Many business owners think, “If the cold storage unit isn’t broken, no need to touch it.” As a result, small issues turn into major faults—each repair costs thousands of yuan and disrupts business. In fact, proper daily maintenance not only reduces the number of repairs but also extends the unit’s service life. The key lies in 3 simple tasks.

First, clean the condenser and filter once a month. Dust buildup on the condenser affects heat dissipation, leading to compressor overload; a clogged filter slows down cold air circulation and weakens cooling performance. Cleaning is easy: brush the condenser’s cooling fins gently with a soft-bristle brush (never use a high-pressure water gun—it bends the fins); remove the filter, rinse it with clean water, and reinstall it after drying. A convenience store owner once didn’t clean the filter for half a year, causing the compressor’s overheat protection to trip frequently. The repair cost 1,200 yuan, but after he started cleaning monthly, the unit worked without issues for two years.

Second, check the refrigerant and seals once a quarter. Insufficient refrigerant slows down cooling and may burn out the compressor; aged door gaskets that leak cold air force the unit to run nonstop, skyrocketing electricity bills. To check the refrigerant, refer to the pressure gauge (follow the unit’s manual for the normal range). Run your hand along the door gasket—if there are gaps or it feels stiff, replace it promptly (you can buy the same model online and install it yourself, saving half the cost of hiring a technician). A seafood stall owner didn’t notice his leaking door gasket, which added over 200 yuan to his monthly electricity bill. After replacing the gasket, his electricity costs dropped immediately.

Finally, hire a technician for a full inspection once a year. Focus on checking the compressor’s operating sound (unusual noises may mean worn bearings), wiring (aging wires cause short circuits), and thermostat accuracy (inaccuracy leads to temperature fluctuations). Don’t think this is a waste of money—one inspection only costs 300-500 yuan, but it catches hidden issues early. For example, a pharmacy owner’s inspection revealed a drifting thermostat; timely calibration prevented vaccines from spoiling due to incorrect temperatures.

Daily maintenance takes little time and costs little, but it keeps the unit from breaking down often—much more cost-effective than repairing it after it fails.