Tips in Buying a Commercial Refrigeration Unit

There are a number of features you want to look at when purchasing a commercial refrigeration unit for your kitchen. This is not a cheap piece of restaurant equipment to invest in.

Commercial refrigerators are typically used in restaurants and hotels for larger storage space. You want your refrigerator to be easy to work in and energy efficient.

Here are four tips to buying the right unit for your kitchen:

• Focus on the temperature the refrigerator ranges from

Many commercial units nowadays are designed in a way that they can be maintained between 36 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer can be maintained between -2 and 2 degrees. Just keep in mind that the size of the unit can range from a small under counter to a refrigerator that compares to a roll-through unit. This variation can alter the temperature as well.

• Consider the type of size you are in need of

Keep in mind that maintenance can be one of the aching problems you may face depending on the size you go with. The larger the unit, the more the initial cost will be as well as the expenses you face due to energy loss.

• Cabinet Check

If the cabinet appears to be good, you can move on to the whole refrigerator. Even if the entire unit looks good, you still want to look at a few other parts. Take the time to check if the lights turn off when the door is closed, see if the gaskets are splitting, pulling loose or drying out, and look for tiny details that can ruin a perfectly good unit quickly.

• Evaporator and Condenser

Check the evaporator and condenser being that a bad evaporator can lead to compressor failure. You can look to see if the condenser fins are greasy. The reason for this is because grease acts as an insulator and can cause the compressor to overheat and overwork.

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How Your Cooler Works

Understanding your walk in cooler will save you money and frustration. Many cooler repair in Illinois are caused by not understanding the operation of commercial refrigeration equipment. Your walk in refrigerator is very similar to a commercial reach-in refrigerator. It is not similar to a residential refrigerator. A household refrigerator is actually a freezer that uses some of the freezer’s air to cool the refrigerator part.

A walk in cooler moves heat from the box to the space around the condenser. Typical temperature ranges are from 35 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees. Below 35 degrees a forced defrost cycle is needed to avoid freeze ups. This is how a walk in cooler works. This example will use a box that has a thermostat that is set at 40 degrees with a 5 degree differential.

The Thermostat Calls for Cooling

The temperature has risen to the set point of 40 degrees. The thermostat closes and the compressor and condenser fan comes on. The condenser fan may cycle on and off in cold ambient temperatures.
The fans blow cold air out of the evaporator. The air circulates around the box absorbing heat. The warmed air is pulled into the back of the evaporator. The air is cooled as it passes through the evaporator.
The evaporator fan continues to run as the temperature drops to 35 degrees. There maybe slight ice build up on the evaporator. This is normal, since the coil in the evaporator is about 10 degrees colder than the 35 degree air entering it.

The Thermostat is Satisfied

When the temperature reaches 35 degrees (40 degree set point minus 5 degree differential), the thermostat cuts the compressor and the condenser fan motor off. The evaporator fans continue to run. The fans in the walk in cooler should always be running.
Heat is absorbed through the walls, from door openings and from the product. The temperature continues to rise. Any frost that was built up on the evaporator will melt now. This is called off cycle defrost. The air needs to be at least 35 degrees for dependable defrost.
This is an important point. If the walk-in cooler can not reach the set point temperature, the compressor will not cut off and evaporator can not defrost. This can be caused by the thermostat being set too low. Liquid refrigerant can make it back to the compressor and cause compressor failure.
The air in the box continues to warm until it reaches 40 degrees. Then the thermostat calls for cooling again. A walk-in freezer works in the same way plus it has a forced defrost cycle.

Want to learn more about your cooler? Have a cooler repair problem? If you answered yes to these questions, then it is high time to consider a freezer repair technician. If you need assistance in cooler repair in Illinois, Northeast Cooling has specialized in Commercial Refrigeration and Ice Machine sales, service and repair for more than 15 years. Cooler, Freezer, and Ice Machine repairs done right the first time. Count on Northeast Cooling for Quality Refrigeration Repairs.