• Easy Ways to Achieve HACCP Compliance
• Saving Energy (and Money!)
• Extending the Life of Your Restaurant Equipment

We know what a challenge it can be to stay on top of the little quirks of all of your restaurant equipment. Here are some important, day-to-day things you can do to keep your equipment running properly – to help you stay in HACCP compliance, save energy and prevent unnecessary wear.

Refrigeration                                                                                                      

Do:        Replace torn and worn door gaskets.

Why:      Save energy. Meet HACCP requirements.

► Torn and worn door gaskets cause the refrigerator to run longer, as it’s trying to get rid of heat and moisture. Moisture from the air creates a heavy load on refrigeration units. If the seal is not tight, it is difficult to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce humidity within the unit because cool air is leaving and warm, humid air is entering.

Do:        Clean condenser coils.

Why:     Save energy. Extend the life of the compressor.

► By cleaning the condenser coils, you take unnecessary burden off the compressor, which will extend its life and save energy by allowing the unit to run more efficiently.

Do:        Make sure walk-in doors are closed correctly and air curtains are in place.

Why:     Save energy. Meet HACCP requirements

Filet Steamers                                                                                                      

Do:        De-lime regularly and clean water tubes.

Why:     Save energy.

► Scale acts as an insulator and reduces the heat available to generate steam. When accumulated scale is present, the steamer must run longer to heat the water and generate enough steam for the filet buns. Not only does it reduce the lifespan of the equipment, it also wastes energy.

Do:         Clean plates and plate slots with a wire brush for easy removal.

Why:      Save energy.

Do:         Keep water lines connected if possible.

Why:      Extend the life of equipment.

► When connecting and disconnecting the water lines, it wears down the O-ring, which will cause leaks.

General                                                                                                                   

Do:         Shut down equipment not needed to handle the volume of sales during slow periods, or overnight.

Why:      Save energy and extend life of the equipment.

► Relays, burners and gas valves continually cycle on and off when the unit is on, so those components will last longer by shutting down the unit when not in use for significant periods of time.

Examples

• HLZ (use one)
• Grill (use one grill)
• French Fryers (use one or two)

Do:         Defrost grill-side and wall freezers overnight.

Why:      Save energy. Meet HACCP requirements.

► Ice build-up becomes an insulator and prevents products from reaching proper temperature.

Check back for new tips regularly; we will update this section often.