How does a walk in cooler work?
When you have a walk in cooler in your restaurant or similar business, you have a sophisticated piece of equipment. Knowing how it works will help you recognize problems when you need walk in cooler repair.
Walk in coolers operate similarly to your HVAC system, and have many of the same parts such as compressors and condensers. One of the most important parts of your walk in cooler is the evaporator, because it freezes the moist air to manage heat transfer. If your evaporator coils are icing up, and not defrosting, you may have a problem with the system.
Condensers remove heat from the cooler in a similar way they remove heat in an air conditioner. In this case, however, the condenser regulates temperatures to keep your frozen and perishable products at the right temperature. If dirt builds up on the coils or the fan gets damaged, you could have problems with your condenser. The compressor adds pressure to the refrigerant and compresses it into a gas so it can flow back into the condenser. Drops in temperature may indicate your compressor is malfunctioning.
Anytime you see problems like drops in temperature in your walk in cooler, count on the team at Rocky HVAC for walk in cooler repair in Severn and Baltimore, MD. Find out how we can help or schedule our services, give us a call at (410) 921-1277.
How much does it cost to build a walk in cooler?
Depending on the manufacturer and the size of the cooler, the cost to build a walk in cooler will vary, but on average it will cost between $6,000 and $10,000. This cost factors in equipment and insulation, as well as installation by professionals. There are some coolers that can be built for as low as $3,000 as a do-it-yourself job, and it’s not unheard of to spend as little as $1,000 to build the cooler, though this required repurposed materials already in the builder’s possession. Installation costs may also include electrical as well as duct upgrades.
When you plan to build a walk in cooler for your business, you want make sure you have a reliable roof on your building to protect it. You’ll want reliable commercial roofing professionals to make sure your roof is well maintained.
Does a walk in cooler need a floor?
Your walk in cooler may or may not need a floor depending on where it’s installed and how the cooler will be used. A walk-in unit installed on a concrete floor in contact with the ground in which you’ll only have foot traffic, then you won’t need a floor. If your cooler is installed on a wood floor or other floor that could easily be damaged, you will need a floor for your cooler. You’ll also want to install a floor if you’ll be using carts or pallet jacks or plan to store heavy items inside. When you install flooring for a walk in cooler, you’ll need sealers or screeds to join the walls to the existing floor so air and moisture won’t pass through.
Can you paint a walk in cooler?
If you want to paint your walk in cooler, you can. You may want to check health codes to make sure painting the cooler doesn’t violate any health codes. Use a moisture cured urethane product to paint if permitted.
How do you clean a walk in cooler?
Keeping a walk in cooler well maintained is essential for it to last a long time. The walls and floors should be cleaned with a solution of 4 ounces of bleach to each gallon of water. Rinse to keep the water from soaking into the floor panels. Wipe down the ceilings and walls regularly to avoid mildew and bacteria growth. Sweep the floors in the freezer instead of using water. Clean the condenser coils regularly, and remove any debris that can block the door seal. Yearly empty out the cooler and set it to room temperature and clean it with a hose.
How to repair walk in cooler
Walk in cooler repair can be complicated, and it’s best to rely on professionals like those at Rocky HVAC to perform any repairs. Below are some common signs your walk in cooler may need to be repaired.
- Lack of power could indicate anything from a tripped circuit breaker to a blown fuse to a problem with your control board or wiring.
- Too much product or a frost build-up on the evaporator could cause the temperature to become too high. A professional can diagnose what’s causing the spike in temperature.
- A constantly running motor may indicate a refrigerant leak or other leak.
- Ice build up on air vents or evaporator coils are a common problem, as is ice forming in the drain pan because of a clog.
Walk in cooler door repair
Another common problem that requires walk in cooler repair is a damaged door. Damages could range from damaged hinges and handles to leaky seals. Door damage needs to be repaired as soon as possible, especially when the damage causes air to get out of the cooler. This air seepage can change interior temperatures enough that it can affect the products in you cooler, including causing spoilage.
Cost to repair walk in cooler
Repair costs will vary depended on the component that is damaged or malfunctioning. A refrigerant recharge may cost around $200, whereas parts like compressors or evaporators could cost as much as $1,000 or more to repair. Typical repairs average between $300 to $600. Labor costs will also be factored in.
Walk in cooler repair near me
When your walk in cooler has a problem like temperature fluctuations, the skilled professionals at Rocky HVAC are the team to trust for reliable walk in cooler repair in Severn and Baltimore, MD. Find out how we can help you by calling (410) 921-1277.
