Today is the start of spring, and although it may seem as if spring hasn’t quite sprung, this time of year is a great reminder that once in a while everything needs a little tuning – including your kitchen.
Regular maintenance is key to energy savings and before you call on the experts, there is a lot you can do yourself to ensure optimal performance of all kitchen equipment; after all small fixes can mean huge savings for your business! Check out our springtime maintenance checklist and keep your kitchen at top speed, for less.
Ovens and warmers
Check door seals! When your oven is on, check the air near the door opening – if you can feel heat escaping, it may be time to replace the gasket. Every few months, it’s useful to check the calibration of your oven’s temperature. Use an oven thermometer to see if the cabinet is as hot as it should be and recalibrate or replace as necessary.
Refrigerator
When was the last time you cleaned the evaporator and condenser? Well, there’s never been a better time. First, clean the condenser coil with a condenser coil cleaner. Then take a cloth to the motor and fan blades and use a solvent of warm water and soap to clean the inside of your unit. Next up, replace those worn rubber gaskets on refrigerator doors.
Then, look under the condenser to see if your fan units are clogged (with anything from air contaminants to insects). If they are, call in the cavalry. The resulting loss of air flow can decrease the cooling capacity while increasing the overall electrical consumption of the refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Finally, make sure the drain at the base of your commercial refrigerator isn’t blocked and causing your unit to work double-time.
Ventilation
Maximize ventilation hood performance by pushing appliances back against the wall and closing gaps to prevent air being trapped behind them. Add side panels to your hood to guide smoke-filled exhaust to the extractor.
Food steamer
Change your water filter if you haven’t already and check for leaks in incoming water lines that could require the steamer to work harder than necessary. Leaks can seriously impact your energy bill and wear down your boiler, fast. Check the seal to make sure the door is flush with the machine and ensure that water is draining properly.
Lighting
Are you using compact fluorescent lights or LED in walk-in units, under hoods and in your dining room? You should be! CFLs can cut costs by up to 75% and they last ten times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Read about the benefits of LED.
Deep fryer maintenance
Every 3-6 months, a boil-out, or intensive clean, needs to be performed on your deep fryer. How? Drain the old fryer oil and fill the vat with warm water and a mild cleaning solution. Turn the fryer on until the water simmers and then scrub the vat with a long-handled brush. Then, drain the solution and rinse the vat with warm water before refilling it with oil. Check that all fittings are tight and inspect the fry pot for leaks!
Windows and blinds
Natural sunlight can save you tons on heating and lighting! Take the time to wash up and make sure you’re reaping the rewards of skylight. Take down blinds and have them washed or cleaned – that won’t save you money, but customers will appreciate it.
If you’re in the mood for a retrofit this spring, take a look at these great incentives and rebates available for investments in energy-efficient equipment for your restaurant!
Questions or comments about spring cleaning your kitchen? Leave them below!
image credit: Bearseye
