When temperatures soar, your fridges and freezers work overtime. For hospitality businesses—whether you’re running a busy kitchen, bar, or catering operation—protecting your chilled assets during warm weather is essential for food safety, compliance, and stock preservation.
Here are our top tips to keep your cold storage running smoothly this summer:
1. Don’t Overfill – Let Airflow Do Its Job
It’s tempting to pack every inch of fridge and freezer space during busy periods, but overloading units can block airflow and make it harder for them to maintain safe temperatures. Leave space between items to allow for proper circulation—your compressor will thank you.
Refrigeration units dissipate heat from their condensers, usually located at the back or bottom. If these coils are blocked by dust, debris, or lack of space, the unit has to work much harder. Make sure there’s adequate space around your units and clean condenser coils regularly to remove any build-up. This simple maintenance can significantly improve efficiency.
2. Keep Doors Closed (And Don’t Prop Them Open)
In the heat, every second a door is open puts extra strain on the system. Make sure staff understand the importance of keeping fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible—especially walk-ins. No propping them open “just for a second!”
3. Monitor Ambient Room Temperatures
Your refrigeration units don’t operate in a vacuum—if the kitchen or storage room is excessively warm, it directly affects performance. Ventilate prep areas where possible, and avoid placing fridges near ovens, dishwashers, or other heat-producing equipment.
4. Check Seals and Gaskets Regularly
Heat can dry out or damage door seals, leading to leaks and inefficiency. Do a quick visual check for cracks, gaps, or tears, and make sure doors are closing flush. A faulty seal can cause internal temperatures to rise quickly—often without staff noticing.
5. Clean the Condenser Coils
Dust and grease build-up on condenser coils reduces cooling efficiency—especially in hot weather. Schedule a quick coil clean every few months (or more often in busy kitchens) to keep your units performing at their best.
6. Monitor Temperatures Diligently
While most commercial fridges have built-in thermometers, cross-referencing with a calibrated device ensures accuracy. Even better, consider using a continuous temperature monitoring system. This gives you visibility over time, helps spot issues early, and provides a log of performance—critical during heatwaves or peak service hours.
7. Have a Backup Plan in Place
Even with the best prep, breakdowns can happen. Make sure your team knows what to do if a fridge or freezer fails. Keep contact details for local maintenance teams on hand, and if possible, have spare capacity in another unit. And don’t forget to back up your compliance records!
8. Perform Regular Maintenance Checks
Hot weather can expose hidden weaknesses in older equipment. Go beyond surface-level cleaning: check fan motors, listen for unusual noises, and ensure refrigerant levels are where they should be. A proactive maintenance routine can prevent last-minute failures and protect your stock and service continuity.
✅ Final Thoughts
Taking small steps now can save you from big problems later. With the right checks in place and a little planning, your cold storage will stay steady—no matter how high the temperature climbs.
