One of the main problems with a commercial freezer, or any freezer for that matter, is the layer of ice that forms on the inside. It is such a nuisance and you might think that there is no end to it. Well, there can be. Here are all the reasons why your commercial freezer is icing up. Some causes do need a commercial refrigerator repair expert to inspect and fix the freezer.
Causes Of A Commercial Freezer Icing Up
Leaky Freezer
There can be many reasons for freezing ice deposits in the commercial freezer, but one of them is leaks in the freezer or in other parts of the assembly. A freezer is supposed to freeze things, yes, but when it starts to form a layer of ice on the inner walls, that is not normal at all, and you need to do something about it.
When there are leaks in the freezer, the thermostat will work double time to regulate the temperature and then icing will become the norm.
The Interior Is Not Plastic
Commercial freezers are either made out of a steel interior or a plastic interior. If your commercial freezer has a steel-like interior wall chamber, then icing and freezing will be more common than in plastic freezer chambers. So, whenever you’re buying a new commercial freezer, make sure that you get one that has a plastic interior. It is going to eliminate the problem of freezing and icing altogether, and it won’t ever be a problem.
If you have a steel freezer, then icing will be very frequent and you will have to defrost it every chance you get, otherwise, the performance will be affected.
The Door Isn’t Shut Properly
Another thing that is actually quite common to occur in a busy restaurant or food business kitchen is not closing the freezer door properly. You know how you absent-mindedly open the freezer, take whatever you need out, and then slam it shut on the way back. Well, that very slamming can cause the freezer door to remain ajar and that can contribute to freezing or icing.
See, when the outside air goes in, the thermostat is shocked and it has to regulate the temperature quickly, therefore forming ice crystals with the moisture in the outside air and leading to – you guessed it – icing.
The Temperature Is Incorrect
There is one too many times when you set the freezer temperature too low, just because you think that it will cool things down a lot quicker. Well, not exactly. Actually, a very cold temperature setting can also lead to icing and freezing in the freezer.
You want to set it to the ideal temperature of 0°F. It will not only freeze things at an optimum temperature, but it will also prevent your electricity bills from going through the roof. So, always set it to the optimum and recommended setting and you will not have any problems.
The Vents Are Blocked
The freezer has vents that let the cool air in and allow the freezer to actually do its work, which is freeze things. If you overcrowd the freezer or block the vents, then it can cause the freezer to ice up. So, whatever you do, you want to ensure that you’re not blocking the vents in any way.
Sometimes, though, the vents can be blocked for a completely different reason and that is quite alarming too. So, this is why maintaining the freezer and always checking up on things is extremely important. You will not regret it.
You Open The Door Too Often
This is also something that can happen way too often than you would like to admit. You might have a habit of constantly opening and closing the freezer door because you haven’t gotten everything you need out. Well, this constant opening and closing of the door can lead to icing or freezing inside the commercial freezer.
So, in order to rectify that, you want to keep a mental note of what you need from the freezer and then take everything out in one go. Even if you want to go back and get something, then it should be after some time and not immediately.
You’re Not Maintaining The Freezer
If you are not maintaining your freezer at least once every month or every 6 weeks or so, then you will obviously run into a lot of problems.
You can have broken seals on the door or some other issues that need immediate action, but you won’t be able to address them until you check them regularly. Freezers need professional maintenance as well so hire commercial refrigerator services Fairfax for that.
How To Fix The Icing Up Problem In Commercial Freezers?
So, now that you know why your commercial freezer can freeze up on you suddenly, here are some things you can do to prevent it from happening and also fix the problem while you’re at it.
Maintain Properly
If you don’t properly maintain your appliances that are responsible for keeping your kitchen or restaurant up and running, then there is no point. You are literally ruining your own appliances with your own hands. When it comes to commercial kitchens, maintaining the appliances is key. You don’t want to just leave them and let them do their thing.
If you regularly keep an eye on the freezer, then it will be very easy for you to spot any problems and you will be able to solve them quickly. This is going to save your freezer from a lot of problems – one of them being icing – in the long run.
Fix Any Problems
Whether it be the door seals or sudden leaks in the freezer, you want to be able to fix that. This will automatically solve the problem of icing in the long run and you won’t have to open your freezer, only to be greeted by a pile of ice frozen on the surface of the chamber.
If you regularly fix and troubleshoot your freezer, then it will also be very easy to maintain it, and it won’t even take a lot of time, which is something everyone dreads.
Regularly Defrost
This is also a great preventative tip for icing in the freezer and that is to regularly defrost the freezer. It can be once every month or even more frequently if the temperature is too cold and you are seeing more and more ice buildup.
Basically, when ice starts to take up more room in the freezer chamber, that is when you know you have to defrost it, so the timeline will vary, depending on the size, the use, as well as the stock you have in the freezer. You want to clear out the space, let the ice melt, give the freezer a good wipe down, and then operate it like normal.
Conclusion
A commercial freezer is one of the most important things to use in a kitchen, especially when it’s bustling and busy. So, you definitely want to fix this problem quickly by consulting a commercial freezer repair Northern VA technician.