Tech Corner: Hot Tips for Keeping Things Cool

Saving money on expensive cooling unit repairs and helping the environment.

In these trying times it is important to keep expenses in check. Simple planned maintenance can go a long way in helping you curb repair and replacement costs. Refrigeration systems are common in all vending companies that sell fresh food or cold beverages. They can be found in assets such as Vending Machines, Micro-market fridges, Water Coolers and Ice Machines. Refrigeration systems need proper air flow to keep compressor temperature to factory specification. Having a cooling unit that is not circulating air correctly is like driving your car with a piece of cardboard stuck on your radiator or a fan not working correctly...eventually the car will overheat causing major damage to the engine. These same principles apply to air circulation in the refrigeration unis that we see in most Market Fridges and Cold Drink Vendors. 

3 Simple steps should be used for cooling best practices. 

Ensuring all beverage coolers and drink vendors are spaced at least 4 inches from walls, boxes and or clutter. A good way to prevent machines from being pushed up tight against a wall is by simply placing a short piece of 2 X 4 behind the cooler. 
Scheduling a clean up every 4 to 6 months to help the compressors run cooler. An easy way to clean off a condenser is by simply using a stiff paint brush to sweep away any accumulated dust and lint particles. Once the compressor area has been swept, using a vacuum is recommended to finish the job, it’s also important to inspect the evaporator fan(s) and condenser fan(s) at this time to ensure longevity of your investment.
A quick look at all the door seals to make sure they don’t have any cracks or gaps is highly recommended when doing preventative maintenance.  Can Vendor delivery doors must operate correctly.. you want them to be closing tight thereby keeping warm air out and cold air in to ensure best performance. 

All these simple tasks will help prolong the life of your expensive investments by allowing your cooling unit to run more efficiently. It’s an easy task for the operator and should not be overlooked.    

This is a republication of an article originally released in CAMA Newsletter Issue 2 April 2021.