Walk-in coolers are an important part of food businesses. From hotels to local convenience stores, these items work round the clock to ensure food items are kept fresh. However, considering the costs associated with them, it is only right that business owners should try to extend their lifespan. So, let’s take a look at some tips from commercial appliances repair experts that will make your money worth it.
Keep The Condenser Unit Maintained
The first thing you need to keep in mind when it comes to extending the life of your walk-in cooler is to protect and maintain important components like the condenser and evaporator unit. These two work as a pair to produce cool air. Moreover, these are the most expensive components inside your commercial refrigerator.
Fortunately, these components are not expensive in terms of maintenance. All you need to do is hire an expert on a monthly basis who will make sure the condenser and evaporator unit are properly cleaned. This is something you can do on your own as well if you have the right skills and knowledge.
To clean the condenser unit, you will need to access it. Depending on your model, the location of the condenser unit may vary and it is better that you consult the user’s manual. Then, shut off the unit and use a handheld vacuum to blow away all the dirt and dust.
However, if it has been a while since the condenser unit was cleaned, it might be that the dirt and dust accumulation is a bit stubborn. So, you can use special chemicals or simply use a bit of water with a microfiber cloth and wipe the accumulation away. Make sure you do not use sharp objects.
Clean The Evaporator Coil And Fan
Once you are done cleaning the condenser unit, it is time to remove the build-up on your evaporator coil and fan. Dirt and dust accumulation over the refrigerator’s fan blades can make it hard for them to work properly. As a result, the fans will simply overheat and the motors will burn.
That said, make sure that you clean the evaporator coil and fans every 2-3 months with a special detergent and a soft brush. Then again, the coils are sensitive components. Make sure you time your time and be patient with the process.
Maintain Your Cooler’s Drain Lines
Maintaining and ensuring the drain lines are clean is as important as looking after the condenser and evaporator coils. The drain lines will get backed up sooner or later and you should try to prevent it. The reason is that the unit will not be able to carry out its job in a normal way and if the blockage is ignored or not identified for a long period of time, it could cause damage to the unit’s structure.
Routinely Inspect Your Walk-In Cooler’s Panel And Door Gaskets
If you were not aware, your commercial refrigerator comes with gaskets that are made of rubber. These gaskets are there to ensure outside air cannot enter inside. However, with time these gaskets wear out and you will need to replace them eventually.
Even though most commercial business owners ignore this basic factor, you should look out for any cracks, damage, or unusual signs that call for a replacement. Additionally, you can clean the gaskets using detergent and water every 2-3 months.
Check The Thermostat
If you have a newer version walk-in cooler, there is a huge chance that it comes with a pre-installed thermostat, which keeps track of the inside and outside temperature. If the thermostat were to malfunction, the walk-in cooler will not be able to adjust and maintain the right temperature.
So, if you notice that your walk-in cooler is not cooling the way it used to, you should make sure the thermostat sensor is clean and not covered with dirt, dust, and grime. If that does not solve the issue, you might want to consult an expert regarding the replacement of the thermostat.
Final Word
In the end, the maintenance tips mentioned above are tried and tested to help extend the life of your walk-in cooler. Although, it might cost you some money but think of it as an investment. Keep it maintained and consider walk in cooler repair Northern VA immediately if it shows signs of problems.
