Your business’s walk-in cooler keeps products fresh and safe, but even the best machines that are regularly maintained will face problems. Knowing the common issues that these commercial refrigeration units encounter will help you to prevent and recognize them when they start to occur. Below are four of the most common problems that your walk-in cooler might encounter.

Common Problems Your Walk-In Cooler Might Have

1. Ice In the Drain Pan

Your drain pan collects condensation and moisture that comes from the unit and the air, but it should not be full of frost or ice. A blocked drain line will cause this problem, and you will need to clean it if so. There’s also a heating element that defrosts the evaporator coils and prevents ice from collecting in the pan. If it is not running, ice will accumulate, leading to insufficient cooling. Regular professional maintenance will keep the drain line clean and catch problems in the heating unit early on.

2. Not Maintaining Temperature

If your cooler isn’t staying cold, you lose valuable product. If the high-temperature alarm lights up, there’s a safe chance it’s due to low refrigerant, which could be caused by lack of maintenance or a leak. Ice collecting on the evaporator coils from the moisture in the air will also prevent proper function. Opening the door too frequently or not shutting it all the way allows the temperature to rise, too. If you know the door isn’t the issue, check for signs of refrigerant leaks around the cooler, and if you can safely reach the evaporator coils, check them for ice. A commercial or industrial refrigeration professional will need to refill the refrigerant and fix any leaks, and icy coils suggest deeper issues that also require professional attention.

3. Faulty Control Board

If the cooler is running, but the control display isn’t on, it’s most likely caused by a broken fuse or issue with the wiring, such as damaged or disconnected wires. You will need to replace the fuse if it’s blown, and rewire or fix the wiring. A shorted transformer will also cause the display to go out, which can be tested and repaired by a professional. There could also be an issue with the control board itself, which may need to replaced entirely.

If your walk-in cooler needs professional repair or you still aren’t sure what the issue is, trust the commercial refrigeration experts at Dickerson’s Commercial Refrigeration & HVAC. Based in Lexington, KY, since 1968, this locally owned and operated business has offered skilled, affordable repairs for commercial and industrial refrigeration units. Fully licensed and insured, their technicians will quickly diagnose and correct issues on any make and model of the refrigeration unit, saving you money and hassle. Read about more reasons to choose them online, and call (859) 254-1436 to schedule service today.