If your business uses a walk-in cooler or freezer, there’s a very good chance that you rely on it heavily. Whether such appliances are used to keep flowers fresh and maintain their appearance or to store sweet, delectable treats, these appliances probably mean everything to your business. When they go down, it not only means a costly repair is likely to follow, but it could mean everything from lost revenue to production loss.
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Although it is entirely possible to avoid all future repair scenarios, you’ll do yourself and your business a good deal of justice by learning to spot the early warning signs and symptoms of potential mechanical failures. You might even catch the problem before it leads to a major, costly problem. That’s the goal and something you are here to help with! Even just knowing when to make that service call can go a long way.
Build-Up Of Ice And Frost
Coolers and freezers are designed to keep things cool. Sometimes, such appliances are required to maintain near-freezing temperatures. Whatever the application, it might seem natural to ice and frost in your cooler or freezer.
This could very well be the case in some scenarios, but there are also situations when too much ice and frost could mean problems. It likely represents a dramatic drop in temperature, which creates melting conditions.
This type of scenario will not only mean wasted revenue and lost inventory, but it could mean bacteria growth as well as a whole host of other potentially hazardous situations. Always keep an eye out for melting and frost build-up. If the problem is isolated to a single area, that might even point you in the direction of the culprit. Frost build-up near the door could indicate leaky door gaskets or seals.
Varying Temperatures
Yes, the temperatures in your coolers and freezer will vary slightly from time to time. Especially, if you are constantly frequenting them to store or retrieve inventory. That said, your appliances when operating properly should be able to quickly adjust and maintain steady temperatures. One or two degrees could be the difference between thawing, melting, or freezing. Frequent melting and freezing aren’t good for inventory.
You don’t need to constantly watch your appliances, making sure they maintain appropriate temperatures, but when retrieving or storing items, it doesn’t hurt to make quick, cursory checks of operating temperatures.
If your appliance is having a hard time maintaining a steady temperature a whole host of problems could be the culprit. Eliminate the easy and obvious by making sure doors aren’t being left open for prolonged periods, move on to dirty filters and coils, and if those aren’t the problem it could be sensors or even the thermostat itself.
Unwanted Smells
Your cooler, freezer, and inventory will emit specific smells. Some might not be that pleasant or desirable, but they should never be strange, chemical, or stagnant. Learn to familiarize yourself with the typical smells of your appliances and inventory. Unpleasant smells could mean anything as serious as bacteria growth to something as minor as exposed inventory. Either way, these are conditions you’ll want to rectify immediately.
Strange Noises
Not only do door coolers and freezers naturally emit smells, but they also emit sounds. You’ll hear components clicking on and off, sensors engaged and disengaged, and fans running. They’ll probably sound like clicks, clanks, ticks, and hums, but nothing should be too strange. If you hear bangs or even feel vibrations, it could mean major future problems.
Try to acquaint yourself with the familiar sounds of your appliances, as odd noises will be one of the surest ways to catch potential issues.
Water Leaks
When most people think about coolers and freezers, they don’t typically think of water. Well, even though these appliances are designed to create near-arctic conditions, they do condensate.
Also, when ice or frost melts, they can leave behind water. Depending on the model and style of appliance you own, it might be possible for you to easily spot the drain. On many walk-in freezers, this component is located inside along with the inventory.
Regardless, there is a drain somewhere and it needs to remain clear and free. Water build-up doesn’t always indicate a clogged drain, but it does prompt the need for quick action and repair.
Water build-up could indicate anything from a clogged drain to fluctuating temperatures, inefficient insulation, Freon problems, dirty coils, and filters, or leaky seals and gaskets. Such scenarios only create the possibility for accidents, so it’ll be something you want to jump on immediately.
