Top 5 Reasons Your Walk-In Refrigerator Isn’t Working

Businesses that use commercial refrigeration for perishable food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-controlled products know the importance of safe refrigeration management (see our full guide). Commercial refrigeration is also regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), so business-related refrigeration management is critical. If your commercial refrigeration isn’t working properly, it can pose significant risk; troubleshooting and fast repair are essential.

Before calling your local commercial refrigeration company, check to ensure the circuit breaker is working, the unit is plugged in, powered, and none of the vents are blocked by inventory or debris. Inspect the door seals and the thermostat.

There are numerous reasons why your walk-in refrigerator isn’t working, including problems with:

• Circulation fans
• Compressor
• Defrost timer
• Door damage
• Electrical overload
• Evaporator coils
• Frost
• Odor
• Product imbalance (cluttered or low-volume)
• Refrigerant leak
• Temperature control board
• Thermistor
• Thermostat
• Vents
• Water leak
• Wiring

However, the top 5 reasons your walk-in refrigerator is failing are incorrect temperatures, limited or blocked airflow, broken or faulty door gaskets, dirty condenser coils, and issues with condenser and evaporator fans.

Inconsistent or Inaccurate Temperatures

Walk-in freezers should be kept at 0°F. Walk-in refrigerators should be kept below 40°F because bacteria can double every 20 minutes if the refrigeration temperature falls between 40°-140°F (the “danger zone”). If there’s a problem, the walk-in refrigeration’s temperature control setting may have been accidentally bumped or changed, so you should restore the proper setting. If that doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to contact your area’s walk-in refrigerator professional. Refrigerated products should not be in the danger zone longer than 4 hours.

Limited or Blocked Airflow

Commercial refrigeration airflow is almost as important as temperature control. Limited or blocked airflow can damage the unit or its components, increase energy consumption and operating expenses, or cause product spoilage. Airflow problems occur if there are:

• Blocked vents
• Clogged/dirty filters
• Crowded products/packages
• Dirty coils
• Faulty defrost systems
• Ice buildup
• Low refrigerant levels
• Malfunctioning fans
• Obstructed/damaged ductwork

Broken Door Gaskets

The flexible rubber or vinyl material that creates an airtight seal around your commercial refrigeration door is the gasket (aka seal). The seal prevents heat exchange; it blocks warm air from entering the unit and stops cold air from escaping. Regularly perform the dollar bill test to ensure your gaskets are holding firmly. Slip a dollar bill between the door and the frame, then shut the door. If you can remove the dollar bill easily, your system is not properly sealed and may need repair or replacement.

Dirty Condenser Coils

You cannot properly clean commercial refrigeration condenser coils with air-in-a-can or a shop vac. You might do more harm than good. With twice-a-year professional maintenance, your walk-in refrigerator shouldn’t have any issues with dirty condenser coils. Often, when commercial refrigeration units frequently cycle on and off, the cause is dirty condenser coils. Also, if the area around a commercial refrigeration unit is warm, especially near the door seals, the condenser coils may need attention. 

Problems With Condenser, Evaporator Fans

Indicators you have condenser or evaporator fan issues include temperature fluctuations, ice accumulation, or noticeably bad airflow. These problems can lead to fan motor or compressor failure.

Quality, Comfort, Trust

Country Air believes local business-to-business support is vital in a global economy. Our reputation is built on 3 tenets:

• Quality – We provide our customers with skilled, experienced professional refrigeration technicians and state-of-the-art cooling and heating equipment repair and maintenance.
• Comfort – No project is complete if you aren’t completely satisfied.
• Trust – You can depend on Country Air for honest answers to cooling and heating problems. Our reputation is built on integrity, and we take pride in providing superior service. 

We welcome questions because we’re eager to share what we know! Contact Country Air to learn more.

Country Air

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