Talking About HVAC

Posted on: 26 September 2022

Commercial refrigeration units, including large walk-in freezers, are complex HVAC systems on par with the large central air conditioning and heating units found in many homes and businesses. Because these systems require so many interconnected parts to function well together, failures can be costly. Even worse, the resulting downtime can have a significant negative impact on your business.

As with any other HVAC system, proper maintenance is critical to minimize the long-term operating and repair costs of commercial refrigeration systems. These three tips will help ensure that you're doing all you can to keep your costs down and ensure maximum possible uptime for your commercial refrigerators and freezers. 

1. Check and Replace Air Filters

Does air quality in your commercial refrigeration unit matter? Surprisingly, the answer is that it's just as crucial as it is in a home HVAC system. The air filter's primary role isn't to purify and clean the freezer's air but to protect critical system components while allowing unimpeded airflow. Dust and other contaminants can affect the evaporator's efficiency, so a clean filter is critical to catch these particles.

On the other hand, restricted airflow can quickly cause additional damage. A restricted filter can reduce system efficiency, impede the ability of the freezer to maintain low temperatures, and even overstress or damage the compressor. Knowing the location of your filter and changing it regularly (or hiring a service technician to do it for you) is the easiest and most cost-effective way to protect your equipment.

2. Inspect and Clean Condensate Drain

All refrigerant-based cooling systems (including refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners) produce condensation and require drains. Walk-in freezers and similar units can produce significantly more condensation than typical AC units, making drainage even more critical. Most freezers also include heaters on their drain line to prevent condensate from freezing and creating an obstruction.

Checking your condensate drain line and drain pan are two relatively simple tasks that can ensure your system is functioning correctly. By routinely inspecting these components, you'll also catch problems before they become too severe. Since a frozen or obstructed drain line can cause serious issues, regular inspection and cleaning is a cheap way to avoid trouble.

3. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Like any other HVAC system, commercial refrigeration units need occasional servicing and inspection by professional technicians. These maintenance visits will include cleaning both sets of coils, checking condensate lines, inspecting electrical connections, and more. While you can perform some simple maintenance yourself, it's best to rely on a professional a few times per year.

Contact a local refrigeration service to learn more.