The 6 Common Signs of Walk-in Cooler Malfunctions

If you run a business that’s in any way related to the food industry, one of the necessary requirements for keeping your products fresh for consumption is a walk-in cooler. Unfortunately, it’s possible for walk-in coolers to break down; doubly unfortunate is the fact that it can be hard to detect the signs of a malfunction.

In this post, Cafco Services, one of the best HVAC companies in Cincinnati, discusses the six common signs of a walk-in cooler malfunction.

Door Wear and Damage – If you think something might be wrong with your walk-in cooler, inspect the door for any wear and tear on the seal. This issue can be quite costly to repair, as pockets of air will have leaked out of the cooler at this point and may cause the unit to overheat. The most common reason for this damage is continuous use in a fast-paced environment.

Odd Smells – Coolant leaks from your walk-in cooler are usually accompanied by strange or stale smells. If something smells off in your cooler, it’s possible the coolant is leaking and its condensers are old and malfunctioning. With that in mind, make sure to call a refrigeration equipment services provider to fix the leak as soon as possible.

Frost Buildup – Frost buildup is a possible indicator that temperatures in your walk-in cooler are changing dramatically, causing items to melt then refreeze. It’s also a possibility that the humidity levels are off and your walk-in cooler is facing excess condensation. If there’s frost buildup near your door, on the other hand, this may indicate that it’s not sealing properly, allowing warm air to leak in. Check the door gaskets for damage if you’re facing this problem.

Water Leaks – Walk-in coolers usually have insulation and seals. If these happen to be old and faulty, they can cause a water leak. This is something that must be rectified immediately, as water leaks can lead to mold and mildew growth in your cooler.

Fluctuating Temperatures – Walk-in coolers must be able to maintain a near-constant temperature if you want your inventory to remain intact. Oftentimes, temperature fluctuations are caused by a malfunctioning sensor, so make sure the cooler doors aren’t being propped open for long periods of time. Otherwise, warm air can enter the unit and cause it to work harder than it should.

Strange Noises – If you start hearing odd noises in your walk-in, this usually means your cooler is currently facing mechanical problems and is in need of repairs. Call a service technician who can help you find the root cause and determine the next step in getting your walk-in cooler in proper working order.

For all your commercial refrigeration requirements, turn to Cafco Services, your number one choice for HVAC filter products and HVAC installation and repair services. Give us a call at (513) 906-6105 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. Talk to us today!