In extreme environments, such as high-volume kitchens or retail stores that offer food and beverages, refrigeration equipment gets a lot of use. In the summer, it ends up working overtime, which puts added stress and strain on delicate components. Extreme heat can compromise commercial refrigeration systems by causing them to work harder for longer in order to maintain optimal temperatures and reject ambient heat gain. Failures can cause spoiled inventory, food safety issues, failed inspections, loss of income, and long periods of downtime.
B & J Refrigeration can help your company avoid these losses through preventive maintenance and refrigeration repair in Arizona. Understanding why your units fail during peak summer months can help you take preventive measures to avoid costly breakdowns. Here are the biggest reasons why walk-in coolers fail in extreme heat, and how to reduce the risk of damage.
Overloaded Condenser Coils
The condenser coil releases the heat that is collected from inside the cooler or refrigeration unit into the outside environment. If the kitchen air is already hot due to rising ambient temperatures, the temperature differential will drop. This makes heat transfer more difficult and less efficient. The problem is compounded when condenser coils are coated in dust, grease, or debris, while creating an insulating barrier that blocks heat transfer. The compressor will run continuously until overheating or short-cycling, eventually requiring refrigeration repair.
Iced Up Evaporator Coils
Kitchens and commercial spaces are hot, humid environments in the summer. When hot, humid air infiltrates the walk-in cooler or other refrigeration system, it encounters chilled or freezing air. This causes it to instantly condense and rapidly accumulate on the walls, floor, ceiling, and coils. Thick layers of ice can block proper airflow around the coils, creating an insulating effect that prevents proper heat exchange. Over time, this causes internal temperatures to rise or trigger a system-wide shutdown.
Overworked Compressors
The refrigeration compressors cycle on and off as the unit works. In periods of extreme heat, warm air infiltrates the system and dirty coils or filters combined with frequent door opening can cause the compressor to work non-stop. This overload can accelerate wear and tear, cause overheating and electrical damage, and shorten the lifespan of the unit.
Preventing Walk-In Cooler and Refrigeration Problems During the Summer Heat
Our technicians can help you prevent walk-in cooler and refrigeration problems during Arizona summers. We recommend that you commit to regular preventive commercial refrigeration maintenance, including:
- Cleaning the condenser units and keeping them clear
- Inspecting the performance and condition of moving parts like fans and motors
- Checking door seals and hardware to make sure they function properly
- Enforcing strict door discipline
- Keeping evaporator vents clean and clear
- Installing smart temperature monitors and strip curtains
Call B & J Refrigeration for 24/7 Walk-In Cooler Repair in Tucson
Don’t ignore warning signs of a refrigeration issue in the summer. B & J Refrigeration offers speedy, 24/7 emergency commercial cooling, heating, and refrigeration repairs. We have decades of experience and use NATE-certified technicians who ensure structured preventive maintenance, accurate inspections and diagnostics, and fast repairs or replacements with as little downtime or disruption to business operations as possible. Call us now at (520) 308-6722 or contact us online to make an appointment for refrigeration or walk-in cooler repair in Tucson, AZ.