3 Critical Signs That Your Walk-In Cooler Needs Repair


With the global market for frozen processed foods expected to hit the $69.11 billion mark by 2021, stores are increasingly installing walk-in coolers to meet the increased demand. Therefore, if you have recently installed a walk-in cooler in your store, then you already know how capital-intensive the piece of equipment is. It is for this reason that walk-in coolers require adequate monitoring and inspection during the service life. Without such tracking, walk-in cooler issues will go unnoticed and unattended to, and the problems will only be identified when it is too late. Knowing the signs to look out for when your walk-in cooler needs repair will help to alleviate disaster. Read on to find out more.

1. Frost Buildup -- Walk-in cooler rooms are supposed to keep products fresh enough, but not freeze them. Therefore, if you start seeing frost building up on the products as well as sections of the shelves, then it is an indication that something is not right. It happens when temperatures in a walk-in cooler fluctuate dramatically, thereby causing products to melt and then refreeze. On the other hand, the frost buildup could be a result of high humidity, which causes excess condensation and subsequent freezing of the condensate. If the frost builds up near the door of a cold room, then it could point to a problem with the seals that allow warm air to leak in. Whichever is the cause, frost buildup is an early indication that your equipment needs immediate repair. 

2. Fluctuating Temperatures -- Modern walk-in coolers are equipped with thermostats that allow the operator to monitor and maintain constant temperatures. However, if you notice temperature fluctuations on your thermostat, then you should be worried. It is because changes can cause temperatures to go below the desired levels, and this is not good news for your inventory. One possible cause for temperature fluctuations in walk-in coolers is a faulty sensor. It makes it difficult for the sensors to detect or send alerts when abnormal fluctuations occur. Therefore, the first thing you should do when you discover unexplained temperature fluctuations is to examine the thermostat sensors for malfunctions and call for immediate repair. However, temperature fluctuations can also be caused by leaving the door ajar for prolonged periods. It allows warm air in, which causes the temperatures to drop dramatically. 

3. Groaning Noises -- When you walk into a walk-in cooler, the only noise you should hear is the smooth humming of the HVAC system that the cooler is connected to. Any other type of noise indicates that there is a problem with the system. For example, if you hear frequent groaning noises every time, then it might point to a defective compressor motor. You should also pay attention to other types of strange noises such as unsteady squealing or chirping. That said, not all sounds require the service of an HVAC contractor. For instance, gurgling noises originate from the normal circulation of coolant.

For more information, contact your local commercial refrigeration repair service. 

About Me

Staying Warm and Keeping Cool: An HVAC Blog

Whether you are trying to stay warm or keep cool, a lot of the same elements are involved. For example, you need a well-insulated home and a functioning HVAC system. This blog is going to contain numerous posts about both heating and cooling. I plan to write about troubleshooting your HVAC system as well as about supporting it with the right windows, fans or other elements. I may also write shopping tips and guides on when to call for professional help. Before you start reading, let me introduce myself. My name is Ken. I was born in Winnipeg, Canada, where weather fluctuations are a fact of life, and a sturdy HVAC system is essential. While I was spending a gap year in England, I met my wife, Ariella, an Australian, and we've been living in Oz ever since. This is my first blog, and I hope you like it.

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