Ice build-up can cause safety issues, product damage and challenges when operating your commercial walk-in freezer. Not to mention, excessive moisture and warm air create the ideal environment for mould to grow.
Following these tips from Cold-Rite can help you recognise the signs and prevent icing issues in your commercial freezer before they pose a threat to your business.
What Causes Icing Issues in Your Commercial Walk-In Freezer?
Ice can accumulate in your freezer when there is too much warm, humid air. Your commercial refrigeration equipment is designed to maintain a specific internal temperature. When warm air enters your walk-in freezer or coolroom, your refrigerator kicks into overdrive to keep the temperature down. This overcompensation freezes the condensation and creates ice.
There are several reasons why warm air might be getting into your commercial freezer.
First, it could be a problem with your door. The seals around your door, walls, or flooring might have a crack, causing an air leak. Alternatively, your walk-in freezer door may not be properly closing due to damaged gaskets or faulty hinges. Your employees may also be leaving the door open for too long or forgetting to close it when they leave.
Second, it could be a problem with your evaporator, the component responsible for turning refrigerant solution liquid into gas to keep the temperature low. Ice build-up around your evaporator could indicate that the fan is dirty or broken.
Third, icing near your drain may be a sign that your drain line is clogged
Finally, the problem might be due to old insulation panels. If you’ve had the same insulation panels in your commercial freezer for ten years or more, they may have accumulated ice inside, which makes them less efficient at insulating your freezer. In turn, your refrigerator overcompensates for the temperature increase and continuously runs, freezing the condensation.
How to Prevent Icing Problems
Repairing ice damage is costly, so you want to closely monitor your walk-in freezer for signs of build-up before it’s too late. Not only does icing cause physical damage to your commercial refrigeration equipment and products, but it also increases operating costs.
Establishing a commercial freezer maintenance routine ensures you spot ice build-up immediately and can call the commercial freezer repair specialists at Cold-Rite to diagnose and fix the problem. Every week, you should check gaskets, door hardware, drains and insulation panels for cracks, leaks and freezing. Furthermore, every month, you should run a defrost cycle to remove existing ice build-up. To prevent warm air from entering your walk-in freezer while your employees move in and out, you can install vinyl strip curtains in the doorway.
Commercial Freezer Repairs in Sydney
Icing is a common problem in commercial freezers, but you don’t have to let it threaten your operations. Cold-Rite offers installation, maintenance and repairs for your commercial refrigeration equipment in Sydney. If you notice ice build-up in your freezer, don’t delay and call the experts right away!
