We get a lot of panicked calls from customers who notice an accumulation of ice or frost on their refrigeration equipment in Eugene, OR, particularly on their compressor head or surrounding lines. It’s understandable that they’d be stressed—after all, when the compressor has trouble, their business could be in jeopardy!

Fortunately, ice or frost accumulation isn’t always a bad thing. This post will teach you a little bit more about frost and ice on your refrigeration equipment and what you can do to prevent it.

How does frost accumulate?

Frost on the compressor or compressor lines is normal. After all, these are frigid components surrounded by warmer air. When warm air comes in contact with the parts, it condenses and forms small water beads. If the compressor temperature is below 32 degrees, that water will start to freeze and form a layer of frost. This is more common on commercial refrigerators than it is on residential units.

Is there a problem with my compressor?

That fine layer of frost is no big deal—but what about a thick layer of frost or ice? Although this problem is less common nowadays, a lot of ice on your compressor could indicate a refrigerant leak. If there is a leak, you’ll also notice that your fridge isn’t performing like it should be.

So, if you see a lot of ice and notice a dip in fridge performance or temperature, call a professional to inspect and repair your unit.

How to avoid ice or frost accumulation

Fortunately, preventing high levels of ice or frost on your refrigeration equipment in Eugene, OR is fairly easy. Follow these tips, and you should never have to worry about excess ice or frost on your refrigeration gear:

• Have your unit serviced annually: The best way to prevent refrigerant leaks and subsequent ice accumulation is by scheduling annual maintenance. During your annual inspection, your refrigeration technician will take a look at all of the components to ensure they’re working like they should. In addition to preventing ice buildup, a routine maintenance call should mitigate the need for any other major refrigeration repairs.
• Keep your system at the correct temperature: Cranking your fridge down to the lowest setting makes the compressor work overtime to keep your unit cold. As you can imagine, making your compressor work harder than it has to could lead to an ice buildup or compressor failure. Keep your unit at the manufacturer’s recommended temperature to avoid any issues.
• Call a professional if you’re unsure: While it’s true that you don’t have to worry about small amounts of frost or ice, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When you’re not sure whether your fridge might be malfunctioning, call a technician to inspect it and make repairs.

Hire American Refrigeration Inc. for an inspection today

With the start of 2021 just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to schedule your annual refrigeration inspection. Contact us today to book your appointment and ensure you don’t have ice or frost on your refrigeration equipment in Eugene, OR next year.