How can You Tell When Your Walk-in Cooler or Freezer Needs Repair?

Walk-in coolers and freezers are a staple in the food industry. Not only do they make for a nice escape from the heat of the kitchen and allow you to cool down for a moment, but most restaurants rely on them to safely store their food products. Whether it is products in the freezer stored away for future use, or recently prepped foods being temporarily stored in the cooler, storing food products at the proper temperature and in the proper environment is vitally important. Here at Buffo’s Refrigeration we are experts at cooler and freezer repairs. Let’s take a look at some of the main signs that your walk-in freezer or cooler needs to be repaired. 

Leaking Water

Any kind of water in a cooler or freezer is not a good sign. It can either mean that something is leaking, or that something is melting. If you see water on the ground or the walls, try to identify the source of it. If you think it is a product that is melting, check the temperature of the room – that might be the cause of the issue. However, dripping water from ceiling or wall condensation could mean that there is a leaking pipe somewhere that needs to be repaired. 

Visible Frost

While it may seem like frost is a good sign and an indication that a freezer is working properly, that’s actually not the case. Frost is the result of warm air mixing with cold air, so if you notice excessive frost building up in your walk-in, then that means that warm air is getting in. It is important to ensure that your walk-in door is always closed, and that people close it as soon as possible when using it, but if you have good door habits and frost is still occurring, then air is leaking in and you will need to repair the spots that are not sealed properly. Learn more about our Commercial Refrigeration Repair services.

Unusual Smells

Unusual odors in your walk-in are not a good sign. This could either be the result of rotten food products that are dangerous to consume, or the result of a leaking chemical such as a coolant. Not only is a coolant leak a sign of an issue, but it can be dangerous if the coolant is leaking onto any of your products. Whether you have leaking chemicals or rotting food in your walk-in, you will want to address that as soon as possible to remove the odor and prevent the issue from escalating.

Damaged Door

As we mentioned with the signs of visible frost, if your walk-in isn’t sealed properly it could lead to warm air leaking in and causing your food to go rotten. Take a look at your door to make sure that it isn’t damaged or worn down too much. The door is what seals the cold air in and keeps your products cold and fresh, so even a small issue of not sealing properly could lead to greater issues down the line.

Incorrect Temperature

Temperatures are so important when it comes to food storage. Incorrect temperatures can be dangerous for certain foods and can cause them to go bad. If you notice that the temperatures in your walk-in cooler or freezer are inconsistent throughout the day or are not consistent with what they are set at, then it likely means you need a repair service. Not only can the incorrect temperatures cause food to spoil, it can also allow for bacteria to grow. Bacteria on the food can be just as bad as spoiled food and can make people sick. When you choose Buffo’s for your refrigeration repairs you are choosing someone who lives and shops in your community, someone who truly cares about you, your equipment, and the safety of the customers that you serve.

Contact Buffo’s

Is your walk-in freezer or cooler in need of repair? Contact us today to schedule a repair service, or give us a call at 775-782-8204 for a free quote. At Buffo’s Refrigeration we love what we do, and we are confident that there is no refrigeration repair job that our experts can’t handle.