Tips - Diagnose and Reduce Walk-in Cooler/Freezer Issues

Here are various tips to help diagnose and reduce issues with walk-in cooler/freezers:

• Make sure doors close properly and all seals are in good condition
• Make sure coils are clean and free of ice
• Ensure nothing is blocking air flow to/from unit (Example: Boxes positioned in front of the evaporator coil.)
• Ensure the condenser on the roof is running, and has a clean coil
• Confirm the fans are all spinning properly
• Confirm the refrigerant level is charged properly (Not overcharged/undercharged)
• Freezer – Confirm the superheat TXV is between 8 and 12, which helps keep the evaporator full of refrigerant while at the same time prevents the compressor from slugging or overheating
• Freezer - Confirm the heat strips are working properly and the fans are shutting off during defrost cycles
• Confirm drains are not clogged (Water not draining properly can cause entire coil to freeze)
• Is hot food being placed in refrigerated areas, or are doors being propped open for long periods of time? The evaporation from hot foods and the warm kitchen environment adds moisture to the coil which in turn may freeze
• Make sure air sensor is in the right spot. Having it located too close to the ceiling, coil, or having product blocking it will cause inaccurate readings, thus not allowing the system to work as it should.