Eliminate Moisture Damage in Commercial Freezers and Achieve Energy-Efficient Foodservice Operations

Commercial freezers are the lifeline of many commercial foodservice facilities, and exposure to constant activity like repetitive opening and closing can take a toll on both the doors’ mechanism, as well as the food stored inside. Constant use can also allow moisture to enter the supposedly controlled environment, which can then affect the efficiency and quality of food service operations in the long run.

If you find that the commercial freezers in your foodservice facility are no longer performing up to par, it may be time to consider a maintenance check-up or replacement, starting with the parts responsible for moisture control. You can learn all about the effects of uncontrolled moisture on commercial freezers below.

Why You Need to Watch Out for Moisture in Commercial Freezers

Over time, the wear and tear on freezer doors caused by the repetitive opening and closing motion and the resulting inability of the doors to close properly can cause moisture to build up in the conditioned space. While it seems inevitable that moisture enters the system, the effects are particularly adverse when humid air enters the freezer, as it leads to increased moisture inside. Add to that, storing moisture-rich foods can only speed up the process of moisture build-up.

Naturally, freezers that are not frequently opened are less susceptible to moisture but in foodservice operations with high rates of product turnover, it’s impossible to keep the doors shut for a long time. The solution? Ensure the optimal function of moisture control to avoid frost in the coldest parts of the freezer, particularly in the evaporator coil. Doing so will help to prevent food damage and waste, as well as overwork compressors that can lead to higher energy costs.

How Frost Damages Commercial Freezers

One of the most common misconceptions when it comes to freezers is that the presence of frost or ice is good. Most people think that this signals adequate freezing and preservation of food stored inside.

In reality, frost occurs in freezers as a result of warm, moist air that makes its way into the refrigeration system. Whether this happens due to the failure mechanism of the doors or piping that leaks, the ice that forms can render foodservice operations inefficient over time.

More Frost, Higher Inefficiency Rates

Commercial freezers are designed to preserve items in a cool state by removing hot air, rendering the environment suitably cold. But when ice or frost forms, the compressor has to work overtime to lower the temperature inside and allow the stored items to remain frozen. As the compressor works overtime, it consumes more energy, leading to more expensive utility bills. This is especially common in the summer months, are there is a higher likelihood of warm air entering the system, which makes it harder for the compressor to maintain suitable freezing temperatures.

Frost Can Damage Food 

The number one function of freezers is to preserve food. But as frost builds up inside, it can cause freezers to fail at their function. When food comes in contact with ice, freezer burn can occur, which can cause damage flavors, aromas, and overall quality. In more extreme cases, the formation of ice crystals on food can even compromise their safety. Over time, this can render the food inedible, which causes waste and higher resource costs.

There are different types of commercial defrost systems. In most cases, defrost cycles use a time clock that is manually set to defrost the evaporator every six hours, whether it needs to or not. This wastes energy. In reality, though, the best way to defrost your commercial freezer is to implement a smart, or on-demand defrost system that only operates when it is needed, not based on timing that doesn't necessarily coordinate with need.

How to Avoid Frost Build-up in Commercial Freezers

The key to proper food preservation in commercial freezers is effective moisture control, and that starts with an efficient commercial-grade system. Expert freezer manufacturers recommend a smart or on-demand defrost system. Instead of overworking the cooling system, a smart defrost mechanism will only operate when its sensors signal that it’s time to defrost and get rid of ice inside the freezer. Aside from keeping stored goods in optimal condition, a smart defrost system also presents opportunities to save on energy costs due to higher efficiency. In the long run, inefficient and frost-damaged commercial freezers lead to the accrual of higher operational costs and slim profit margins.

At the first sign of inefficient, or worse, failing freezing mechanisms, don’t hesitate to book a maintenance inspection with a trusted refrigerator supplier and service provider. Expert technicians are highly likely to recommend a smart defrost system, or a complete system upgrade to state-of-the-art commercial refrigeration in order to correct moisture control and stop damage-causing frost building-up. Investing in a smart defrost system or an upgraded, energy-efficient commercial refrigeration system will allow your facility to benefit from sustained energy and operational costs. In the long run, these investments will add value to your business as the increased savings and reduced product wastage will yield higher profit margins and overall market growth.

The Benefits of Upgraded Commercial Freezers

The fact is, the growth of your business is not solely determined by the strength of your products. A huge part of it also hinges upon the backbone of day-to-day operations, such as functional equipment. In the food supply industry, there’s nothing more important than high-performance and durable commercial freezers. Today’s upgraded models are designed to be energy-efficient and have a higher capacity to eliminate the frost that overworks compressors and racks up utility costs. The resulting efficiency reduces the possibility of product damage and loss of profit.

At a glance, investing in high-performance and energy-efficient commercial freezers doesn’t seem to automatically add up to better business, but upon closer look, the resulting efficiency and product viability can actually lead to unparalleled returns and growth over time.

For more information about reducing frost buildup in your commercial freezers, call Ancaster Foods on (855) 888-9644 or contact us here.