The Ultimate Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Checklist for 2025

The Ultimate Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Checklist for 2025

If you operate a venue, restaurant, hotel, or health facility, your commercial refrigeration is one of your most valuable assets. Downtime means lost stock, lost revenue, and unhappy customers. That’s why smart operators are getting ahead in 2025 with a clear, proactive maintenance plan.

Here’s a practical checklist from the ACRO team — helping you stay compliant, efficient, and headache-free.


✅ Weekly Checks

  • Ensure doors and gaskets close tightly

  • Wipe down internal surfaces

  • Check for unusual noises or vibrations

  • Monitor and record temperatures

  • Clear visible debris from condenser grills (if accessible)


✅ Monthly Tasks

  • Inspect door seals and hinges for wear or damage

  • Confirm thermostats are reading accurately

  • Clean air filters (especially in kitchens)

  • Clear any dust build-up on external vents


✅ Quarterly Service (by a qualified technician)

  • Check refrigerant levels and system pressures

  • Inspect fan motors, wiring, and electrical components

  • Clean and test condensers and evaporators

  • Test defrost systems

  • Lubricate moving parts where necessary


✅ Annually

  • Complete deep clean of units inside and out

  • Calibrate temperature sensors

  • Conduct full system efficiency check

  • Review compliance and safety documentation


🚨 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

  • Ice build-up on coils or doors

  • Constant cycling or unit not switching off

  • Warm spots in fridges or freezers

  • Increased power bills

  • Water pooling or leaking

If you’re seeing any of these — it’s time to call in a professional.


💡 Why Partner with ACRO?

At ACRO, we specialise in commercial refrigeration solutions for high-reliability environments — including hospitals, aged care, hospitality, and events. Our technicians go beyond the basics, and our systems are designed for long-term uptime and compliance.

Whether you need reactive repairs or a scheduled maintenance agreement, we tailor our service to your business.


📞 Want a full inspection or tailored maintenance plan?


🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

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Commercial Refrigeration Repairs on Sunshine Coast – Fast 24/7 Service

Why Sunshine Coast Businesses Trust ACRO for Commercial Refrigeration Repairs

1. Fast 24/7 Emergency Support Service
Our Sunshine Coast-based techs are on-call around the clock. We understand that commercial refrigeration failures don’t wait for business hours.

2. Fully Stocked Vans
Our technicians carry a wide range of parts to resolve most issues on the spot, reducing downtime for your business.

3. Compliance-Driven Service
We don’t just fix the fault — we ensure your refrigeration equipment meets HACCP and QLD compliance standards.

4. Expert Diagnosis & Long-Term Fixes
We find the root cause, not just the symptom. That means fewer call-outs, more uptime.

5. Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. All pricing is discussed upfront and approved before work begins.


Common Sunshine Coast Commercial Refrigeration Issues We Fix

  • Cool rooms not holding temperature

  • Fridge compressors running constantly

  • Water pooling or leaking

  • Ice build-up in display fridges

  • Electrical or control faults

  • Door seals failing

From restaurants in Noosa to schools in Caloundra, we service all suburbs of the Sunny Coast with priority given to commercial clients under PMA.


Need a quote or rapid dispatch? Call 1300 227 600 or request a call back below.
Same-day service available across the Sunshine Coast.


Prevent the Next Breakdown with a PMA

Want to avoid future fridge failures? Our Preventative Maintenance Agreements (PMAs) keep your equipment reliable, audit-ready, and efficient.

Benefits:

  • Regular inspections

  • Asset tagging

  • Compliance checks

  • Discounted emergency call-outs

Ask us how you can get started.


Sunny Coasts Commercial Refrigeration Repair Experts

ACRO is a veteran-owned, Queensland-based commercial refrigeration specialist. We bring decades of technical experience, fast response times, and real compliance expertise.

Book your repair today — 1300 227 600

We fix it fast. We fix it right.


🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

📰 Enjoyed this article?

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📍 Sunshine Coast Suburbs We Service

Acro Refrigeration provides full coverage across all suburbs in the Sunshine Coast Regional Council area and surrounding localities. We regularly service:

Aroona, Bald Knob, Balmoral Ridge, Banya, Belli Park, Birtinya, Bli Bli, Bokarina, Booroobin, Boreen Point, Buddina, Buderim, Burnside, Caloundra, Caloundra West, Cambroon, Castaways Beach, Chevallum, Coes Creek, Conondale, Coolabine, Cooloolabin, Coolum Beach, Cotton Tree, Crohamhurst, Curramore, Dicky Beach, Doonan, Dulong, Eerwah Vale, Eudlo, Eumundi, Flaxton, Forest Glen, Glenview, Golden Beach, Hunchy, Ilkley, Image Flat, Kiels Mountain, Kidaman Creek, Kiamba, Kuluin, Kunda Park, Kureelpa, Lake Macdonald, Landers Shoot, Landsborough, Little Mountain, Maleny, Mapleton, Marcoola, Marcus Beach, Maroochy River, Maroochydore, Meridan Plains, Minyama, Moffat Beach, Mons, Montville, Mooloolaba, Mooloolah Valley, Mount Coolum, Mountain Creek, Mudjimba, Nambour, Ninderry, Noosa Heads, Noosa North Shore, Noosaville, North Arm, Pacific Paradise, Palmview, Parklands, Peachester, Pelican Waters, Peregian Beach, Peregian Springs, Point Arkwright, Pomona, Reesville, Ridgewood, Ringtail Creek, Rosemount, Shelly Beach, Sippy Downs, Sunrise Beach, Sunshine Beach, Tanawha, Teewah, Tewantin, Towen Mountain, Twin Waters, Valdora, Verrierdale, Warana, West Woombye, Weyba Downs, Woombye, Wurtulla, Yandina, Yandina Creek, Yaroomba.

Why Gold Coast Businesses Trust ACRO for Commercial Refrigeration Repairs

1. Fast 24/7 Emergency Support
Our Gold Coast-based techs are on-call around the clock. We understand that commercial refrigeration failures don’t wait for business hours.

2. Fully Stocked Vans
Our technicians carry a wide range of parts to resolve most commercial refrigeration issues on the spot, reducing downtime for your business.

3. Compliance-Driven Service
We don’t just fix the fault — we ensure your refrigeration equipment meets HACCP and QLD compliance standards.

4. Expert Diagnosis & Long-Term Fixes
We find the root cause, not just the symptom. That means fewer call-outs, more uptime.

5. Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. All pricing is discussed upfront and approved before work begins.


Common Gold Coast Commercial Refrigeration Issues We Fix

  • Cool rooms not holding temperature

  • Fridge compressors running constantly

  • Water pooling or leaking

  • Ice build-up in display fridges

  • Electrical or control faults

  • Door seals failing

From restaurants in Broadbeach to schools in Southport, we service all suburbs of the Gold Coast with priority given to commercial clients under PMA.


Need a quote or rapid dispatch? Call 1300 227 600.
Same-day service available across the Gold Coast.


Prevent the Next Breakdown with a PMA

Want to avoid future fridge failures? Our Preventative Maintenance Agreements (PMAs) keep your equipment reliable, audit-ready, and efficient.

Benefits:

  • Regular inspections

  • Asset tagging

  • Compliance checks

  • Discounted emergency call-outs

Ask us how you can get started.


Gold Coast’s Commercial Refrigeration Repair Experts

ACRO is a veteran-owned, Queensland-based commercial refrigeration specialist. We bring decades of technical experience, fast response times, and real compliance expertise.

Book your repair today — 1300 227 600
We fix it fast. We fix it right.


🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

📰 Enjoyed this article?

Browse more helpful insights and case studies on our Refrigeration Blog

Commercial Refrigeration Repairs Brisbane

Why Brisbane Businesses Trust ACRO for Commercial Refrigeration Repairs

1. Fast 24/7 Emergency Support
Our Brisbane-based techs are on-call around the clock. We understand that commercial refrigeration failures don’t wait for business hours.

2. Fully Stocked Vans
Our technicians carry a wide range of parts to resolve most issues on the spot, reducing downtime for your business.

3. Compliance-Driven Service
We don’t just fix the fault — we ensure your refrigeration equipment meets HACCP and QLD compliance standards.

4. Expert Diagnosis & Long-Term Fixes
We find the root cause, not just the symptom. That means fewer call-outs, more uptime.

5. Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. All pricing is discussed upfront and approved before work begins.


Common Brisbane Commercial Refrigeration Issues We Fix

  • Cool rooms not holding temperature

  • Fridge compressors running constantly

  • Water pooling or leaking

  • Ice build-up in display fridges

  • Electrical or control faults

  • Door seals failing

From restaurants in West End to schools in Indooroopilly, we service all suburbs of Brisbane with priority given to commercial clients under PMA.


Need a quote or rapid dispatch? Call 1300 227 600 or request a call back below.
Same-day service available across Brisbane metro.


Prevent the Next Breakdown with a PMA

Want to avoid future fridge failures? Our Preventative Maintenance Agreements (PMAs) keep your equipment reliable, audit-ready, and efficient.

Benefits:

  • Regular inspections

  • Asset tagging

  • Compliance checks

  • Discounted emergency call-outs

Ask us how you can get started.


Brisbane’s Commercial Refrigeration Repair Experts

ACRO is a veteran-owned, Queensland-based commercial refrigeration specialist. We bring decades of technical experience, fast response times, and real compliance expertise.

Book your repair today — 1300 227 600

We fix it fast. We fix it right.


🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

📰 Enjoyed this article?

Browse more helpful insights and case studies on our Refrigeration Blog

Turnkey Cold Room Builds: Complete Commercial Refrigeration Solutions by ACRO

Turnkey Cold Room Builds: Why ACRO Is the Partner of Choice for Commercial Refrigeration Projects

When it comes to building a cold room for your business, you don’t just need a contractor — you need a partner who understands compliance, efficiency, and the real-world demands of commercial refrigeration. That’s where ACRO Refrigeration comes in.

We deliver end-to-end, turnkey cold room builds that are tailored to your industry, space, and operational needs — with no shortcuts, no confusion, and no handballing between trades.

A chef closing a cold room door
Custom built to your needs

🧰 What Does “Turnkey” Mean in Cold Room Construction?

In simple terms, a turnkey solution means we handle everything from start to finish:

  • Initial consultation & design

  • Load calculations & engineering

  • Supply of refrigeration equipment

  • Panel and door installation

  • Electrical, plumbing, and drainage

  • Commissioning and compliance checks

  • Post-install maintenance plan

You get a fully functional cold room, ready to operate — and one team responsible for every part of the project.


✅ Built for Compliance and Reliability

At ACRO, we specialise in HACCP-compliant refrigeration builds. Whether you’re a food manufacturer, hospitality operator, wholesaler, or healthcare facility, we know what matters most:

  • Consistent temperatures

  • Energy efficiency

  • Easy-to-clean surfaces

  • Accurate monitoring and alerts

  • Uptime and serviceability

We don’t just meet code — we build systems that protect your stock, reputation, and bottom line.

Custom Cold Rooms – Large & Small

🧊 Who We Build For

We’ve delivered cold room projects across South East Queensland for:

  • Restaurants and hospitality groups

  • Food wholesalers and producers

  • Breweries and distilleries

  • Supermarkets and convenience stores

  • Pharmaceutical and medical storage

  • Community food programs and logistics hubs

Each build is scoped to suit the site — whether it’s a new construction, expansion, or retrofit into an existing facility.

customer built cold room for a bottle shop
Custom Built Cool Room

🛠️ Why Clients Choose ACRO for Cold Room Builds

  • Turnkey simplicity – one team, one quote, one point of contact.

  • Experience you can trust – trading since 1972, we’ve seen and solved it all.

  • Systemised project delivery – every build tracked and managed via Simpro.

  • Post-install support – we offer long-term preventative maintenance plans for peace of mind.

  • No outsourcing roulette – our techs are trade-qualified and internally coordinated.

A custom built cold room for the Sofitel pastry kitchen
We Build Custom Cold Rooms across Queensland – From Coolangatta to Bundaberg

📍 Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast & Surrounds

Whether you’re planning a new cold room for your Brisbane warehouse or upgrading an aging walk-in freezer on the Gold Coast, ACRO is ready to deliver a full turnkey build that meets your needs and exceeds expectations.


📞 Get a Quote or Site Consultation

Planning a cold storage upgrade or expansion? Get in touch with our team for a free consultation. We’ll assess your needs, scope the project, and provide a detailed turnkey proposal.


🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

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Why Maintaining Commercial Refrigeration in Child Care Facilities is Critical for Safety and Compliance

The Importance of Refrigeration Maintenance in Child Care

When it comes to child care in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, safety and hygiene are non-negotiable—and that includes the food served to children each day. While much attention is given to sanitisation and nutrition, one critical area often overlooked is the maintenance of commercial refrigeration systems.

Child care centres rely on refrigerators and freezers to store perishable food, milk, medications, and meals prepared on-site. If these systems fail or underperform, the consequences can range from spoiled food and costly waste to serious health risks for children.

1. Food Safety and Health

Children are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses than adults. Ensuring refrigeration systems consistently hold safe temperatures (below 5°C for fridges and below -18°C for freezers) is essential to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Without regular maintenance, temperature fluctuations can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Child care facilities in Brisbane and the Gold Coast must comply with strict food safety standards, including those outlined by the Food Standards Code and local health authorities. Failure to maintain commercial refrigeration systems can lead to breaches, fines, or even temporary closure of the facility.

3. Avoiding Unexpected Breakdowns

Refrigeration units in child care centres work hard—often 24/7. Preventative maintenance helps identify worn parts, dirty coils, or refrigerant leaks before they result in costly emergency repairs or downtime. Routine servicing extends the life of the equipment and ensures uninterrupted food storage.

4. Demonstrating Duty of Care

Parents expect transparency and high standards from child care providers. By actively maintaining refrigeration equipment, centres demonstrate a genuine commitment to child health and operational integrity.

5. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Well-maintained systems operate more efficiently, reducing power consumption and energy bills. Dirty filters, low refrigerant, or failing components can all increase energy use and operating costs—something no child care provider can afford to overlook.


Conclusion:


Maintaining commercial refrigeration in child care facilities isn’t just good practice—it’s a vital part of delivering safe, reliable care. At ACRO Refrigeration, we offer tailored preventative maintenance programs for child care providers, ensuring your systems are compliant, efficient, and dependable every day.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t wait for problems to arise—invest in your business’s future with our preventative maintenance service. Contact ACRO Refrigeration today to learn more about our maintenance plans and schedule your initial assessment!

👉 Let’s Help Your Fridge Stay Cool:


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Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

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Gold Coast Hotel’s HVAC Nightmare — and How We Fixed It

Case Study: Hidden Costs of a “Cheap” HVAC Service — Gold Coast Hotel

🏨 Client: Major Hotel, Gold Coast

🛠 Service: Preventative Maintenance Takeover & System Restoration

🔁 Frequency: Quarterly PMA (Preventative Maintenance Agreement)

📅 Duration: Commenced Q2, 2025


The Problem

When we took over the HVAC maintenance program for one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious hotels, the situation was far worse than the management realised.

  • The bag filters in the rooftop air handling units were so thick with dust and grime, you couldn’t see the pleats.

  • The return air grilles inside the venue were caked with lint and airborne grease, to the point where dust would visibly fall onto guests below.

  • The client had noticed a sharp increase in electricity consumption — but hadn’t been able to determine the cause.

This was despite the fact that the previous contractor was supposedly servicing the system every three months.

a return air grill covered in dust
Dust was falling on customers

Our Diagnosis

On initial inspection, our technicians were astonished the air-conditioning was functioning at all. Poor airflow, blocked return, and clogged filtration meant the systems were:

  • Working far harder than necessary,

  • Using excessive energy, and

  • Creating an unhygienic environment for staff and guests.

HVAC bag filter covered in thick dirt
Clean Air? This was the state of the HVAC Bag Filters

What We Did

  • Replaced all clogged bag filters with clean, high-quality commercial-grade filters.

  • Thoroughly cleaned return air grilles throughout public and back-of-house areas.

  • Carried out a full system performance audit.

  • Implemented baseline reporting for power draw and coil pressure differentials to measure improvement.


The Outcome

Energy Efficiency Restored: Power usage dropped measurably once airflow was restored.
Comfort Levels Improved: Cooling distribution normalized across all key guest zones.
Guest Experience Protected: No more falling dust, stale smells, or temperature inconsistencies.
Accountability Established: Our PMA now includes photographic evidence of all works completed and system health tracking.

Disintegrated and filthy HVAC filter from a commercial venue, showing the result of years of neglected maintenance by a low-cost competitor.
This is what ‘cheap’ really costs. We took over this venue after years of ‘budget’ servicing—this HVAC filter hadn’t been changed in ages and had completely disintegrated.

The Lesson

“They were cheaper” is not a good deal when it comes at the cost of:

  • Your brand,

  • Guest comfort,

  • Operational costs, and

  • Health and hygiene standards.

In commercial HVAC, cheap service is often no service at all.

Black mould visible on the ceiling of a commercial cool room due to lack of proper refrigeration servicing and hygiene maintenance.
Black mould growing in a cool room ceiling—another case of ‘cost-cutting’ gone wrong. Poor servicing by the previous provider led to dangerous hygiene risks in a food storage area. If you run a venue that relies on refrigeration, don’t leave compliance to chance.

Thinking of Changing Providers?

If your venue has rising power bills, poor airflow, or inconsistent temperature control, it may be time for a no-obligation performance audit.

📍 Servicing Brisbane & Gold Coast
📞 1300 227 600
📧 workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au

Shop Now

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Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

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Case Study: How a Dirty Condenser Nearly Cost a Major Hotel Its Freezer—and How We Fixed It

A Costly Problem in Plain Sight

At ACRO Refrigeration, we’re used to receiving urgent calls from Brisbane and Gold Coast commercial kitchens—but this one stood out. A major Brisbane hotel, just two years old, reached out after staff noticed one of their under-bench freezers wasn’t holding temperature. The digital display read +17°C—dangerously high for a unit that should be maintaining -18°C to -20°C.

In a busy kitchen, that kind of temperature swing can mean spoiled stock, compliance breaches, and even temporary kitchen closures.

Underbench freezer
The overheating freezer

The Root Cause: A Blocked Condenser Coil

When our technician arrived onsite, the issue was immediately clear:

The condenser coil was so clogged with dust, grease, and debris that you couldn’t even see the fins.

Despite the hotel being relatively new, the freezer’s location—under a prep bench, in a hot and humid kitchen—meant it had accumulated grime fast. Without regular cleaning, the coil couldn’t dissipate heat properly, forcing the compressor to work overtime with little effect.

A blocked restaurant fridge condenser coil
Where are the fins?

The Solution: Deep Clean and Preventative Insight

Our technician performed a thorough clean of the condenser coil, using nitrogen to blow out embedded debris and a coil-safe cleaner to remove the built-up film of grease and dust. The airflow was restored, and within hours, the freezer temperature dropped to a steady -21°C.

After a deep clean
After ACRO’s clean

What This Means for Your Business

This incident is a textbook example of how preventative maintenance saves money—and headaches. Here’s why:

  • Dirty condenser coils are the #1 cause of freezer temperature failure in commercial kitchens.

  • Even new equipment is vulnerable without a maintenance plan.

  • A single service call prevented a potential compliance issue, stock loss, and equipment burnout.


Takeaways for Facility Managers and Chefs

  • Schedule routine coil cleaning at least every 3–6 months.

  • Inspect under-bench units more frequently, especially those in tight or enclosed spaces.

  • Partner with a service provider who understands the pressure of hospitality and compliance requirements.


Don’t Wait for a Breakdown

If your refrigeration units haven’t had a coil clean in the past 6 months, you’re likely running at reduced efficiency—and increased risk.

📞 Call ACRO Refrigeration for all refrigeration breakdowns on 1300 227 600
🛠️ Book a preventative maintenance visit before your system fails.

🔹 Email: workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au
🔹 Visit www.acrorefrigeration.com.au

Serving Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Greater QLD

🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

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How Clean AC Filters Can Slash Energy Costs in Commercial Buildings

The Hidden Cost of Dirty AC Filters in Commercial Buildings

If your Brisbane, Gold Coast commercial air conditioning system runs constantly—but your energy bills keep rising—it might be time to look at a commonly neglected component: the filters.

In commercial systems, especially those using bag filters or multi-stage filtration setups, dirty filters don’t just reduce air quality—they force your system to work harder, using more electricity than necessary.

Let’s explore how keeping your filters clean can lower power usage and extend the life of your HVAC system.


Why Dirty Filters Drive Up Energy Costs

When air filters become clogged with dust, debris, or biological contaminants, they create resistance to airflow. Your air handling unit (AHU) or fan must then use more energy to push the same volume of air through the system. The result? Increased electricity consumption, reduced efficiency, and higher operational costs.

In systems with bag filters—designed for high dust-holding capacity—this resistance can build up gradually and often goes unnoticed until:

  • The system strains under load

  • Fan motors overheat

  • Cooling output drops

  • Energy bills spike


The Role of Bag Filters in Commercial HVAC

Bag filters (also called pocket filters) are common in large-scale HVAC systems for commercial buildings, shopping centres, schools, and healthcare facilities. Their purpose is to trap fine dust and airborne particles, often as part of a two- or three-stage filtration setup.

While effective, bag filters can retain large amounts of particulate matter, especially in urban or industrial areas like Brisbane and the Gold Coast. If not maintained, they become a bottleneck—literally and financially.

 

 

Dirt soaked bag filter
12-month old HVAC bag filter

Energy Savings from Clean Filters: What the Data Says

According to the U.S. Department of Energy and similar Australian studies:

  • Replacing or cleaning clogged filters can reduce HVAC energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

  • In high-use commercial systems, that can equate to thousands of dollars per year.

  • Clean filters also reduce wear and tear on fan motors, compressors, and other system components.


Signs It’s Time to Clean or Replace Your Filters

  • Higher-than-usual electricity bills

  • Reduced airflow at outlets

  • Cold or hot spots in the building

  • Unusual noise from AHUs or fans

  • Dust build-up around vents or return air grills

Disintegrated and filthy HVAC filter from a commercial venue, showing the result of years of neglected maintenance by a low-cost competitor.
This is what happens to filters when they are not changed – they fall apart!

Best Practices for Filter Maintenance

  1. Inspect Filters Monthly – Especially during high-usage seasons.

  2. Use Pressure Differential Gauges – These measure resistance across filters and signal when replacement is needed.

  3. Schedule Regular Replacements – For bag filters, this is typically every 3–6 months depending on use and environment.

  4. Implement a Preventative Maintenance Plan – At ACRO Refrigeration, we offer PMAs that include scheduled filter inspections and replacements tailored to your building’s needs.


Cleaner Filters, Greener Buildings

Reducing your electricity consumption doesn’t always require major upgrades—sometimes, it’s as simple as keeping your filters clean. With energy costs rising and environmental regulations tightening, improving HVAC efficiency is both a smart business move and a step toward sustainability.


📞 Contact ACRO Refrigeration today on 1300 227 600 to discuss a tailored maintenance plan that keeps your filters clean and your energy bills down.


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Preventing Mould in Ice Machines: A Hidden Risk for Brisbane and Gold Coast Businesses

Mould in Ice Machines: A Silent Contaminant in Humid Climates

If you operate a café, restaurant, bar, or venue on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane, chances are your ice machine is working overtime. But in Queensland’s humid subtropical climate, that hard-working appliance could be hiding a problem you can’t afford to ignore: mould growth.

Why Ice Machines Are Prone to Mould

Mould thrives in warm, moist environments—exactly the conditions found in many commercial kitchens. Add in airborne yeast from bread, alcohol vapours from bar service, and infrequent cleaning, and your ice machine becomes a breeding ground.

Even though ice is cold, the inside of an ice machine often contains:

  • Warm, damp air when the door is opened frequently

  • Condensation that accumulates on walls and components

  • Residual organic material that feeds microbial growth

Mould in Ice Machine

Risks of Mould in Ice Machines

Mould in ice machines is not just unsightly—it’s a hygiene and health hazard. Mould spores can contaminate ice, which is then served to customers in drinks or used in food preparation. In severe cases, this can lead to:

  • Complaints of off-tasting ice

  • Food safety breaches

  • Illness in vulnerable customers

  • Damage to your business’s reputation

Brisbane and Gold Coast: A Perfect Storm for Mould

Queensland’s high humidity, especially during summer, accelerates mould growth. Coastal businesses near Surfers Paradise, Southport, Brisbane CBD, and even hinterland areas like Tamborine or Samford often struggle to keep moisture levels low enough to prevent mould from taking hold.

Mould in Ice Machine

How to Prevent Mould in Your Ice Machine

Fortunately, with regular maintenance and a proactive approach, mould can be kept at bay:

  1. Schedule Routine Cleaning
    Ice machines should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised at least every 6 months—more often in high-use environments. This includes cleaning:

    • The bin interior

    • Ice chute and dispenser

    • Condenser coil

    • Water lines and filters

  2. Use the Right Cleaning Products
    Avoid using general-purpose cleaners. Use only manufacturer-approved ice machine cleaning solutions that effectively target biofilm and mould.

  3. Ensure Proper Ventilation
    Make sure your machine is installed in a well-ventilated area, with adequate airflow to reduce humidity build-up.

  4. Sign Up for Preventative Maintenance
    ACRO Refrigeration offers Preventative Maintenance Agreements (PMAs) that include scheduled deep cleaning and inspections. This takes the pressure off your staff and ensures compliance with food safety standards.

Protect Your Customers. Protect Your Brand.

Mould in ice machines is a problem that many business owners simply aren’t aware of—until it’s too late. If you’re operating in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, don’t wait for a customer complaint or a failed inspection. Talk to our team today about setting up a cleaning and maintenance schedule that keeps your ice clean, clear, and safe.


👉 Let’s Keep Your Ice Clean & Healthy:


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