Though important and well-meaning, the health inspector can be more frightening to a business owner than just about anyone the business owner comes in contact with. Health inspectors are thorough, careful and detailed, and it is borderline impossible to be perfectly within regulations simply because there are so many opportunities for error. You might think that you have everything important covered, only to find out that you violated a small regulation, and a violation is a violation. However, if you’re careful enough and have conscientious staff, you can pass without even a small infraction.
One of the most common surprises that occurs when the health inspector visits is the discovery that freezers aren’t reading at the right temperature. You know the setting is right, so why the discrepancy? There are a few basic faults that can occur, and one of the most surprisingly common and simple is the freezer gasket. If a freezer gasket is cracked, damaged, or just not sealing correctly, you’re losing cold air.
The good news is that the freezer gasket is relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Even if you have a model of unusual dimensions that’s no longer in production, you should be able to find a professional who will craft a custom replacement freezer gasket for your unit.
So how do you check the seal? Most likely, you’ll be able to tell if your freezer gasket is cracked and too stiff. If you can see an obvious gap when you close it, then yes, you have a freezer gasket problem. More often, however, the poor seal starts to create problems before it’s visibly apparent. One way to check the strength of the seal is to place a dollar bill in the door and close it. Try to pull the bill out: If it slides out easily, you’ve got a bad seal; if it resists, then move on and check the rest of the seal in such a manner. Not the easiest or most fun process, but an important thing to keep up with. Either way, you should periodically check the freezer gasket for dust, dirt, and grime.
If you do have a broken seal, you can try to DIY the repair or call in a professional to install a new freezer gasket. The decision comes down to price and what you feel comfortable doing. If you don’t think you can install the freezer gasket correctly and will only produce another poor seal, there’s no shame in calling a professional. In fact, it’s the most conscientious way to go. It may cost a bit more, but repeated failures and repeated days of having to keep the freezer empty while you try to install a proper gasket will cost far more than a freezer gasket repair or replacement by a professional. And hiring a professional will also ensure that you don’t get a nasty surprise from the inspector because of something that’s quite preventable.
