Many forecourt retailers are investing in new technology such as solar power and energy-efficient refrigeration to help them cut costs.
However, once the installation is over and everything is working as it should, this tech should not be ignored. To extend the life of expensive equipment, you need to have regular maintenance and servicing in place.
Solar panels cost quite a bit to install but they can give you a great return on investment. To keep that investment going, they do require some maintenance but according to Thomas Thillou, solar group manager at TSG France, they actually require very little.
“An annual cleaning of the panels and visual inspection is usually sufficient, and the inverters need to be replaced after 12-15 years. The panels themselves can last 25 years, even 30 years or more, with only a slight reduction in efficiency over time, retaining 80-85% of their initial performance after such a period.”
And as for that expensive new chiller system, you can go for planned preventative maintenance from the company you bought the kit off, or you can do a lot of this work yourselves.
Simple tasks such as cleaning the insides of your fridges regularly can help maintain performance – removing any food spillages before they become a problem. The exterior needs regular attention too. Stainless steel and glass need to look clean and shiny at all times – to give shoppers confidence to buy what’s inside.
Epta UK marketing manager, Rory Kroon, says: “Regular maintenance goes a long way. Simple actions like cleaning condenser coils and checking door seals can make a real difference to long-term efficiency.”
Another element to keep an eye on is the air filter because if it is clogged with debris or a build-up of oil, it won’t work properly. And if there is too much damage, it is often better to replace the air filter completely.
