Prepare Your Commercial Refrigeration for Winter: Essential Maintenance Tips for London Businesses
- grafikabyk
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
How to Maintain Commercial Refrigeration During Winter in London
When temperatures drop, many assume refrigeration systems are under less pressure; however, that is not always the case. Winter brings challenges that can reduce efficiency, increase energy use, and risk damaging your stock.
If you run a commercial kitchen, cold room, supermarket, or hospitality venue in London, here is how to prepare your refrigeration system for winter and avoid costly downtime.
Need help getting started? Book a winter maintenance check today.
Why Winter Conditions Can Disrupt Refrigeration Efficiency
Even though your fridges and freezers are working in a cooler external environment, winter can actually create more strain in subtle ways:
Indoor heating vs. external cold: Warm interior air meets cold components, resulting in increased condensation inside units.
Ambient sensors can be fooled: Systems may misread the temperature balance and overcool unnecessarily.
Harder-working components, such as compressors and fans, can become overactive as they adjust to fluctuating loads.
7 Essential Winter Refrigeration Maintenance Tips
1. Check and Adjust Thermostat Settings
Overcompensating for colder external air can cause internal temperatures to drop too low. Set chillers between 2 °C and 4°C, and freezers at –18°C. This prevents overcooling and helps reduce energy bills.
2. Clean Condenser & Evaporator Coils
Dust and grease don’t take a holiday. Coils should be cleaned every 3–6 months, especially in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and other high-use environments. Dirty coils block heat exchange, resulting in higher energy consumption and eventual breakdown.
📞 Want this taken care of professionally? Book a coil cleaning service with our team today.
3. Inspect Door Seals & Gaskets
Cold air can make seals brittle. Cracked or damaged gaskets allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter, creating ice buildup and uneven cooling. Replace damaged seals promptly to avoid spoilage or compliance issues.
4. Monitor Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant can reduce cooling capacity and increase compressor wear. Pressure may also fluctuate more during cold months, so it is essential to monitor regularly.
5. Keep Vents & Airflow Paths Clear
Avoid storing boxes directly in front of vents or units. Proper airflow is essential for stable temperatures. Make sure both front and rear vents are clean and unobstructed.
6. Watch for Ice Build-Up
Excess condensation can freeze rapidly in low ambient temperatures, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Ice on evaporator coils or inside the cabinet is a red flag that something isn’t right.
7. Schedule Preventive Maintenance
A winter service visit from RSI Professional includes a comprehensive system check, which provides for checking refrigerant levels, thermostat calibration, coil cleaning, and airflow tests. Catching small problems early prevents bigger bills later.
Don’t wait until something breaks—schedule your winter check now.
How Winter Neglect Can Cost Your Business
Failing to maintain your commercial refrigeration system during winter can lead to:
❌ Higher energy bills from overworking components
❌ Spoiled food or product loss due to uneven temperatures
❌ Costly emergency callouts and equipment downtime
❌ Potential breaches of food safety regulations
Have You Checked Your Air Conditioning System Too?
Winter isn’t just harsh on fridges. Your air conditioning system also needs seasonal attention, especially if you use it for heating or ventilation support.
👉 Click here to view our air conditioning services and make sure your whole system is winter-ready.
Book a Winter Health Check with RSI Professional
Our London-based engineers are REFCOM-certified and have extensive experience with all types of commercial refrigeration units, ranging from blast chillers to walk-in cold rooms.
✅ Fast call-outs across London and the M25
✅ Tailored servicing for your site and equipment
✅ Ongoing maintenance plans to protect your investment
✅ 24/7 repair support
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