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When a fridge or freezer breaks down, it can be more than just an inconvenience, especially for businesses that rely on effective cold storage. Whether you’re running a commercial kitchen, supermarket, laboratory, or event, your cooling systems are vital. That’s where a refrigeration engineer comes in. But what exactly do they do, and how are they different from a general technician or a plumber? Our blog is here to explore the role of a refrigeration engineer, how they support businesses, and where services like fridge hire fit into the picture. To learn more, read on.
The Role of a Refrigeration Engineer
A refrigeration engineer is a trained professional who will install, maintain, and repair refrigeration systems. These systems may include:
- Walk-in fridges and freezers
- Cold rooms and chilled display units
- Air conditioning units with refrigerant systems
- Blast chillers used in catering and food production
Unlike a general technician, a fridge engineer is qualified to handle refrigerants (such as F-Gases) safely, in line with UK environmental regulations.
Their Day-To-Day Duties Often Involve:
- Diagnosing faults in cooling systems
- Replacing or repairing faulty components
- Checking pressure and temperature levels
- Ensuring refrigerant gases are handled safely
- Advising on system upgrades or replacements
Many refrigeration engineers also support planned maintenance schedules, helping to prevent breakdowns before they occur.
Fridge Engineer vs Refrigeration Engineer – Is There a Difference?
On the whole, the terms fridge engineer and refrigeration engineer are used interchangeably. Both refer to professionals trained in cooling and refrigeration systems. However, when it comes down the job role:
- A fridge engineer may focus more specifically on domestic or small commercial units
- A refrigeration engineer may work on larger-scale or industrial systems
If you’re not sure which type of expert you need, it’s best to consult a provider who offers both services. Ian Hobbs can help you find the right experts for your needs.
Supporting Business Operations
In industries where precise temperature control is essential, such as catering, pharmaceuticals, and food retail organisations, the expertise of a refrigeration engineer is crucial. A single fridge failure can lead to thousands of pounds in wasted stock or disrupted service, which could be detrimental to your business. This is why many businesses keep a trusted fridge engineer on call, particularly ones that operate 24/7. A fridge emergency can happen at any time, so having an expert on hand is essential.
How Fridge Hire Fits In
When a unit breaks down or an additional fridge is needed for a short-term event, fridge hire can offer a great solution. You can use fridge hire for:
- Demand during peak seasons
- Use temporary cooling during refurbishments
- Replace faulty units while waiting for repair or installation
Some fridge hire providers also work closely with refrigeration engineers to deliver and install temporary systems quickly, helping to reduce downtime on your site.
Ian Hobbs Technical Services
Whether you’re in need of urgent repair, planning routine maintenance, or considering fridge hire, a skilled refrigeration engineer is your go-to professional. If your business depends on refrigeration, don’t wait until something goes wrong. Contact our team today to learn more.