If you’ve been using your commercial cooler for a long, it will be devastating to hear that it has to be replaced. There are several reasons that could necessitate a replacement and it would be an inevitable process. If you’d had bought the commercial cooler before, you want to explore leasing or renting as an alternative. You can also look at temporary refrigeration rental options before you make the big decision of whether or not to buy a new unit. Commercial-grade appliances are expensive to purchase and that is why it is important to make sure you’re making the right decision. Here some obvious signs that it could be time to start looking for a new walk-in cooler.
High Electricity Bills
High utility bills will mean that the walk-in cooler is no longer efficient when it comes to energy consumption. There is a high chance that the insulation capabilities of the unit have significantly diminished over time. This allows cold air to escape out and hot air to sip in. The cooler will have to work harder to address the problems with insulation which ultimately leads to high utility bills. You may be dealing with a faulty motor or a broken thermostat if you notice a spike in electricity bills compared to the previous months. While some problems can be fixed, it might be cheaper, in the long run, to replace the whole unit as repairs can also be expensive.
Frost Buildup
There could be a problem with excess moisture if you find yourself constantly scraping the ice out of the walk-in cooler. Air leaks are the main reason for excess moisture in the cooling unit. The problem should be fixed as soon as it is detected as it could be too late for repairs if it is discovered late. Regular maintenance is recommended to avoid such problems.
Regular Leaks
Paddles and leaks in the walk-in cooler can be caused by a damaged seal. Stagnant water is a health hazard in a cooler because it can lead to mold and mildew. You could lose a big portion of your inventory to mold. There are also health inspections to worry about which may lead to heavy penalties or the complete shutdown of your business. You can try to mitigate the issues by attempting to fix the leaks. If you find yourself spending a lot of resources to trying to fix the leaks, it might be time to start thinking about acquiring a new walk-in cooler.
Fluctuating Temperatures
The constant fluctuation in temperatures is not an ideal situation in a walk-in cooler. The fluctuations will mean that the cooler will have to work harder to provide the ideal temperature. The fluctuations in temperature is usually a sign of underlying problems which may require that the system is replaced. The main culprits could be a broken thermometer or insulation failure which mostly affect old units. Make sure that the walk-in cooler’s thermometer is properly calibrated so that you can know whenever there are major temperature fluctuations.
Food Spoiling Before Expire Date
This may affect perishable food products. The products will expire before reaching their due date and this usually a problem with operational efficiency with the unit. Throwing away food can be costly and you will have to fix the walk-in cooler to avoid further losses. The storage problem will need to be assessed before you can start keeping items in the cooler again.
It is important that you contact an experienced technician to check the system for any failures or internal damages. They will be able to advise if the problem can be repaired or you will need a new walk-in cooler.
Leasing Vs. Buying a Walk-In Cooler
Once the technician has determined that you will need a new commercial cooler, you will be faced with the decision of leasing or buying a new unit. If you’re a big business with sufficient operating capital, buying a new cooler could be seen as the best solution. For a small business, you might not have the necessary resources to buy a new unit.
You will also need an emergency solution because the old unit is not functioning. Leasing the walk-in cooler will not be such a bad idea. You can add it to your monthly expense and the business will continue running without disruptions. The money that could have been used to buy the machine can be used to expand the business. The walk-in cooler will eventually pay for itself in the long run.
