3 Reasons Your Walk-In Cooler Needs Servicing Regularly

As a store owner, you likely have a walk-in cooler system. It is good to have a recommended maintenance plan to ensure your system runs properly. These systems are very complex and have lots of parts that work together to keep them running.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

When it comes to a complex walk-in cooler system, prevention is better than expensive repairs. Here are a few tips you can use for preventative maintenance:

• Once a month, shut the power off to the walk-in cooler condensing unit. You can now safely vacuum all of the dust and debris which may have accumulated. You can use the reverse airflow mode in a shop-vac or use an air compressor to blow dust away.

• Once a month, clean the inside and outside surfaces of your walk-in cooler using a mild detergent and water solution. 

• Once a year, you will want to clean and inspect the walk-in cooler door seals.

Common Maintenance Issues with Walk-In Coolers

Regardless of the industry, it is important to ensure that your walk-in cooler is always operating efficiently and safely. This can be challenging for someone who knows nothing about refrigeration systems. Here are a few problems to look out for:

• Running loudly - A machine in good condition shouldn’t make extreme noise when it’s operating, and it certainly shouldn’t develop any unfamiliar sounds.

• Inability to maintain temperature - You might discover that your refrigeration equipment is not keeping the contents chilled properly.

• Ice or frost growth - The growth of ice or frost is the result of a leak or poor airflow.

• Inability to run after transportation - When you transport the refrigerator laying down, the chances are that the lubricant will escape from the compressor and run into the cooling pipes. To prevent compressor damage, give the lubricant several hours to settle in the compressor before turning the appliance on. 

2 Most Common Parts That Have Issues

A walk-in cooler provides businesses with the extra cooling space needed for their operation to grow at a reasonably low cost. Like any other appliance, a walk-in cooler needs regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure proper operation. Here are the 2 most common parts that need servicing or replacement and advice for maintenance:

• Condenser Coil - The area must be well-ventilated and temperature controlled to allow the heat to be removed. If the condenser area becomes obstructed, it can insulate the heat and reduce airflow. Confirm that the airflow area is clear of any debris, and clean off any dirt and debris that may be building up on the coil to help keep the compressor running strong.

• Evaporator Freezing - Evaporators are equipped with a defrosting mechanism that is designed to help melt off any frost or ice that builds up on the coils, and then the water from the melted frost or ice is drained out of the unit. Clean off any dirt and debris that may be building up on the coils, and check for any evaporator coil leaks.