precisely why preventive maintenance is not a luxury but a necessity for any business that depends on refrigeration. In this article we present a practical guide to keeping your refrigeration equipment in optimal condition throughout the year.

Why does preventive maintenance matter?

Many failures in commercial refrigeration equipment could be avoided with periodic checks. Industry statistics show that a rigorous preventive maintenance programme can reduce repair costs by up to 40% and extend the service life of equipment by several years.

Beyond savings, a well-maintained display fridge or refrigeration unit consumes less electricity. Clogged condensers or dirty filters can increase energy consumption by 20–30%, which is felt directly in the monthly electricity bill.

Checks you can carry out yourself

Not all maintenance tasks require a specialist technician. Here is what you can check periodically without advanced technical knowledge:

Cleaning the door seals – The seals on display fridge doors must be clean, flexible and free of cracks. A damaged seal allows warm air to enter, forcing the compressor to work harder.
Checking the displayed temperature – Compare the temperature shown on the display with an external thermometer. A large discrepancy may indicate an operating problem.
Cleaning the condenser – The condenser grille (usually located at the back or bottom) becomes clogged with dust and lint. Clean it with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner at least once a month.
Clearing the space around the equipment – Refrigeration equipment requires adequate space for ventilation. Make sure it is not obstructed by other objects.
Checking ice build-up levels – Excessive ice formation on the evaporator is a sign that something is not working correctly (faulty defrost cycle, leaking seal, etc.).

Recommended periodic interventions by a certified technician

Some tasks must be carried out exclusively by a certified refrigeration specialist. We recommend scheduling these checks at least twice a year – ideally in spring, before the warm season, and in autumn:

Checking the refrigerant level – A refrigerant leak reduces efficiency and can damage the compressor.
Checking operating pressures – Suction and discharge pressures must fall within the parameters specified by the manufacturer.
Inspection of electrical components – The thermostat, pressure switch, start relay and electrical connections must be checked for wear or corrosion.
Professional evaporator cleaning – Periodic chemical cleaning prevents bacterial build-up and ensures efficient heat transfer.
Lubrication of moving parts – Fans and other moving components require periodic lubrication to prevent premature wear.

Specific tips for Modaco commercial display fridges

Modaco display fridges, manufactured in Găești, Dâmbovița County, are designed for high reliability and energy efficiency. Nevertheless, like any professional equipment, they also require regular maintenance to operate at optimal parameters.

Owners of food retail stores, supermarkets, pastry shops or HoReCa establishments using Modaco display fridges should observe a few basic rules:

Avoid overloading display fridges beyond the marked maximum load line – air must circulate freely between products.
Do not place warm or hot products directly into the display fridge – allow them to cool down first.
Carry out manual defrosting (where no automatic system is fitted) in accordance with the instructions in the equipment manual.
Contact an authorised service centre for any technical intervention, so as not to void the equipment warranty.

What does neglect cost compared to maintenance?

A burnt-out compressor motor or a destroyed heat exchanger can generate repair or replacement costs of several thousand lei. Added to this is the loss of refrigerated stock, which can be substantial. A preventive maintenance programme costs a fraction of these sums and gives you the peace of mind that your business runs without unexpected interruptions.

Think of preventive maintenance exactly like a car service: you do not do it because something has already broken, but precisely so that nothing breaks at the wrong moment.

Contact Modaco for advice and service

If you would like to find out more about maintaining commercial refrigeration equipment or are interested in a high-quality Romanian-made display fridge, the Modaco team is at your disposal. With over 30 years of experience in the manufacture and servicing of commercial refrigeration equipment, we can help you make the right choice and keep your investment in optimal condition.

Call us now on 0727.324.787 and one of our specialists will answer all your questions. Do not put maintenance off until later – reliable refrigeration means a reliable business!