How Long Does a Commercial Refrigerator Last?

Q: How long does a commercial refrigerator last? A: It depends on the model, usage, and maintenance. A normal commercial refrigerator can have a life-span of 10 to 20 years. The average for an average, well-maintained unit may be 15 years, though some high-quality models have been known to reach into the 20-year-plus range. For example, according to an RSES research, 70% of foodservice restaurant units are lasting 15 or more years simply due to ongoing service and regular maintenance. A general lack of maintenance often diminishes life expectancy for a unit very easily. Exclusion of such procedures as simple regular cleaning, checking, or servicing a compressor may cause the early demise of your commercial refrigerator in 5-7 years.
The usage of a commercial refrigerator also determines the life expectancy of the unit. For instance, a unit that has been used in a busy restaurant or supermarket could be more wear and tear, hence cutting its life expectancy. Most of these appliances have compressors and cooling systems running almost non-stop to put up with the volume of food stored or sold. Whereas for low-volume cafes or offices, the refrigerator might last closer to the high end of that range because it is used so much less. According to the Director of Operations at Global Cooling Solutions, the leading appliance service company: “We see a direct correlation between the amount of load a commercial refrigerator bears and how long it will last. Properly managing temperature fluctuations and service intervals extends the life of any unit.”

Furthermore, modern commercial refrigerators boast advanced technologies contributing to their durability. Recent advances in compressor technology, energy efficiency, and cooling systems have enhanced the reliability and service life of these units. A variable-speed compressor may allow a commercial refrigerator to extend its service life beyond that of earlier models, as the compressor will run slower when less refrigeration is required, reducing wear and tear. Newer models designed to be energy efficient have improved insulation materials and methods of cooling to maintain even temperatures using less energy. Reduced strain on the system, therefore, gives an extended operational life.

For instance, a New York supermarket chain retrofitted its entire refrigeration system to the newer energy-efficient units. According to their report, these new commercial refrigerators last an average of 18 years, or 5 years longer than their previous generation. Better components, such as advanced compressors and high-quality seals, they said, were contributing to this improved performance with minimal energy consumption. The CEO thus commented, “Our initial investment into energy-efficient commercial refrigerators paid off. We not only saw our electricity bills go down but also extended the life cycle of that equipment, thus being a very smart long-term investment.”

Considering that the life span of the commercial refrigerator is quite varied, businesses need to plan their own replacement of that equipment, considering maintenance costs and the possibility of unexpected breakdowns. A commercial refrigerator will be more of an upfront investment than a home unit, but the payback period is generally better with their usually increased lifespan and efficiency. In one report provided by the National Restaurant Association, businesses see an average reduction in energy costs of 20% once invested in a commercial refrigeration system, accompanied by an average ROI within 3 to 5 years.

To better understand what contributes to the longevity of commercial refrigeration equipment, you can learn more about these systems at commercial refrigerator.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top