Commercial refrigeration units are must-have appliances for any commercial kitchen or food supplier. When functioning properly, they’re cost-efficient, convenient, and versatile. But like any appliance, walk-in coolers occasionally need to be repaired. Ron Hammes Refrigeration in La Crosse, WI, is one of Western Wisconsin’s most respected HVAC companies. Here, the staff explains five common commercial refrigerator problems and what you can do to fix them.
5 Common Walk-In Cooler Problems
1. Door Leaks
Over time, the seams of the cooler may start to loosen after years of use or excessive grime buildup. This allows warm air to seep into the cooler and form condensation. Condensation can result in mold growth, an unsanitary health hazard. It can also lead to wet floors, a risk to your staff’s safety. Inspect the seams regularly to ensure they’re in good condition.
2. Broken Closing
One of the most common commercial refrigeration problems is the cooler’s inability to shut completely. If the unit isn’t closed properly, it can result in inefficiency and wasted energy. Call a professional right away to avoid an unnecessarily high energy bill.
3. Overflowing Drain Pan
Over time, sediment and other particles can build up and cause line clogs, which result in overflowing drain pans. To prevent line clogs, have a commercial refrigeration professional clear the lines as a part of your routine maintenance check.
4. Faulty Evaporator
An overflowing drain pan can also cause the evaporator to fail if it isn’t serviced quickly. Other causes of evaporator failure include depleted refrigerant and freezing. The evaporator may freeze if its defrost cycle, which melts frost buildup on the coils, isn’t working. Excess frost or other particle buildup causes the evaporator to overexert itself and eventually break down. Have the evaporator cleaned periodically to prevent this.
5. Faulty Heater Strips
Without a working heater strip, your refrigerator door could freeze shut. A functional heater strip is warm to the touch. If yours has gone cold, call a refrigeration specialist immediately. A frozen door could hinder operations and pose a risk to you and your employees’ safety.
For all your heating and cooling needs, contact the dependable HVAC professionals at Ron Hammes Refrigeration. To schedule an appointment, call (608) 788-3110. For more information, visit the Ron Hammes Refrigeration website or follow Ron Hammes Refrigeration on Facebook.