Chen, the owner of a cold chain warehouse, recently replaced his cold storage unit and couldn't help but feel distressed. His previous unit only lasted 5 years, frequently experiencing cooling failures. After spending over 20,000 yuan on three repairs, it was completely scrapped due to compressor burnout. Later, the manufacturer's technician told him that the unit could have lasted more than 10 years—its premature failure was entirely due to long-term neglect of daily maintenance.

In fact, the lifespan of a cold storage unit depends 30% on quality and 70% on maintenance. These 3 key maintenance tasks can keep the unit running stably for much longer:

First, clean the condenser and evaporator monthly. Dust buildup on the condenser causes poor heat dissipation, leading to long-term overload operation and potential burnout of the compressor. Excessive frost on the evaporator reduces cooling efficiency and increases energy consumption. When cleaning, use a soft-bristled brush to remove dust along the cooling fins. Defrost the evaporator when frost thickness exceeds 5mm—never scrape with hard objects to avoid damaging components.

Second, check the refrigerant and lubricating oil quarterly. Insufficient refrigerant reduces cooling capacity and may cause compressor overheating; aged lubricating oil accelerates component wear. Check the refrigerant pressure with a pressure gauge and replenish it promptly if below the standard value. Replace deteriorated lubricating oil at the same time to ensure smooth operation of the unit.

Finally, conduct a comprehensive inspection and maintenance annually. Hire professional technicians to check for aging wiring, accurate thermostat precision, and proper sealing of door gaskets. Chen has maintained his new unit according to these standards. Now, after 6 years of use, the unit's cooling efficiency still remains at the level of a new machine, with monthly electricity bills 15% lower than before, and no major failures have occurred since.

For cold chain businesses, unit maintenance is not an additional expense but a key to saving money. Investing a small amount of time and cost in proper maintenance can avoid high repair fees, reduce downtime losses, and make the unit a reliable asset for generating income.