Understand Heat Load Sources
Open-front display fridges invite warm air whenever shoppers pass. Add supermarket lighting, bakery ovens, and automatic doors, and you have a perfect storm of heat load. Conduct a store walk-through to identify hotspots where sunlight or HVAC vents blast directly onto chilled cabinets.
Tactical Adjustments for Summer
- Lower night blinds every evening to trap cold air.
- Install air curtains or plexiglass wings on high-traffic cases.
- Rotate stock more frequently so airflow is not blocked by large product stacks.
- Keep condenser decks spotless; vacuum them weekly during January–March.
Maintenance Musts
Heatwaves push compressors to their limits. Test fan motors for proper amperage, inspect expansion valves for frosting, and replace clogged filters. Ask technicians to log superheat and subcool readings so you can compare performance across seasons.
Staff Training
Brief merchandisers on the golden rule: “Face products without blocking vents.” Provide a laminated card that shows where each case’s return-air slots sit. Empower staff to call maintenance if they spot sweating shelves or temperature alarms.
Data-Driven Decisions
Pair fridges with IoT sensors that track cabinet temperatures and door counts. Analyse the data weekly to adjust defrost schedules, night-blind usage, or floor layouts. Small tweaks can reduce energy consumption by 10–15% during the hottest months.
Partner Support
Cape Fridge Doctor offers after-hours coil cleaning, refrigerant leak checks, and proactive component swaps so your store opens each morning with perfectly chilled displays, even after scorching nights.
Need professional help? Pitch after-hours servicing so supermarkets avoid daytime disruptions. Contact Cape Fridge Doctor today.