A walk-in cooler or freezer should hold temperature consistently. A few daily habits can help restaurant and business owners catch problems before product is at risk.
Record temperatures
Check and record box temperature at consistent times. A gradual rise, longer pull-down time, or wider temperature swing can be an early warning of a refrigeration problem.
Protect evaporator airflow
Keep boxes and products away from the evaporator intake and discharge. Blocked airflow can create warm areas, ice buildup, and longer compressor run times.
Check doors and gaskets
- Make sure the door closes and latches completely
- Look for torn, loose, or hardened gaskets
- Do not prop the door open longer than necessary
- Watch for condensation or ice around the door opening
Watch for ice, water, and unusual noise
Ice on the coil, water beneath the evaporator, fan noise, or repeated temperature alarms can indicate a defrost, drain, airflow, control, or refrigeration problem. Do not chip ice from the coil with a sharp tool.
Keep the condenser area clear
Do not block the condensing unit or mechanical-room ventilation. Excessive heat and dirty coils can raise system pressure and contribute to failures.
If the temperature is rising or the equipment is not operating normally, protect your inventory and request service promptly.
