When you rely on commercial refrigeration units for your business, models with glass doors often get condensation buildup that will block your customers’ view of your products. There are ways to prevent this issue and keep your equipment free and clear. Knowing why it happens can help you prevent it or clear it up.

How to Stop Condensation on Glass Door Units

What Causes Condensation?

Condensation comes down to warm air versus cold air and the dew point, which is the temperature at which air is too saturated to hold any more water. The dew point is typically lower than or equal to air temperature. When warmer, humid temperatures outside meet the coldest surface — such as inside your commercial refrigeration glass doors — the excess water vapor turns into a liquid that forms condensation.

Typically, when a room is too humid, there is a higher rate of condensation. This excess moisture not only blocks the view of your glass displays, but it can also lead to other issues in your establishment such as paint peeling, wood rotting, mold, and mildew. While wiping down the glass is a temporary fix, it doesn’t solve the source of the problem.

Preventive Measures

The first step in curbing condensation on commercial refrigeration units is to balance temperature humidity inside. By adjusting your cooler temperatures to be slightly higher, you raise the surface temperature of the doors. You can also lower your building’s temperature so the difference between the two is not as great. Colder air conditioning settings also help with excess humidity by drawing more moisture out of the air. Another option is to install a dehumidifier to control air moisture. With less water circulating to cause oversaturation, condensation is less likely to form.

Sometimes it is the unit itself that is the problem. Damaged door gaskets may be letting too much warm air into your refrigerator. If you have heated doors, there may be something amiss with wiring or components that are necessary for regulating temperature. A technician can inspect your system for compromised areas and may also recommend anti-fog coatings to help eliminate condensation altogether.

Staying on top of commercial refrigeration maintenance will also help. The better your equipment works, the less trouble you’ll have keeping stable temperatures. In addition to equipment maintenance, check the rest of your building for areas where water may be getting in such as around doors and windows. Any excess moisture or leaks will contribute to a humidity problem.

Located in Onalaska, WI, Schomburg Refrigeration is the commercial refrigeration company to trust for restaurant equipment, walk-in coolers, HVAC repair, and more. For more than 70 years, the company has offered their clients top brands in commercial kitchen equipment in addition to repairs and maintenance to keep units running well for longer. To learn about their offerings, call (608) 781-6614, or visit their website for more information on the brands they carry.