How to Determine if a Walk-In Cooler Needs Repairs
A well-functioning walk-in cooler is necessary for businesses related to the food industry. These businesses include restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and other stores that preserve temperature-sensitive and perishable ingredients and food products.
However, like other electrical appliances, a walk-in cooler can break down or experience issues requiring the services of an experienced HVAC technician. Any problem with the walk-in cooler will mean financial losses for the business. It is crucial to catch the issues early to prevent and avoid emergency repairs.
Here are a few warning signs indicating that the walk-in cooler is malfunctioning and needs repair:
Inconsistent temperatures
Walk-in coolers are required to maintain steady temperatures for the safety and quality of the stored items. If a walk-in cooler has unstable or fluctuating temperatures, it can spoil the inventory. Usually, a malfunctioning sensor is a reason behind inconsistent temperatures. Several commercial walk-in coolers have in-built temperature monitoring systems. Keep an eye on the temperatures and if it fluctuates too much, call a technician to identify the root cause. Avoid keeping the door of the walk-in cooler open for a long time. It allows the warm outside air into the unit, making it harder to maintain a uniform temperature.
Strange odors
If any unusual or unpleasant strong odor comes from in or around the walk-in cooler, it is time to schedule repairs. Possible reasons for foul odors include mold growth, spoiled food, coolant leak, or an old or malfunctioning condenser. Regardless of the reason, strange smells demand a professional inspection to determine the cause and whether the unit requires repair or replacement.
Excessive frost build-up
Frost-in coolers defrost automatically to prevent ice build-up on the products and the walls. Noticing frost build-up can indicate incorrect cooling, improperly sealing doors or excess condensation. Call a technician to restore proper functioning.
Leakage
Another tell-tale sign that a walk-in cooler needs repair is noticing wet floors or water puddles around the walk-in cooler. A leaking walk-in cooler is more than just an inconvenience. Leaving the issue unattended increases the chances of mold and mildew growth, which is a health risk and dangerous for the business operation. Irregular temperature, uncontrolled humidity, broken or damaged seal, improper unit installation, and old equipment can cause water leaks.
Unusual sounds
A walk-in cooler consists of a fan, motor, compressor, and other moving parts that help it function properly. When the unit faces any mechanical problem or if a part breaks, it can produce strange rattling, banging, or scraping noises. Call a technician for immediate repairs to avoid further damage.
Door issues
The walk-in cooler door should seal properly to prevent air from entering inside. When the door fails to operate correctly, several issues can arise, including high humidity inside the cooler, water leaks, ice build-up around the frame, wasted energy, higher utility bills, costly repairs, and shorter unit lifespan. Call a technician to inspect the gasket or hinges when the door fails to seal firmly.
Maximize all the benefits of a walk-in cooler
An inefficient or incorrectly working walk-in cooler can cost a business dearly. Regular care and routine maintenance are critical to keep the equipment in top condition, help it last longer, and ensure smooth business operation. Contact a local HVAC contractor for any walk-in cooler installation, service, repair, and maintenance requirements.
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