NATIONAL LABORATORY REPAIR ASSOCIATION
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do my laboratory freezers and refrigerators require regular maintenance?
What are the benefits of a maintenance contract?
Do I need to use trained service engineers for my repair services?
What are some tips I can do to prolong the life of my laboratory equipment?
What can I do to ensure my lab remains environmental friendly?
Investing in the maintenance of your laboratory equipment will extend the life the unit and reduce avoidable system failures. Well maintained equipment will run more efficiently, therefore decreasing utility consumption while prolonging the life of the unit.
Without regular maintenance the unit’s condenser will collect dust and debris. A dirty or blocked condenser prevents heat removal causing the compressor to run longer and harder contributing to premature compressor failures.
Clean Condenser
Dirty Condenser
During the course of working in laboratory freezers ice will form around the doors and seals of the units. If left unattended the formation of ice prohibits the proper sealing of the door, thus allowing warm air into the unit. This will affect the temperature uniformity within the unit and increase the compressor on cycle. If a compressor runs longer without cycling off it will work harder and longer contributing to compressor failures.
A maintenance contract is an economically sound method of ensuring continued operational oversight of your equipment. A maintenance contract will offer regularly scheduled preventive maintenance inspections while helping to control expenses. Each inspection is documented for your maintenance records.
All maintenance and repairs to your equipment should be completed by formally trained and authorized service engineers. These service engineers have completed factory training and hold an EPA certification for the handling of refrigerants. This specialized training enables the service engineer to understand the characteristics of the equipment and the proper repair procedures to fix it correctly, the first time.
1. Maintain the ambient temperature where the units are stored.
2. Keep ice clear from the gaskets and doors.
3. Make sure the unit has good, stable line voltage.
4. Keep the condenser/filter clean from dust and debris.
5. Keep space clear around the unit (front and back) to allow for proper air circulation.
6. Perform preventive maintenance inspections on a consistent basis.
1. Practice small changes to reduce your energy consumption:
a. Control the length and frequency of door openings.
b. Ensure the temperature setpoint is set for optimum efficiency.
c. Open on the inter door or sublid needed to retrieve the specimens.
d. Remove boxes or any obstruction from condenser intake or exhaust.
e. Keep unit at least 6” from the back wall to allow for proper air circulations.
2. Contract a qualified service center to properly dispose of laboratory equipment by recovering
refrigerant and compressor oil, in accordance with EPA guidelines.
3. Recycle disposed units and parts to eliminate the impact in the landfills.
4. Schedule regular maintenance on all of your systems to ensure maximum efficiency to decrease
power consumption.