3 Things to Check to Make Sure Your Equipment is Up to Date

As the weather turns colder, the indoor heaters turn hotter and the kitchens busier - which means it’s time you have your facility kitchen inspected and prepared for another holiday season! You don’t want to be scrambling for a repair on the fly if something breaks during high-traffic times, so being proactive will help you keep your kitchen fired up and ready to go as families gather to feast.

Of course, if you were to run into a maintenance emergency, we’ve got your back. In the meantime, here are a few things you should inspect to proactively prevent any stressful and costly holiday equipment malfunctions.

1. Air Conditioning Systems

The air conditioning maintenance cycle is seasonal, so just as you would want cool air to protect you from a sweltering summer, you’d also want to keep your guests cozy in the frigid months. While refrigerant can wait for the spring, there are a few boxes to check in the fall.

The first priority is checking the belts on the blower for wear and potentially replacing them, while the second is ensuring the heating components run properly. The heat exchanger in the heating system should be checked for cracks or leaks, which could potentially cause harmful gases in the space. These checkpoints will assist in the operation of your system when needed.

Finally, the pulleys and sheaves should be checked for wear and tear, while the evaporator will likely need to be cleaned to maintain efficiencies for the facility.

Along with these HVAC checks, another best practice would be to change your filters as a recommended quarterly maintenance.

2. Refrigeration Systems

While it might be cold enough to store your food outside (not recommended for obvious reasons), your refrigeration systems are still important regardless of the season.

As part of a pre-holiday inspection, you will need to check your condensate line, which helps remove moisture and converting it into water. Like the HVAC system, you will also check your evaporator for any obstructions to facilitate the transfer of heat. A unit that doesn’t transfer heat efficiently will have to work harder and will likely break sooner. The fall will also be the best time to check insulation, another safeguard to prevent the refrigeration system from overworking and breaking down on the job.

Finally, a fall inspection will entail checking and lubricating motors, changing the air filters, and ensuring electrical connections are sound.

3. Hot Side System

A fryer, grill-griddle, or char-broiler breakdown is not the kind of spice you want to add to the experience in your kitchen. Problems with this equipment can be hazardous for people in the facility and can pose fire risks if not addressed. The inspection for these systems will be thorough and will include a few of the following:

For the fryer: checking of overall conditions as well as an inspection of all electrical connections. The flue will be checked for obstructions and drain links will be inspected for leaks, among other items.

For the grill-griddle: Inspection of the burner gas valve, and wiring. A general check for deficiencies, and verification of the operation of the ignition system will also be performed.

Char-broiler: Check for burner operations boiler valves, and a general inspection for deficiencies.

Schedule Your Inspection

Now is the time to make sure your kitchen is in tip-top shape for the busiest season of the year. Whether you need emergency service, maintenance or you’re simply checking to make sure everything is in good working order, we’re here to help you.

To call for demand service or to schedule an inspection, call 800-864-7717.