2 Reasons Your Commercial Refrigerator Smells Bad
Posted on: 6 April 2020
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When you think about the smell of a restaurant kitchen, pleasant aromas are the only thing that should come to mind. You should not expect to be greeted with foul odors. However, in some restaurants, as soon as the door to their commercial refrigeration system is opened, bad smells are the exact thing they are greeted with. It's important to remember that this scenario is not normal and that it's often the result of an underlying issue.
1. Door Seals
Ensure the seals around the door remain in good condition at all times. The seals on the refrigeration system play a very important role in temperature control, as they ensure that the cooled air from inside the unit does not escape and that warm air from the outside cannot get inside.
When the seals are damaged, there is no more temperature control. As a result of the imbalance, the temperature inside the refrigeration unit will increase. Food is very delicate in that it must be kept at a precise temperature setting to remain fresh. The increase in temperature can cause food to spoil at an accelerated rate. The spoiled food, in turn, causes an odor.
Door seals must be replaced routinely, as everyday wear and tear shortens their lifespan. It's best to inspect the door seals regularly and change them immediately when you recognize an issue.
2. Maintenance
A lack of maintenance can cause the refrigeration system to produce a foul odor, especially when it comes to the condenser coil, evaporator, and fan. All of these components are responsible for promoting healthy air circulation.
When there is a lack of circulation because these components are not working correctly, standing water becomes an issue. Anytime there is standing water, mold is sure to form. Mold doesn't just raise health and safety concerns for the food inside the refrigerator, but the growth also produces a musty smell.
Once mold has formed, you will have to remove all the food from the refrigerator and perform a deep cleaning to remove it. Keep in mind; a lack of maintenance can also cause the refrigeration system to fail prematurely. Develop a schedule by which you have your unit inspected and serviced routinely to ensure you keep maintenance a priority.
Should you have a smell that you can't seem to get to the bottom of, don't hesitate to contact a repair professional for further assistance.
To learn more, contact a commercial refrigeration company.