With enough use, all walk-in coolers are going to get dirty eventually. It’s important that you keep up with your general maintenance and cleaning to make sure that any spills or other issues that occur don’t lead to persistent, unpleasant issues, such as odors that linger all the time in the space.
While unpleasant odors can simply be the result of regular use or spills that haven’t been properly cleaned up, they could also be a symptom of a much larger problem, such as a mold or bacteria growth somewhere inside your walk-in. Considering the fact that most walk-in coolers are used for food and beverage items, these types of issues need to be corrected immediately, or else you run the risk of having products that get contaminated, ultimately costing you a significant amount of money in lost inventory. This is a problem many small businesses simply cannot afford to have.
Here are some issues to consider when you begin to notice unpleasant odors lingering around your commercial walk-in coolers in Eugene, OR.
Steps to take
If your commercial walk-in cooler is more than two or three years old, it becomes easier for odors to get trapped inside the walls and flooring. This isn’t necessarily symptomatic of trouble—a little bit of odor is going to be natural, especially if the cooler gets a lot of use and houses a lot of food or other fragrant items. However, if bacteria gets trapped in these areas, then you could be looking at some trouble, as it can grow and multiply, resulting in these odors becoming stronger and fouler over time.
So what should you do if you notice odors starting to form in your cooler? The best thing you can do is thoroughly clean it out.
First, empty out all of your inventory into another cooler—you might not have another walk-in cooler available, but portable coolers with ice will do in a pinch. Remove all the shelves, bins and containers from the walk-in to clean those separately. Simple soap and water will be a good cleaner—you don’t want to use harsh chemicals, as they could damage the walls and surfaces of the unit. Baking soda and white vinegar are also effective cleaners, because vinegar is a great agent to fight against mildew and odors. Clean off the surfaces as soon as you spray your cleaner (whichever cleaner you decide you’ll use), and allow all surfaces to completely dry before you bring back in all the shelves and products.
Another good way to absorb odors in your walk-in cooler is to set out a bowl of charcoal briquettes, fresh coffee grounds or baking soda. All of these are natural odor fighters and can help you keep those unwanted smells at bay.
For more tips and information about what you should do if you start to have unpleasant smells lingering in your commercial walk-in coolers in Eugene, OR, contact the team at American Refrigeration Inc. today and we’ll be happy to assist.
No matter what purpose you’re using a walk-in cooler for, it’s important you make sure the system is properly designed so you don’t waste money keeping it cool. This means having proper insulation levels so you are able to more effectively maintain a cool temperature.
When you run your own business, it’s important to place an emphasis on efficiency in as many areas of your operation as possible. Insulation can help you maintain the efficiency of your commercial walk-in coolers in Eugene, OR, as it keeps temperatures regulated at your desired level of coolness while also lowering the costs of utilities, as your equipment won’t have to run as constantly to maintain that temperature. It also is beneficial in that it protects your inventory—by keeping the inside of the cooler at your desired temperature, you don’t have to worry about losing any products that have to be refrigerated.
Considerations when looking at commercial walk-in coolers
As you shop around for a walk-in cooler, consider the temperature you’ll be keeping your unit at while it’s in operation. Temperature and insulation often go hand in hand, and different temperatures may require different types of insulation.
The quality of the insulation you look at is measured by R-value, also occasionally called R-factor. The R-value gauges how resistant a material is to heat flow. The type of foam that gets used in insulation, as well as the age of that foam, are two of the biggest factors in determining what the materials’ R-value is.
The average R-value for insulation in the walk-in cooler industry is 25, though keep in mind that the different types of foam and different thicknesses can actually increase the R-value of that insulation well beyond that 25 benchmark. This is something, therefore, that you’re going to want to make sure you ask any commercial walk-in cooler dealer about when you’re comparing units and attempting to make a decision for your business.
Insulation that has a higher R-value will make it easier for your walk-in unit to keep its temperatures cool. Because the machine won’t have to work as hard to keep running, this will extend the life of the compressor and its components, and lower the costs of operating the unit, as it won’t have to constantly run. Keep in mind, though, that R-value does change over time. After a few years, it’s likely that your insulation’s R-value will decrease. Make sure that, when you’re shopping, you base your decision on a projected R-value at least five years out, rather than what you can expect that insulation to provide right out of the box in terms of R-value. The projected R-value of the insulation will primarily be determined by the average operating temperature of your walk-in cooler.
R-value might not seem like the most interesting aspect of your cooler shopping, but it’s an important metric to keep in mind as you make your decision. For more information about commercial walk-in coolers in Eugene, OR, contact the team at American Refrigeration Inc. today.
When your car has a flat, you know it’s time to get a new tire. When a light bulb blows, you know it’s time to change it. When your oven stops heating, you know it’s time to buy a new appliance. What about your commercial walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR? How can you know when it’s time to replace this piece of equipment?
Since this is a significant investment, it’s important to make the right call. Replacing a unit when simple repairs may suffice is a waste of resources. On the flip side, replacing it too late can cause inventory loss and damage to surrounding structures. Use this guide to determine when you should pull the trigger on this purchase:
Frost buildup: Are you losing inventory to frostbite? Are your employees frequently scraping away ice buildup inside your commercial walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR? This frost is a sign that your freezer has leaks. Gaps in components or between panels allow air leaks, which cause excess moisture. A leaky unit should be replaced to ensure proper refrigeration.
Regular leaks: Are you finding puddles or streams near your freezer? Water leaks can cause mold and mildew growth, ice accumulation, damage to surrounding structures and slip-and-fall hazards. Avoid health inspection issues and worker injury by replacing your leaky commercial walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR.
Over-spoilage: Are you losing food to spoilage before its expiration date? This can result in a significant loss of inventory and add up to huge amounts of waste. If your products are spoiling before they should, this is a red flag that your freezer is not storing them properly. Rather than sink more money into spoiling inventory, replace your commercial walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR.
Spikes in utilities: Are your utility bills creeping up? Your cooler may be operating inefficiently due to internal issues. The spike in utility bills is an indication that your thermostat could be broken or the motor is draining more energy than it should. If you don’t replace the cooler, your bills will likely continue to rise, and your unit will eventually fail.
Temperature fluctuations: Your commercial walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR should be able to maintain consistent temperatures. If you notice that the unit is struggling to regulate the temperature, it might be time to replace it. First check to see if the cooler needs to be calibrated. If a recalibration does not solve the issue, consider investing in a new unit that can properly maintain cooling temperatures.
Partner with the Pros
Are you experiencing problems with your walk-in cooler in Eugene, OR? Don’t wait to investigate. You may be able to save your unit with some simple repairs. If not, it’s important to replace the unit before you suffer inventory loss or complete failure of your cooler. To keep your unit well maintained, partner with the professionals at American Refrigeration Inc. We’ve been serving the region with premier services since 1995. Our team specializes in walk-in coolers in Eugene, OR, and we offer 24/7 emergency repair. Reach out to us today!
Are you looking for ways to enhance your business? Purchasing the right commercial freezers in Eugene, OR could be the perfect solution. Specifically, blast chillers or freezers offer several benefits that can increase your efficiency and boost your bottom line.
If you’re considering investing in a blast chiller or freezer, review the following perks to decide if it is the right investment for you. For additional information, contact your local commercial freezer experts:
Rapid cooling: Blast chillers or freezers decrease temperatures rapidly. This minimizes the loss from evaporation. It also decreases the size of ice crystals. When large ice crystals form, they can damage food when it is defrosted. The excess moisture causes poor texture and flavor.
Seasonal purchases: Would you like to invest in seasonal items when you can get them at the best price? This is often difficult impossible due to lack of storage options. Blast chillers or freezers can allow a business to purchase items to freeze for long periods of time. They store and thaw well while retaining their freshness.
Loss reduction: One of the most concerning expenses for commercial kitchens is inventory loss. Blast chillers and freezers allow owners to increase storage efficiency and reduce this loss. The final result is a better bottom line.
Baked goods: Have you ever tried to freeze a pie? When it is thawed, it probably lost its flaky texture and its crust fell flat. Blast chillers or freezers cool baked goods rapidly so they retain their shape.
Baked pasta: When pasta is not immediately paired with sauce, it can suffer. Storing it for future use can be tricky. The right commercial freezers in Eugene, OR can make freezing pasta a cinch. Blast chillers or freezers cool pasta quickly to prepare it for future sauces and braises.
Smooth ice creams: Few things can compare to a perfectly smooth ice cream or sorbet. In fact, these products often must have the right consistency to properly create dessert recipes. Due to their ice crystal reduction, blast chillers and freezers allow you to make extra smooth and creamy sorbets and ice creams.
Chilled drinks: Do you ever store drinks at room temperature? Since the customer is expecting a chilled beverage, it’s good to have an option to quickly cool your inventory. Blast chillers and freezers are perfect for quickly cooling down your back stock and providing the refreshing beverage your customer wants.
Fresh seafood: Do you serve mussels, oysters or clams? With blast chillers and freezers, shellfish can be frozen and then thawed to serve. Your customers will never know the difference. Using this “cryo-shucking” method, the seafood tastes as fresh as it did the day it was caught.
Boost Your Business
Would you like to learn more about commercial freezers in Eugene, OR and how they can boost your business? Contact American Refrigeration Inc. today. Our freezer experts have been serving the area with honesty and integrity since 1995. With decades of experience, we offer unparalleled service and products. Reach out to us today with any questions!
In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began a phase-out of the use of R-22 refrigerant (also known as Freon) in residential and commercial HVAC applications, as studies demonstrated its use was harmful to the earth’s ozone layer. That phase-out winds down in 2019—as of 2020, Freon will no longer be made or imported in the United States.
This means that if you’re the owner of a commercial building that has an older commercial HVAC system in Eugene, OR, time is running out for you to decide what you’ll do regarding your current systems that run primarily based on Freon. You’re going to need to either get new equipment altogether, or convert your equipment to an alternative refrigerant.
Considering how quickly the sand is falling out of the hourglass, it’s important to be proactive. Questions to consider include:
When should I convert my R-22 system to an alternative refrigerant? The answer to this question heavily depends on the size and age of the system you’re currently running. Calculate how much it would cost to continue to leak test, repair and run your R-22 system versus how much it would cost to convert. The less available R-22 becomes, the more expensive it will be, and prices are expected to skyrocket after production of R-22 ceases altogether in 2019. These are big factors to consider.
When should I replace or retrofit my system? Again, this largely depends on the size and age of your system. An older HVAC system that might need to be replaced in several years anyway is a good candidate to be replaced now rather than trying to convert it a few years before you’d just need to replace it anyway. However, if it’s in good shape and you still intend to get years of use out of it, converting can make a lot of sense.
The new standard refrigerant
There are many different alternatives to R-22 already available, but the standard moving forward is expected to be R-410A, also known as Puron. This substance is a hydrofluorocarbon that does not damage the ozone, and actually provides greater efficiency than Freon. This is the refrigerant manufacturers have been most commonly using since the EPA reports came out in 2010.
Puron is more efficient than Freon because it absorbs and releases heat better, which means the compressor runs cooler and prevents overheating. It also uses synthetic oil for lubrication, which is much more soluble than the types of mineral oil used in Freon applications. These are the primary reasons why manufacturers have embraced it as the new standard in the world of refrigerants. As such, you’ll likely have much better success converting a Freon-based system to a Puron-based system, just due to how prevalent it is becoming in the industry.
For more information about the R-22/Freon phase-out and what you can do to prepare your facility over the next year or two, contact the team at American Refrigeration Inc. to discuss your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR.
