At American Refrigeration Inc., we provide refrigerator and cooler services and products of all kinds. From walk-in cooler installation to commercial refrigeration equipment, we provide something for everyone. We assist our customers with an understanding of the best coolers and refrigerators for them. Today, we want to look at self-contained vs remote walk-in coolers to help make it possible for you to understand the differences between the two and why they are both important to consider.
What Are Self-Contained Cooler Units?
These are units that have all of the components to keep your food cool and fresh easily. This includes holding an evaporator and condenser within the cooler as well. These are widely popular cooler units, and they are used in 90% of commercial kitchens these days.
Pros of Self-Contained Cooler Units
Advantages of the self-contained cooler units include the following facts:
Easy to Set Up. These refrigerators are essentially a plug and play cooler unit. You can set it up easily from the moment that you receive the unit.
All in One Purchase. There is no need for you to continue to purchase more and more parts and pieces when you get a self-contained cooler. You buy everything that you need all in one purchase when you purchase a self-container cooler unit.
Simple to Move. You can move these units around your kitchen as necessary to put them in just the right place so you can get the most value out of them.
These are all upsides of a self-container cooler. If you are the kind of person who likes something that is truly set up to be easy to move where you need it to go, then this is the kind of cooler unit that is probably right for you.
Cons of Self-Contained Cooler Units
There are a few drawbacks to these cooler units as well, including:
They produce a lot of heat in the kitchen.
Your air conditioner may have to work harder to keep up with all of the extra heat.
What Are Remote Units?
Food service companies often use remote units as they can store bulk food and other products in them easily. This can be a great solution for someone who needs to get the most out of their unit without having to think about how they will store all of the bulk food that they have available.
Pros of Remote Units
Fewer components to deal with
Can bring down your electric bill
In cool climates, these units can be installed on the roof
At the same time, there are downsides to remote units as well, including:
Expensive to install because they require the help of a professional
Can be more time-consuming to repair
You should consider all of the facts that play a role in how remote units work when you are looking at which kind of unit you need to go with. Don’t take it for granted that you can get a better unit if you know what to look for. Always weigh out your pros and cons, and then make your final choice.
A walk-in cooler is a must-have for any business that needs to keep perishable items cool and fresh. But with so many types and sizes of walk-in coolers on the market, how do you know which one is right for your business?
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a commercial refrigeration contractor to install a walk-in cooler for your business:
1. Space Size Requirements
You first need to determine how much space you have to work with. Walk-in coolers come in a variety of sizes, so you need to make sure you have enough space to accommodate the one you choose.
2. Your Budget
Walk-in coolers can range in price, so you need to make sure you have enough money to invest in the one you need. You may want to consider a used model if you have a limited budget. In addition to the cooler, you may have to spend money to update the surrounding space or floor.
3. The Type of Business You Have
If you have a restaurant, you need to make sure you choose a walk-in cooler that is designed for food storage. However, if you are a florist, you would most likely use a different model.
The type of business affects what products you will store. So you must consider the size of the cooler. Don’t buy a huge cooler if you are storing smaller products for a short amount of time, such as ice cream or beer. You can get a smaller unit that will take up less space and still hold the same amount of product.
4. The Location of Your Business
Think about the climate of the area your business is in. If you live in a hot climate, you must choose a cooler that can withstand the heat.
Do you expect to place the cooler outside? If so, consider the surrounding surroundings and floor space. An insulated floor is a must for outside coolers. You also need to protect it from the elements like rain and snow, so you will have to add protection to the cooler’s roof.
5. The Temperature You Need
When choosing a walk-in cooler, you need to consider the temperature you need to maintain. Most walk-in coolers can be set to different temperatures, so you need to choose one that can reach the desired temperature. For example, if you are storing meat, you need to make sure the walk-in cooler can reach a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pick The Right Walk-In Cooler for Your Business
In conclusion, before you start any walk in cooler installation project, you should carefully consider factors such as location, product, weather, and budget. This will help you choose the best commercial refrigeration contractor and the best walk-in cooler for your business.
Your commercial refrigerator is made up of several complex parts, all of which must work together to keep your food and beverages chilled. The refrigerator compressor is one of the most crucial components in this system. It’s responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the fridge. This refrigerant is what absorbs heat from inside the fridge and transfers it outside. Without a properly functioning compressor, your fridge would quickly become too warm to store food safely.
That said, compressors do occasionally break down. When this happens, you’ll need to call a professional for commercial compressor repair. A trained technician will diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. In some cases, the compressor may need to be replaced. Let’s look at some of the signs indicating problems with the compressor so that you know when to call for repairs.
1. Strange Noises From the Compressor
There are normal sounds that your fridge’s compressor makes as it runs. For instance, it’s common for it to make a humming sound. It can also make light clicking noises as it cycles on and off. However, if you start hearing strange noises coming from the compressor, this is a cause for concern. Grinding, rattling, and other loud noises could indicate that the compressor is overloaded or that there are objects striking it. These kinds of sounds usually require professional cold room compressor repair. A qualified technician can determine the source of the noise and make the necessary repairs.
2. Fluctuating Temperature
If your fridge is struggling to maintain a consistent temperature, this could be a sign that the compressor is having difficulty circulating refrigerant. When the compressor can’t circulate refrigerant properly, it causes the temperature inside the fridge to fluctuate. This can lead to food spoilage and other problems. If you notice that the temperature inside your fridge is fluctuating, call a commercial refrigerator repair technician right away. The longer you wait to call for repairs, the greater the risk of food spoilage and other issues.
3. Compressor Runs Constantly
In a well-functioning fridge, the compressor should cycle on and off as needed to maintain a consistent temperature. If the compressor is running constantly, this could indicate that it’s not cycling off properly. This, in turn, could mean that the fridge isn’t cooling properly. On top of that, a compressor that runs constantly is more likely to overheat and break down. Since this is a potentially serious problem, it’s best to call for commercial refrigerator compressor repair as soon as you notice this issue.
4. Refrigerator Is Overheating
As we mentioned, a compressor that runs constantly is more likely to overheat. If you notice that your fridge is overheating, this is a cause for concern. An overheating fridge could damage the compressor and other components. It could be an issue with the compressor fan or another component. In any case, it’s best to have a professional take a look as soon as possible.
These are just a few of the signs that indicate problems with your fridge’s compressor. If you notice any of these issues, don’t hesitate to call a commercial refrigerator repair technician. The sooner you call for repairs, the less likely it is that you’ll experience extensive damage to your fridge.
An evaporator fan serves the valuable purpose of keeping air moving in your cold room working efficiently. Without a working evaporator fan, you cannot properly cool your industrial cold room. As cold rooms have to stay at a constant temperature, these fans run 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Due to this constant use, evap fan repair is a common part of regular maintenance.
Evaporator Fan: Its Use
The evaporator fan is an important part of your business’s cold room. It works by moving the air in the cold room over evaporator coils which cools the air and keeps your cold room at the desired preset temperature. In a cold room, the temperature has to be consistent and predictable. The evaporator fan and compressor are essential parts of the cooling process; if one is damaged, it will affect the other.
Signs Your Evaporator Fan Needs of Repair
When your fan needs repair or replacing, the evaporator coils ice over, leading to noticeable performance issues. These can include.
Ice collecting in your cold room.
Temperature changes in the cold room.
The fan blades become damaged or blocked.
Other damage to mechanical parts or other parts of the cooling system.
The Need for Maintenance and Repairs
Repairs and maintenance are a common part of every industrial system and any associated components. A cold room is used to store highly sensitive materials; damage to the fan or cooling components can cause damage to anything stored in your cold room. Depending on what you are storing, this can damage materials that are either expensive to replace or impossible to replace. Issues with your fan can cause the fan to become damaged or ice to collect on condenser coils leading to expensive repairs.
In addition, when your cooling system is not working correctly, energy use increases as your cold room’s equipment has to work harder to keep the temperature at desired levels. Because of this, you need to be consistent with the maintenance, cleaning, and any needed repairs. Such issues should not be ignored and must be addressed as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
Regular cold room repair is essential for keeping your business working at its best and keeping the materials you are storing safe from heat exposure. Regular cleaning, ice removal, removing blockages, and steam cleaning can keep your cold room working as you expect. In situations where your system needs fan repair or full system replacement, a professional can assist.
Your refrigerator plays a big role in the kitchen. It provides ample storage space to keep your foods fresh, making life easier. Fortunately, most refrigerators are long-lasting. But just like most home appliances, it might get damaged and need repair. When that happens, you have to repair it immediately. Otherwise, your food will spoil, leading to losses. The motor fans are responsible for cooling the fridge. It is important to know how they work and what to check if they are damaged.
Types of Refrigerators Motors
You will find two types of motors in refrigerators: condenser fan motor and evaporator fan motor. These two are responsible for cooling the food in the fridge. If they get damaged, your fridge may turn on, but it will not cool the food stored.
The Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor is located outside the fridge. Its role is to draw air from the rear or front of the fridge and cool the compressor and condenser coil. But if it malfunctions, the compressor can overheat and shut down. The motor size usually depends on the size of the fridge. But generally, motors vary in voltage, size, and rotation. All this information is found on the motor. When buying a refrigeration unit, check for this information as it will come in handy when ordering replacement parts. Rotation is also vital for the function of the unit. It can be clockwise or counterclockwise.
The fan blade is an integral part of the motor. It resembles the motor in that it is either clockwise or counterclockwise. Usually, the fan blade’s rotation will be stamped on the blade. When scheduling for condenser fan repair or replacement, ensure you get a fan blade of similar rotation.
The Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator is usually inside the fridge. Its role is to help distribute cool air throughout the fridge. Your fridge can either have the open winding evaporative motor or the closed type evaporative motor.
In the open winding evaporative motor, you can see the copper wires as they are exposed. Open winding motors are often reversible. That means you can move from clockwise to counterclockwise and the other way round.
On the other hand, a closed winding motor is encased, and the rotation is usually stamped on the motor. If the motor fails, it must be replaced because it cannot be repaired. It is also important to let an expert handle evaporator fan repair to ensure you do not ruin anything while trying to DIY.
As with any appliance, the most important thing to remember is the serial number and model of the equipment. These two will allow you to know which replacement parts your refrigerator needs.
Is your fridge in need of repair? Let American Refrigeration Inc. We are a dependable company that offers repair services for any heating and cooling system. Our services extend to commercial refrigeration repair and heating services. You can trust our EPA-certified technicians to provide you with the best services. For your peace of mind, let us handle your fridge repair needs.
