Walk-in coolers and freezers are taken for granted when they are working, but as soon as there is an issue, the whole kitchen is in jeopardy. Neglecting to keep up on maintenance or incorrect use can prove disastrous for kitchens.

Here are some suggestions to ensure the efficiency of your walk-in cooler or freezer.

1. Check for air leaks from gaskets/seals, floor sweeps, hinges, and latches. Preventative maintenance should include checking these areas for potential air leaks. Make sure to replace worn or torn gaskets and seals.
2. Use care when washing the floor with water. Avoid using power washers and hoses. In addition to the damage they cause to the floor itself, there is a high risk of food contamination due to water splashing around. Use a well wrung-out mop and do not leave excess liquid on the floor. Besides the obvious slip and fall scenarios, the excess moisture can cause ice buildup on the evaporator, floors to degrade, and abnormal corrosion. Plus, moisture on the floor could lead to mold and mildew issues along with a foul odor, creating unsanitary conditions.
3. Don't prop the door open. Doing so lets in hot air, causing the refrigeration system to work harder, longer, and less efficiently. The warmer air also creates moisture buildup inside the walk-in box and freezes on the evaporator, restricting air flow. Most walk-in doors have hydraulic or spring-loaded closing mechanisms or cam hinges to keep the doors closed. If they are not closing, they need to be inspected and corrected. Note: if you see a rope, bungee cord, or long piece of cellophane hanging from the door handle, it usually means that someone is tying the door open.
4. Turn off the fans if the door is to remain open for an extended period. This will help keep the cold air in and the coil from icing up.
5. Don't stack anything higher than 12 inches below the bottom of the evaporator. Also leave 12 inches on each side of the evaporator and nothing should be blocking the fans. Failure to do this will cause warm spots in the walk-in and/or excessive run times.
6. Inspect all evaporator and condenser coils at least every 6 months. Dirty coils are less efficient and make the refrigerant system work harder and longer than it should to maintain temperature.
7. Never use anything to chisel or break off ice buildup on evaporators or refrigerant lines. You are more likely to damage something than fix it. If the buildup starts to become unmanageable, schedule a professional to help.
8. Schedule a visit from a service agent at least twice a year for Preventative Maintenance or be on a Preventative Maintenance Schedule.

Our LONG-Missoula team is unique in that they are the only HVAC Service team at LONG who specializes in servicing kitchen equipment. To schedule preventative maintenance to ensure your systems work properly and efficiently, and to avoid those high-cost emergency calls, call LONG in Missoula at 406-274-5435 or contact them here https://www.long.com/montana.

For other questions related to HVAC Service beyond the Missoula area, contact LONG directly.