A walk-in cooler is an essential part of many businesses, including restaurants, convenience stores, and markets. Despite their importance in day-to-day operations, walk-in coolers are often neglected until a problem arises. Here are three common issues that frequently occur with walk-in coolers, as well as tips on how to diagnose and address them before they need costly repairs.

Water Collecting

Because of gaps in the seams around the box, water can build up inside the cooled space and cause lots of problems inside walk-in refrigerators. Warm, moist air from outside can get sucked in and condense to form pools of water or ice, which can cause mold or lead to slip and fall accidents and lawsuits.

Door Problems

Another common problem area is the cooler door. If the sealing gasket around the door is spotty and needs to be replaced, it should be addressed immediately. When the door is closed, there should be an airtight seal at the entrance. Otherwise, the refrigerator will have to work harder to keep the temperature low. Not only will this wear out the parts on the refrigerator, but it will also tack on extra money to each month’s electric bill.

Condenser Issues

The condenser is the part of the refrigerator that condenses and cools the refrigerant liquid. The refrigerant is cooled by dispersing the heat outside the system with fans blowing over the condenser coils. Condenser coils should be checked regularly to ensure they are kept clean. If debris builds up on the coil, it will prevent the heat from leaving the system, which will result in a fatigued system and higher costs.

If you are experiencing any trouble with your commercial refrigeration system, rely on American Energy Air and Solar to fix it. We have decades of experience serving the Sacramento area with our customer-focused service. In addition to commercial refrigeration, we also offer commercial HVAC services and solar battery installation. Contact us online or call (916) 782-3139 to schedule a free estimate.

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Commercial refrigeration needs regular maintenance checks and cleanings to prevent costly repairs and to keep equipment running smoothly. Here’s what should be included in a maintenance checklist.

Keep It Clean, Inside and Out 

Remove the contents and scrub the interior of the refrigeration system with a soft brush, warm water, and soap. This should be done on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. Stainless steel exteriors shouldn’t be cleaned with rough scrubbers or chlorine cleaners; a washcloth soaked in warm water and vinegar works best and will help preserve the material and expand the life of your equipment. In addition to surface clearnings, you should work with an HVAC company to optimize the mechanical parts of the system in order to keep it running during long periods of time. 

Keep Condenser Coils Clean 

Although refrigeration systems may continue to function even when the condenser coils are dirty, it will have to work harder. This could increase electric bills and cause the refrigeration to overheat and break down. The condenser coils—located on the back of the refrigerator or at the bottom near the condenser—should be kept free of grease.

To clean the coils, first, disconnect the refrigeration. Remove the dirt from the coils with a stiff bristle brush, and then use a vacuum to clear any remaining dirt or grease. According to many manufacturers, the condenser coils should be cleaned once every three months.

Check Air Filters Regularly

Too much grease and dust on an air filter can cause ventilation problems over time. Clean the filters with a shop vacuum to remove dust and clear grease buildup with a degreaser. The air filter should be replaced if the debris has caused splits. 

Test Commercial Defrost System

In addition to checking the air filters and condenser coils, you should also test the defrost system periodically for proper operation. This will help eliminate the buildup of frost that can reduce the efficiency of evaporators. 

Ice Machine Maintenance

The ice machine should be part of any commercial refrigerator cleaning routine. Every few weeks, the ice in the machine should be removed, and the inside should be checked for mold and mildew, cleaned with a mild detergent, and rinsed thoroughly.

Water filters should be changed every six months to maintain the quality of the ice and the speed of ice production, as well as reducing mold build up. Consult the manufacturer’s manual or a refrigerator repair specialist if mold or slime are noticed, as this may be a sign of yeas or bacteria build up. This is important to help prevent health inspection failure.

If your commercial unit needs routine maintenance or repair, our technicians at American Energy Air are ready to help. Fill out our form or call us at (916) 782-3139 today.