Walk-In Refrigerator & Freezer Troubleshooting
When your walk-in refrigerator or freezer is down, you’ll want to get it back up and running in no time at all. Parts Town has a few troubleshooting tips to help your products stay cool and your equipment operate in peak condition. Below are some common issues that can cause a walk-in refrigerator or freezer to stop working properly.
Broken Seals or Gaskets
If the seals on the doors are broken or warped, the doors won’t keep in the cold. Any leaks or loose panels can cause an issue with the air infiltration, moisture and more. The overall performance can also be affected by reduced air circulation from overcrowding or if items are placed in front of the evaporator fans.
Compressor Issues
You could have a faulty compressor. It’s crucial that the compressor work properly as this is a vital part to any refrigeration cycle. If there’s an electrical overload, a malfunction with the compressor or there’s a defective coil, this could prevent the part from working. Make sure you contact a repair technician to have a closer look at the component.
Faulty or Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils should be checked regularly. Make sure they are clean and clear of any ice buildup or debris. If not properly ventilated, this could cause failure. Condensers need adequate ventilation to reduce heat transfer as well as air flow.
Water Won’t Drain
As any ice melts, it should be draining from the freezer. Sometimes, the water becomes trapped and freezes again. This can cause damage to the unit or parts. If you notice a buildup of ice, be sure to remove it as it could cause cracking.
Dead Unit
If the unit isn’t working altogether, make sure you troubleshoot by unplugging it and plugging it back in. If this simple check gives no results, then you’ll want to check the wiring to see if the unit is getting any power at all. If there’s an electrical issue, you’ll want an electrician to have a look. If there’s no power to the walk-in refrigerator or freezer or there’s a wiring issue beyond repair, you have a dead unit and will need to consider a replacement.
Other Common Walk-In Refrigerator or Freezer Issues
- Excess Frost - If there’s a buildup of frost in your commercial walk-in refrigeration unit, then you might experience inconsistent temperatures. This could indicate an issue with food safety as the items will have defrosted and frozen again. Check the gaskets and seals on the unit to ensure there are no leaks.
- Fluctuating Temperatures - As mentioned above, having inconsistent temperatures can cause a food hazard if not taken care of. The cause could be a faulty sensor, broken seal or even having the door open too long multiple times a day.
- Stale Smells - Notice a lingering smell coming from the refrigerator or freezer? It could be from food going bad or from faulty temperature control. If the condenser is malfunctioning or leaking coolant, then you’ll want to have the unit inspected and order some new parts to have it repaired.
- Noisy - Though a humming from a walk-in freezer or refrigerator is normal, if there’s a louder, inconsistent noise, you’ll want to have it checked out. Having noise come from your unit is a sign of a mechanical problem. Have a technician come out to inspect it.
- Leaking Water - Signs of leaking water is a serious issue. This can be caused by faulty or old insulation and damaged seals. This means air is getting inside and dropping the temperature. This will overwork the refrigeration unit and cause mold, which is a serious health hazard.