Walk-In Cooler Components That Need Frequent Replacement

A walk-in cooler is an essential part of a commercial kitchen. When it comes to choosing one, not only do you need to know how it works but also the components that wear out easily so you can maintain it. We are going to discuss components of a walk-in cooler that wear out easily so that you are able to hire commercial refrigerator services and get the replacements done on time.

Fan

Commercial kitchen appliances like walk-in freezers and coolers etc. come with built-in fans. These appliances work round the clock to ensure the food items are kept fresh. Continuous functioning increases the temperature that produces heat. This is where the fans come in.

Fans help dispel heat, which could otherwise damage the unit. Although fans tend to last a while before needing a replacement, you never know when they will give up. In most cases, the bearings need to be replaced but if the fans malfunction, they are most probably going to need a replacement.

Compressor

A compressor serves as the heart of a walk-in cooler. It is designed to keep the temperature inside the walk-in cooler low and is one of the most rigid components. Just like the fans, compressors take years until needing a replacement but with older units, replacements are common.

Compressors use refrigerant to produce cool air. If the amount of refrigerant is low due to leakage or some other issue, the compressor is the first component that is affected. In such a case, the compressor will work harder than usual to make up for the loss of cool air and will eventually heat up to the point where it will damage itself.

Furthermore, compressors also experience bearing issues. The bearings inside can wear out with time but can be easily replaced. But if the compressor has malfunctioned, you will need a compressor replacement.

Lights

When walk-ins were first introduced, manufacturers thought fluorescent bulbs were going to be a great fit. Unfortunately, these bulbs are not that durable and produce a lot of heat. As a result, LED bulbs were introduced that utilize half the energy and last a lot longer.

This means that you might not need an LED replacement on your walk-in cooler but they will surely need replacement sooner or later. If you experience such an issue, you will need to replace the existing bulb with the exact replacement or opt for something stronger.

Even though the lights inside walk-ins are covered but as the unit turns old, the moisture begins making its way inside causing the LEDs to malfunction.

Computerized Temperature Controls

Computerized temperature controls work alongside a series of sensors that help monitor food temperature. The purpose of these sensors is to raise an alarm if the unit is acting suspiciously. You might also get a text message or email if there is something serious going down.

Unfortunately, computerized temperature controls are prone to malfunctioning and are quite expensive. If there is a problem with a particular sensor, you can get it replaced. However, if there happens to be a problem with the control board or a similar component, the walk-in freezer will stop working.

In this case, you will need to consult an expert about whether it needs repairing or replacement. Sometimes, the problem is caused by some other component, which trickles down to others, ultimately, hindering the performance.

Electrical Panels

Electrical panels do not give a warning before malfunctioning. They will simply stop working when it’s time for a replacement. In serious situations, they can also spark and cause a fire that can turn the kitchen into a deadly space to work in.

If you experience such a situation, you should first consult the warranty. If the unit has no warranty left, you should contact an experienced electrician. You are most probably going to need a replacement.

Final Word

The above-mentioned walk-in cooler components can and will wear out either with or before time. However, now that you are aware, it is important that you keep them well-maintained to prevent sudden mishaps and expensive replacements down the road. Commercial equipment is sturdy but it is also costly. So, only get help from walk in cooler repair Northern VA professionals for replacements.

Walk-In Freezer Cleaning Guide

Keeping a walk-in freezer clean and maintained helps it run efficiently and effectively. If you have a business that relies on a commercial walk-in freezer, you need to look after it so that you do not experience any breakdowns or need urgent walk-in cooler repairs. Let’s take a look at how you can clean your walk-in freezer.

Prepare Yourself

The first thing that you need to do is prepare yourself. What this means is that you need to gather all the essential items and tools needed to clean the walk-in freezer. At the same time, cover yourself by wearing gloves and goggles to reduce any chances of injury.

Next, turn off the freezer and begin cleaning. If you are cleaning the freezer after a while, you might come across stubborn accumulation that will need a bit of effort and time to remove. On the other hand, if your freezer has been receiving regular cleaning, you can simply wipe and clean using special cleaning products.

Clean The Interior And Exterior

Walk-in freezers consist of shelving units, freezer walls, and floors where ice buildup usually occurs. Before you begin cleaning such areas, allow the ice to melt. Then, remove the water and clean the interior using microfiber cloths, brushes, and chemicals.

Once you are done cleaning the interior, move onto the exterior. Make sure that you wiped down all door gaskets because that is where mold and mildew are found. Next, clean the evaporator and condenser coils and fans to eliminate dirt and oxidation. Upon removing them, it will enable your freezer to run more efficiently.

For Optimal Walk-In Freezer Performance

Doors

To ensure that your walk-in freezer always offers optimal performance, keep the doors shut. If the doors are even slightly open, cool air will sneak out, forcing the freezer to work harder, ultimately increasing the energy costs.

If the doors do not shut properly, inspect the door sweeps and gaskets to see if they need replacement. This is a common occurrence amongst old freezers.

Floors

Once you are done cleaning the doors, move towards ensuring that the floors are clean as well to prevent pest attraction. You wouldn’t want someone to walk in and come across pests and flies feeding on the leftover food on the floor. Additionally, spillovers can quickly freeze leading to slip-ups and accidents.

Fans And Condensers

Fans and condensers are perhaps the most important components of a walk-in freezer. If either of the two is faulty, the freezer will not perform at its optimum. At the same time, these components are quite expensive to repair and replace, therefore, you would want to make sure that they are away from trash, plant growth, or anything that impedes their airflow.

Furthermore, check the suction or insulation lines between the condensing unit and evaporator coils. Coils might also need regular cleaning, so you need to clean them as well. Examine the fan motors to see whether they are running at optimal speeds.

Electrical

Sometimes, loose wires and faulty connections can also damage the walk-in freezer. Initially, you might not be able to detect electrical issues since the entire network is located inside. However, if you smell something burning, you should turn the freezer immediately off.

Detecting electrical problems beforehand significantly helps in reducing expensive damages. If you observe something unusual, you should ask a professional to thoroughly inspect the appliance.

Drain Lines

It is quite often that drain lines of commercial walk-in freezers are overlooked. This can pose harm to the health and performance of the freezer. Drain lines are designed for water and other leftovers to exit. With time, these drain lines will become clogged. Therefore, you need to ensure that the drain lines are free from any blockages and the water does not back up and finds its way inside the freezer, contaminating the items stored inside.

Final Word

Walk-in freezers are not that difficult to clean and maintain. To make the process easy, simply create a maintenance schedule and follow it. This will keep the freezer in top-notch condition and allow you to detect problems beforehand, prolonging the life of the unit. Only use reputable commercial appliances repair Alexandria services for inspecting and repairing the freezer.