Walk-in freezers and coolers are expensive equipment that often performs more than needed to combat the detrimental effects of their constant usage. The force of carts and pallet jacks, as well as condensation and icing resulting from harsh environmental conditions, could make a walk-in suffer wear and tear. This article will look at scenarios where the walk-in cooler repair can be an option to prolong the life of your equipment and circumstances where it’s more beneficial to replace the whole walk-in. There are many things to take into consideration before making a decision.
Walk-In Cooler Repair:How long does a walk-in cooler last?
The lifespan of a walk-in cooler or freezer ranges from 10 to 15 years, based on the environment it is exposed to. Below is a list of instances where repairs are possible or should be done to your walk-in cooler or freezer.
Walk-in Door
The door isn’t shut
It’s a frequent problem with walk-in cooler doors, as the door and hinges are the primary sources of all wear and tear. The ability to adjust or replace hinges on the doors is an affordable solution
condensation or ice has developed over the front of the walk-in refrigerator or freezer.
Removing the door’s perimeter sweep heater or checking its electrical connections is likely an option to fix.
Perimeter of Your Walk-in
There is the appearance of water puddles on or close to your walk-in.
Puddling water is an indication of thermal-conductivity problems. Panel joints that are not appropriately sealed or thermal bridges between walk-in panels could cause condensation on surfaces, forming puddling pools of water. Discovering the cause of condensation issues can be done through a thermal bridge assessment. Damages brought about by the issue can then be repaired to prevent the problem from reoccurring. Insulated battens can be affixed to joints in panels that do not seal properly to prevent condensation. Spray-foam sealants fill gaps between refrigeration pipes, electrical conduits, and open joints to prevent condensation and cold transfer it generates.
Your device is making unusual or loud noises.
It is often a sign of an issue with the Evaporator. Most of the time, loud sounds coming from the Evaporator can be caused by ice accumulation on the coils where it is in contact with the fan’s blades. In many cases, the ice accumulation in refrigerators during defrosting is likely due to improper settings. If this is the case, you may be able to rectify it by fixing the defrost heater. Another reason frequently cited is the humid air infiltrating an entryway kept open for long or when there are holes within the seal or sweep.
1.3. Walk-in Panel Joints
1.3.1. Condensation, frost, and ice are accumulating on the panel joints, or your joints are swelling or dislocated.
These problems occur when water vapor enters the joint in the panel, where it is condensed into liquid water inside the joint. If the walk-in has an ice maker, the condensed water could be frozen, resulting in ice. The joint is divided by the growing ice, which eventually causes the panel joints to expand and break, leading to damage and increasing the cost of operating. A Batten strip or thermal liner panel could solve this problem.
1.3.2. The joints of the exterior panel are sweating.
In certain conditions of the day, the combination of temperature and humidity can be so high that wood-framed panels or a low R-value (the insulation’s capability to limit airflow into a walk-in cooler freezer) could be the root cause of this problem. It’s a good idea to switch to a frame-type or thicker panels made to work in these conditions. Liner panels and batten strips may provide relief from frames that are performing poorly thermally.
1.4. Walk-in Panels
1.4.1. Your panels show white corrosion or rust.
The interior can be reskinned by applying thermal liner panels solves this issue and improves the walk-in panels’ insulation capabilities.
1.4.2. You may have minor damage to the panels.
In this case, patching or replacing the damaged panels is the best option.
1.4.3. The panel joints have separated or have opened up too much to be repaired.
The problem can be fixed by removing the ice from the joint using an electric strip heater, sealing the joint with spray foam insulation, and covering the joint using an insulated batten strip.
1.4.4. Walls of panels are bowing or caving.
In this instance, a structural support system may be applied to rectify the problem.
1.4.5. Panels in use may not comply with current energy codes.
Installation of thermal liner panels can enhance your walk-in panels’ insulation capabilities up to R-13.1 in thickness per square inch.
1.5. Floor
The floor in your freezer vibrates because water gets under the walkway and freezes.
In this scenario, installing a new “drop-in” floor can be established between the walls to solve the problem and offer a longer-term solution.
When To Replace Your Walk-In Cooler or Freezer?
There will come a time when a repair isn’t economically feasible or even practical. In the event of a delay in solving the issue, it could cause a sudden break, and this is not a good thing.
New models offer greater efficiency in energy consumption since the new panels boast better insulation properties and have higher R-values. A high R-value at the panel framing is crucial because walk-ins constantly fight to prevent humid and warm air from entering the Unit.
Making the Call:
A regular proactive maintenance plan (conducting routine inspections, maintaining the Unit tidy, and maintaining humidity levels around the walk-in) will not only prolong the Unit’s lifespan but also ensure its ability to run effectively.
When issues arise, it is essential to tackle them as soon as possible. The problems may begin in a small amount and then overgrow.
Whenever viable, restoring items can cut back on your costs. Yet, if the price of mending is soaring or the Unit isn’t mendable, it might be necessary to obtain a new Unit.
In the end, when choosing to replace or repair your walk-in refrigerator or freezer, consider the Unit’s age, the price of repair or replacement, the consistency of temperature in your Unit, and how much energy the Unit consumes, along with the regularity of the regular maintenance. After you’ve checked the boxes, you’ll be confident to decide.
Keep away from a malfunctioning Walk-In Cooler or Freezer. Contact Unity Cooling Systems to do the fixes swiftly! Please give us a bell and obtain a 10% rebate on your Walk-In Cooler Repair or Replacement services. Let us cooperate to enhance your enterprise!
