Walk-in refrigerators and walk-in freezers are commonly utilized in various industries. These large appliances serve as cold storage for food, pharmaceuticals, live flowers, beverages, blood products, ice, and cosmetics.
A1 Portland Commercial Refrigeration Repair
Walk-in freezers utilize refrigerants like R-134A. The refrigerant is stored inside a pressurized system. The primary purpose of refrigerant is to reduce the temperature in a sealed compartment. Walk-in appliances operate 24/7, utilizing various internal components like a compressor, thermostat, evaporator fan, condenser coil, and compressor.
Walk-In Freezer Doors
One appliance component that is often overlooked is the door. The unit door(s) serves one major purpose, an access point to the internal compartment.
In commercial settings, walk-in refrigerator doors are utilized by workers, suppliers, management, and customers. The constant use results in normal wear-and-tear and severe damage in rare cases. This applies to both swing and slide doors.
Walk-In Swing Door
Each walk-in freezer swing door is equipped with top and bottom hinges. The hinges allow the door to swing freely during each use. Proper installation is key to ensuring smooth operation. If the top and bottom hinges are only slightly off, the door will not swing properly. The top hinge may be installed property while the bottom hinge is slightly off. Regardless, the door will not swing smoothly.
Poor hinge installation can also result in the door leaning to the right or left. The lean may not be obviously visible, but if an adjustment is not made in a timely manner, it will become noticeable.
A damaged hinge will prevent the door from sealing properly. Even if the door is only barely ajar, the internal compartment will not maintain the proper temperature. If you know anything about food spoilage, it only takes the slightest drop in temperature.
Walk-In Slide Door
Unlike the swing door, the sliding door utilizes a door hanger, door track, and roller. These components allow the door to slide from the right to the left and vice versa. One thing that can be said about a walk-in unit door is it is highly used. The constant use is guaranteed to cause damage over time.
The roller slides back and forth across the track while an adjusting rod keeps the door level. Damage may not be visually obvious in the beginning. With continued use, the damage will become more apparent. The door will start leaning to the left or right, which is a sign of things to come.
Walk-In Freezer Door Gasket
The door interior is installed with a PVC gasket. It is obvious that the gasket is utilized to create a full seal around the internal compartment.
PVC is a durable material that will start breaking down within the first year of operation. Tiny stainless-steel screws are utilized to attach the PVC gasket to the interior side of the door.
Both slide and swing door designs include a PVC gasket. When the door is fully closed, the gasket creates a seal around the outer edges of the internal compartment.
Walk-In Refrigerator Door Maintenance Tips
It is important to consider the importance of walk-in appliances for your business. Cold storage is necessary to prevent meat and dairy spoilage.
One of the most common medical conditions related to food spoilage is salmonella, followed by E. coli, and salmonella. The onset of foodborne illness is between 30 minutes or several hours after consumption. Consumers who experience foodborne illnesses generally know the origin.
Foodborne illness cases have been known to destroy cafes, diners, delis, and other restaurants. Do not let this happen to you.
Routine door maintenance should be incorporated into daily operations. Encourage your workers and staff to perform door maintenance whenever possible.
