Walk In Cooler Repair or Replacement

This is a huge issue that may require you to close down the restaurant until necessary repairs are made, and it could set your business back. That’s why it’s important to recognize when walk-in freezer needing to be repaired or replaced to both avoid inconvenient closings or to save money when your cooler may need a simple fix versus a whole replacement. Keep reading for some helpful information on knowing the difference.

How a Walk-In Cooler Operates

In order to properly assess what issues your walk-in cooler could be facing, you’ll need a basic understanding of how it operates. A walk-in cooler functions with an HVAC unit.  This unit will be larger than most, in order to obtain the right temperature in a larger space. There are multiple types of walk-in coolers. A self-contained walk-in, is when the refrigeration system is all in one unit, with the evaporator and condenser. A remote condensing walk-in will house the condenser unit elsewhere and be separate from the evaporator. Lastly, a multiplex walk-in will use a centralized system that will house multiple condensing units and evaporators. Depending on which type of walk-in cooler you have, the process and cost of repair can vary, however, all of them would involve repairing or replacing the HVAC unit. So when should you repair or replace your walk-in cooler?

Replace or Repair?

Chances are your walk-in cooler is crucial to your business or operation. So, when you start to experience any issue, you will want to call to have a professional assess the situation. The standard life expectancy rate for a walk-in cooler is roughly 15 years. If you’ve owned your walk-in for less time than that, you should be thinking about repair.

Repairing a Walk-In Cooler

HVAC repair is usually possible without needing to replace the entire unit. Some businesses will see the slightest issue to their walk-in cooler as the end of its use, however, repair is usually possible. As long as a professional technician can find a way to access the cooling system, there should be an opportunity for repair. A professional can have your cooler back to normal in no time, sometimes with only a few hours of work. Let’s take a look at a few common issues that can hinder your walk-in cooler from operating correctly.

Common Issues

Just like with other HVAC units, a walk-in cooler can run into multiple issues during its life. A professional technician will be able to assess the problems that are plaguing your unit. Some common issues can be your condenser coil, evaporator coil, or leaks from poorly insulated panels.

• A condenser coil needs to be well ventilated in order for the heat in to be removed. If the coil has its airflow obstructed by debris or dirt, it can insulate the heat and reduce airflow.
• An evaporator coil will help regulate the temperature inside of your cooler, ensuring that the temperature is where it needs to be. However, when the evaporator coil isn’t defrosting correctly, it can cause an increase in temperature and start to thaw your product.
• Insulation panels keep cool air inside of the unit and will help maintain the correct temperatures. However, things like age, buildup, or moisture on panels could be causing heat to get inside your unit.

With a quick call to your local HVAC repair company, you can usually fix almost any issue in the system. Repairing a walk-in cooler can be pricy, though it is still much cheaper than replacing it altogether. Though sometimes, it might not be worth it to repair your unit.

Replacing a Walk-In Cooler

While most issues can be fixed, sometimes the unit is beyond repair. Here are a few instances where it can make more sense to replace your walk-in cooler.

Age

While you can still repair a cooler that’s 15 years old or older, it might not be the most efficient option. By this point, your walk-in cooler might not be as energy efficient as a newer model and could actually be costing you money.

Cost of Repair

If you find yourself frequently shelling out money for repairs, or if the cost of a repair is too great, it can be cost effective to replace your walk-in cooler. While replacing it might be more expensive today, the cost of continuing to repair a troubled unit could end up being more costly.

Leaks

If your unit is constantly leaking, it can be a safety hazard for you and your employees. It’s always the right choice to make sure your business runs smoothly and safely. If you continue to run into this issue over and over, the best option might be to replace your unit.

As always you should call your local HVAC repair service to get a professional opinion as to what your best option is. Repair will be your first choice to get your walk-in cooler running properly again. But as we’ve demonstrated, it’s not always the case. That’s why it’s important to let a trusted professional guide you to making the best decision possible.

Walk-In Cooler Panel Repair From 1 Source Mechanical

At 1 Source Mechanical, we excel in service that you can trust! 1 Source Mechanical provides premier installation, repair and maintenance of commercial/industrial-refrigeration systems and equipment for businesses that require cold-storage space!

We serve businesses with reliable HVAC repair services. Ask us about our maintenance agreements as well. We believe an efficient commercial HVAC system is one you rarely have to think about – allow us to make sure yours runs like this!

To get in touch with our team of walk in cooler panel repair specialists, give us a call at 815-517-0501 or complete our online contact form! We’ll get back to you promptly!