Commercial Walk-in Cooler, Walk-in Freezer Installation & Repair Services in Toronto & GTA Ontario.

We are Experts in Walk-in Cooler & Walk-in Freezer Installation & Repair Services Across GTA Ontario.

We are Leaders in Commercial Walk-in Cooler, Walk-in Freezer Installation, Repair & Relocation Services in Toronto & GTA Ontario.

When it comes to businesses that heavily rely on walk-in coolers and freezers, experiencing problems with these essential units can be a major headache. At Commodore Group, we understand the importance of maintaining optimal cooling conditions for your valuable inventory. With our highly skilled technicians and comprehensive range of services, we strive to provide the best freeze services in [your location]. From repair and installation to maintenance and emergency assistance, we are here to keep your business running smoothly and efficiently. In this article, we will explore the top-notch services we offer and the benefits of choosing Commodore Group as your go-to commercial refrigeration partner.

Walk-In Cooler & Freezer Repair

When your walk-in cooler or freezer encounters malfunctions, it is crucial to address them promptly to minimize any negative consequences for your business. Commodore Group specializes in professional repair services for walk-in coolers in Toronto and surrounding areas, including Oakville and other regions of Canada. Our highly trained technicians possess the expertise to handle any repair task with care and precision, ensuring your cooling system is restored to optimal functionality. We understand the urgency of such situations, and our responsive team is ready to diagnose and resolve even the most challenging cooling issues efficiently.

We are Leaders in Commercial Walk-in Cooler, Walk-in Freezer Installation, Repair & Relocation Services in Toronto & GTA Ontario.

Walk-In Cooler Installation

If you are in the market for a new walk-in cooler, new walk-in freezer or planning to replace an existing one, Commodore Group offers comprehensive walk-in cooler installation services. Our team of experts will guide you through the entire process, from selecting a cost-effective and energy-efficient model to ensuring a seamless installation that prioritizes quality and efficiency. With our extensive experience in installing all types of walk-in coolers, we take pride in providing personalized solutions that align with your specific requirements. Trust us to handle your installation needs and get your new walk-in cooler up and running smoothly.

Walk-In Cooler Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your walk-in cooler, regular maintenance is essential. Commodore Group highly recommends hiring a highly trained technician to perform routine commercial walk-in cooler maintenance services. Our professionals possess the expertise to conduct thorough inspections, detect any potential issues, and ensure that every component is in optimal working condition. Even the smallest maintenance tasks can significantly improve the overall performance and reliability of your system, allowing you to focus on running your business without concerns about cooling disruptions.

Common Walk-In Cooler, Walk-In Freezer Repair Diagnose & Problem Solving Issues

Walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers are essential equipment for many businesses, especially those in the food service and hospitality industries. When your walk-in cooler or walk-in freezer isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to spoiled food, loss of revenue, and potential health hazards. At Commodore Group, we provide comprehensive diagnose and problem-solving services to help identify the issue quickly and get your refrigeration system back up and running as soon as possible.

Walk-In Cooler, Walk-In Freezer Repair Diagnose & Problem Solving Issues

Our team has years of experience in diagnosing and fixing common walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer problems, including:

  • Inconsistent temperature
  • Leaking refrigerant
  • Compressor failure
  • Condenser issues
  • Compressor defects
  • Thermostat problem
  • Leaking floor
  • Blocked drain
  • Ice buildup on coils
  • TXV super heat not set properly
  • Electrical problems
  • Evaporator replacement
  • Defrost controls
  • Condenser fan motor
  • Tecumseh or copeland compressor
  • Defrosting controls
  • Door handle
  • Door heater
  • Door seal
  • Evaporator fan motor
  • Trenton or Keeprite walk-in
  • Moisture on walls
  • Bohn or Norlake walk-ins
  • Solenoid valve replacement
  • TXV replacement
  • hinges

We use the latest technology and tools to help diagnose the issue quickly and accurately. Once we’ve identified the problem, we’ll provide you with a detailed quote for the repair work required. Our priority is to fix your walk-in cooler or walk-in freezer promptly, so your business can continue to operate without any downtime.

Free Estimate Commercial Walk-In Cooler, Walk-in Freezer Installation across GTA Ontario

Commercial Walk-in Cooler & Freezer Services

Free Estimate Commercial Walk-In Cooler, Walk-in Freezer Installation across GTA Ontario

We provide free estimate for any walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer installation & replacement in Toronto & GTA Ontario.

FAQs: Walk-in Cooler, Walk-in Freezer Repair & Installation Services

Refrigeration is important for maintaining a proper, unbroken cold chain. Using dairy as an example, after the cows are milked, their milk is pasteurized and rapidly chilled. Once the milk has been chilled, it must be maintained at that low temperature from the farm to the grocery store, including during bottling and shipping. If the cold chain is broken, bacteria or fungus can grow, making the food unsafe for human consumption. The United States Department of Agriculture requires that business-owned refrigeration systems have an internal temperature of 40°F or below for refrigerated food and 0°F for frozen food1. Businesses operating refrigerators or freezers above these temperatures face fines and other penalties, so maintaining a reliable temperature is imperative. One of the most popular types of business-owned refrigeration systems is the cold room.

Walk-in coolers and freezers are staples of restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and any other place that needs to store fresh, frozen, or pre-cooled food products. These walk-ins are enclosed, refrigerated storage spaces that have footprints generally smaller than 3000 square feet and can be used for things such as storing perishable food items or packaging food. Walk-ins are often used as medium-term cold storage—with standard refrigerators acting as short-term storage and refrigerated warehouses acting as long-term storage. Just like any refrigeration system, walk-ins use an evaporator inside the unit and a condenser outside the unit to move heat outside, thus cooling the inside.

From a broad perspective, there are three kinds of walk-ins: self-contained, remote condensing, and multiplex condensing. Self-contained walk-ins, as the name implies, are cold storage rooms where the refrigeration system is a complete package with the evaporator and condenser in one unit, similar to a window A/C unit. Self-contained walk-ins are typically built outside of buildings which they serve. Remote condensing unit walk-ins have the condenser unit somewhere other than directly adjacent to the room and not packaged with the evaporator, such as on the roof of the building. Remote condensing unit walk-ins are typically built into the buildings they will serve and may have multiple evaporators. Multiplex walk-ins use a centralized system with multiple condensing units and evaporators. Multiplex walk-ins are always built directly into the buildings they serve. 

To help walk-ins operate efficiently, their walls are constructed with insulated walls, floors, and ceilings. The insulation material, typically some variety of foam, is sandwiched between thin walls, usually ones made from steel or aluminum. Insulating the walk-in keeps the temperatures inside and out separated, requiring less work from the evaporators and condensers to maintain the temperature and conserving electricity. In addition to being insulated, walk-in floors should also be reinforced to support any equipment and product they will hold.

Another way to increase efficiency is to install curtains at the doors. Whenever an employee enters or exits the cooler or freezer, heat from the outside comes into the cold room. This in turn requires the system to use more energy to bring the temperature back down. Curtains help reduce temperature fluctuations inside the walk-in. There are typically two kinds of curtains: strip and air. Strip curtains are made up of thick plastic sheets cut into strips while an air curtain is made up of a wall of air, blasted at a high velocity from directly above the door. Both designs help keep the temperature of walk-in coolers and freezers low and efficiency high. 

A room-sized, self-contained unit that may be as small as ten square feet or an entire building, a walk-in cooler is used in an array of commercial settings and purposes. It may be used to store ingredients in a restaurant or bakery, but just as easily as storage for large quantities of meat and dairy, and more. It is rarely something installed in a home, and often requires upgrades to the structure, electrical services, ductwork, and more.

The wide variety of sizing options makes a universal price difficult to provide, though experts say that a unit may range from as little as $1,000 to upwards of $10,000, or more.

The factors that affect pricing include the size of the cooled space, the number of updates needed to the electrical system and hardware including the potential for heavy-duty wiring, more breakers and new transformers, plumbing upgrades, and the layout of the building in which the walk-in cooler is installed.

Walk-in coolers can occasionally “freeze up.” Depending on the severity of your problem, this can take many forms. On the less-problematic end, you may notice frost buildup on the windows, panelling, and outside packaging of food. On the more-problematic end, you may see large ice crystals, warming temperatures, and damaged products. Regardless of the intensity, no level of freezing up is desirable. Today, let’s better understand why your walk-in cooler may be freezing up.

Causes of Freeze Up

 Depending on your specific model of a walk-in cooler, there are many reasons why ice could be building up in less-than-ideal locations. That being said, there are a few common things to look out for that may be the main culprit. 

The Red Flag

Warm, humid air. Ultimately, ice build-up occurs due to the presence of humid air. If there was no moisture content in the cooler, there would be no water vapor that could condense and freeze into ice. While understanding this concept is relatively simple, finding out the root cause can be tricky.

Where In the Walk-In?

  • Damaged seals. Regardless of the type of walk-in that you have, it most certainly has a door that seals with rubber gaskets. Over time, the rubber material can start to degrade and lose some of its elasticity. When this occurs, the seal between the door and the door frame starts to lose some of its integrity. As a result, warm air will start to leak into the walk-in. In some locations, such as desert climates, this effect may not cause freeze up due to the low ambient humidity. In other locations, such as the American midwest or south, mild freeze-up can occur in just a few short hours.
  • Faulty door mechanism. It is also possible that the actual door mechanism itself is to blame for any leakage of warm air. Often, hinges are to blame. Over time, as hinges grow older and become more weighted, they can become misaligned with the door and frame. This leads to gaps, often near the top or bottom of the door. Alternatively, the door closer can be faulty, not shutting the door completely. It may need to be adjusted or replaced.
  • Evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is the part of your cooler that is responsible for actually removing the heat from the unit. If the thermostat is set below the unit’s minimum designed temperature – or if your thermostat is simply faulty– then excessive evaporator coil icing may occur. Your evaporator coil could also just be dirty. If you have any doubts about the functionality of the evaporator coil, direct yourself to an experienced technician who can diagnose the problem.
  • Fans on the evaporator coil. Problems with the fans on the evaporator will likely lead to icing. This could look like a fan not working, rotating too slowly, or rotating in the wrong direction. All of which can lead to ice build-up.
  • Defrost timer. A defrost timer shuts off the refrigerator compressor at pre-scheduled intervals in order to allow your unit to defrost. Should your defrost timer be faulty, you could see significant ice build-up in your walk-in.
  • Clogged drain line. The drain line of the evaporator coil can get clogged and water vapor will back up causing icing issues around the drain or on the coil itself. This is usually easy to spot and should be fixed right away. 
  • Aging insulation panels. The insulation panels do just that – they keep the cold air inside the unit and the warm air outside the unit. Over time (especially if the panels are over 10 years old), the panels tend to lose some of their insulating properties. This can cause the retention of warm air and decreased efficiency, drastically increasing the operating costs of the unit.

A panel is a flat or curved component, that forms or is set into a wall, door, or ceiling. The panels of a walk-in cooler are constructed of insulation situated between the metal “skin.” Most often, companies, manufacturers, and DIY warriors use aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized steel for this. Without proper and efficient panels, your walk-in cooler wouldn’t stay brisk for long. And while this may seem counter-intuitive to those of us that are new to the world of refrigeration, as it turns out, insulation is just as important for keeping the cool air in as it is for warming your house on a cold winter night. 

The layer of insulation inside the metal skin is usually around 4 inches thick and generally consists of high-density foam insulation. This guards your cooler against temperature loss and will increase the efficiency of your unit. 

In the early days of walk-in coolers, there were rails around the panel made of wood. Eventually, construction methods advanced and evolved to include the all-foam techniques used today. 

Insulation and R-Value 

Insulation is a broad term – and there are a lot of ways to interpret it and put it into practice. Ultimately, however it is you plan to incorporate it, you’ll want to make sure that your insulation is of high quality. Efficiency is key. 

If your walk-in units or other commercial refrigerators and/or freezers are not holding the proper temperature it could be caused by one of these 5 common problems we have seen over the years.

Temperature Control Settings

The temperature control settings are one of the first things to check before calling for service. Double check that the temperature settings on your refrigerator were not accidentally changed. If they were changed and you reset it to the right temperature, and your refrigeration is still not cooling down correctly, then it is time to call a professional to take a look. At times, it has been found that the thermometer itself is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Condenser Coils

When condenser coils are dirty, they are not able to efficiently release heat which forces the system to work much harder in order to maintain the needed temperature. Cleaning the condenser coils is a critical part of refrigeration preventative maintenance, so make sure you are having the condenser coils cleaned regularly (at minimum every 6 months).

Condenser & Evaporator Fans

The condenser fan cools the compressor and condenser coils and should run at the same time the compressor is running. If it doesn’t, the refrigerator will have trouble cooling. First, we would check for any obvious obstructions causing the fan to not work properly. If none are found, then it may be a case where the fan motor needs to be replaced.

The evaporator fan is responsible for blowing cold air inside the refrigerated unit. Similar to the condenser fan, if the evaporator fan is not being physically obstructed, then the evaporator fan motor may need to be replaced as well.

Door Gaskets

A common cause of temperature problems occurs when the door gaskets are not sealing properly. Without the proper seal, cold air is able to escape from the unit, therefore making it harder, and sometimes impossible, for the system to keep colder temperatures maintained.

Air Flow

If a refrigerator is over stocked with food items that hinder the air flow it will be much harder to cool the entire unit down, especially if the air vent itself becomes physically obstructed by food items. Pro-tip: don’t over stuff your refrigerators!

The placement of your refrigerator also matters when it comes to the air flow. The refrigerator should not be flush up against a wall, it needs a bit of “breathing room” surrounding it, so that there’s space for proper air circulation.

Walk-in freezers are a common feature in restaurants, laboratories and industrial plants. They make it easier to store larger quantities of items than other types of freezers, such as reach-in freezers, can hold. Walk-in freezers range in size from 117 to as much as 1,022 cubic feet.

Walk-in freezers maintain sub-zero temperatures.

Cooler-rooms and freezers are not intended to be workplaces, so they present unique hazards.

Accidental Entrapment

Workers and other personnel are liable to get trapped in a walk-in freezer if the door shuts accidentally behind them. Internal door releases often become frozen with the sub-zero temperatures and impossible to pry open. While walk-in freezers are required by law to come equipped with emergency release mechanisms, panic buttons, light switches and other safety items, even a few minutes of unprotected exposure to the temperature can cause frostbite and even hypothermia.

Exposure to Refrigerants

Refrigerants are chemicals, typically in liquid form, that function as cooling agents. They are used extensively in refrigerators, freezers and coolers to maintain a constant level of sub-zero temperature. Some of the most popular freezer refrigerants include chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloride, methyl fluoride, dichloroethane and propane. According to Roy J. Dossat in the book “Principles of Refrigeration,” all refrigerants are toxic in large quantities and create oxygen deficiency. Some cause problems in small concentrations, while others cause harmful effects in larger concentrations, including cardiac sensitization and anesthetic effects. Some refrigerants, including ethylene, ethane, butane and isobutane are highly combustible.

Oxygen Deficiency

A walk-in freezer is a confined space and a hazardous environment. According to the University of Minnesota, oxygen deficiency is the most common cause of death in confined spaces. Factors such as improper ventilation systems and the excessive release of refrigerant gases due to a leak or other reasons displace oxygen and result in a build-up of toxic fumes. An oxygen content that is less than 19.5 percent by volume is considered an atmospheric hazard and hinders the body’s ability to function normally. Symptoms of oxygen deficiency include a feeling of uneasiness, body weakness, memory loss, decreased immunity, fatigue, dizziness, depression and poor digestion. Oxygen deficiency also causes cellular and tissue death, leading to brain death and suffocation.

Walk-in freezers are a common feature in restaurants, laboratories and industrial plants. They make it easier to store larger quantities of items than other types of freezers, such as reach-in freezers, can hold. Walk-in freezers range in size from 117 to as much as 1,022 cubic feet.

Walk-in freezers maintain sub-zero temperatures.

Cooler-rooms and freezers are not intended to be workplaces, so they present unique hazards.

Accidental Entrapment

Workers and other personnel are liable to get trapped in a walk-in freezer if the door shuts accidentally behind them. Internal door releases often become frozen with the sub-zero temperatures and impossible to pry open. While walk-in freezers are required by law to come equipped with emergency release mechanisms, panic buttons, light switches and other safety items, even a few minutes of unprotected exposure to the temperature can cause frostbite and even hypothermia.

Exposure to Refrigerants

Refrigerants are chemicals, typically in liquid form, that function as cooling agents. They are used extensively in refrigerators, freezers and coolers to maintain a constant level of sub-zero temperature. Some of the most popular freezer refrigerants include chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloride, methyl fluoride, dichloroethane and propane. According to Roy J. Dossat in the book “Principles of Refrigeration,” all refrigerants are toxic in large quantities and create oxygen deficiency. Some cause problems in small concentrations, while others cause harmful effects in larger concentrations, including cardiac sensitization and anesthetic effects. Some refrigerants, including ethylene, ethane, butane and isobutane are highly combustible.

Oxygen Deficiency

A walk-in freezer is a confined space and a hazardous environment. According to the University of Minnesota, oxygen deficiency is the most common cause of death in confined spaces. Factors such as improper ventilation systems and the excessive release of refrigerant gases due to a leak or other reasons displace oxygen and result in a build-up of toxic fumes. An oxygen content that is less than 19.5 percent by volume is considered an atmospheric hazard and hinders the body’s ability to function normally. Symptoms of oxygen deficiency include a feeling of uneasiness, body weakness, memory loss, decreased immunity, fatigue, dizziness, depression and poor digestion. Oxygen deficiency also causes cellular and tissue death, leading to brain death and suffocation.

Your commercial refrigeration needs can change as your business evolves. That includes converting a walk-in freezer into a walk-in cooler in Delaware. Many restaurant owners make the mistake of believing they must replace equipment when it becomes obsolete, but a conversion is often the better financial choice. It is best to examine all options when it is time to adjust your equipment, just to be sure you’re making the best choice. If a conversion can work with your current freezer, here is what you need to consider:

  • It is not just the thermostat: A common mistake is to assume that all you need to do is adjust the thermostat. However, a conversion from freezer to cooler goes beyond mere temperature adjustments. A freezer is designed to work at specific temperatures, and going above that range can damage it permanently. That turns your once-affordable conversion into a full-blow equipment replacement. If you want a cooler rather than a freezer, know that temperature is not the only thing you need to change.
  • Replace compressors: Compressors regulate temperature. Freezer compressors are designed to run at low temperatures. When you raise the thermostat, you take them out of their range and risk destroying them. Compressors for coolers offer different properties and are designed to run at the higher temperatures you desire in a cooler. Higher temperatures bring more pressure into your unit, and you need compressors that can handle both the pressure and the new temperatures. You can make current compressors work in a warmer environment by using a crankcase pressure regulator. However, some freezer compressors can make the change seamlessly. Your service technician can determine if this is the case.
  • Consider defrost abilities: One step to converting a freezer into a cooler is to stop the defrost function. It is not necessary at the higher temperatures, and the lack of defrosting is the main difference between a freezer and a cooler. Once that is adjusted, your unit will require further adjustment to the drain pan and its warmers.
  • Other parts: You may have to consider additional part replacements, like insulation, doors and venting systems. Freezers usually need more venting than coolers, so there is a chance that you will not have to adjust that system. However, if you have any hardware that is wearing out, a conversion is a good time to replace those pieces.

Even if you believe this is the best use of your efforts, there is a chance it could be less expensive to change out your freezer for a cooler or add a cooler among your restaurant equipment. Sometimes, freezers cannot be converted well, and you could end up with a substandard cooler that needs replacement later anyway. Your best bet is to consult with a refrigeration specialist and see what will work best with your current equipment and kitchen.

A walk-in refrigerator helps keep food products and other cold substances cool and fresh, but not frozen. This is vital to preventing spoiling or disease, making it central to any food enterprise—just as long as it doesn’t over-cool your product. Some items can be ruined by freezing them, meaning there’s a careful balance between cooling and freezing that should be maintained.

Cooling Temperature

So how cold should your walk-in cooler be? Ultimately, the temperature of your walk-in refrigerator will depend on the product you’re carrying, but in most cases, it should be between 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Since water’s freezing point is around 32°F, you don’t want the temperature to drop to that point. If it does, then anything that has any moisture in it will freeze up—and just about anything that needs to be refrigerated has some moisture.

Cooling Versus Freezing

The FDA mandates that food be kept at or below 41°F, though the optimum point is around 38°F. Anywhere above that, and the food won’t last as long as it should, and you may even face legal issues if it’s found that your cooler is not keeping items below 41°F.

On the other hand, however, the temperature in a walk-in refrigerator should not drop below 35°F. If it does, items may freeze, which is not a good scenario for milk, certain vegetables or fruits, or anything creamy. Once they thaw out, they won’t taste the same or have the same texture, essentially ruining the product.

If you need items frozen, you’ll need a separate freezer, which will usually run at around -10°F to 0°F, depending on the items you need frozen.

Solving Over-cooling Issues

There are instances when a walk-in fridge will malfunction and end up freezing its contents. This can result from a variety of issues, including problems with the temperature sensor, the compressor, or air circulation in the unit.

At Commodore Group, we repair and install all types of commercial refrigeration systems, including walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, display cases, and refrigerated storage rooms.

The time it takes to diagnose and repair a walk-in cooler or walk-in freezer depends on the specific problem. Our team uses the latest technology and tools to diagnose the issue quickly and accurately. We’ll provide you with a detailed quote for the repair work required and work to fix the issue promptly.

Yes, at Commodore Group, we offer 24/7 emergency repair services to ensure your business can continue to operate without any downtime.

We are 24-Hour Emergency Walk-in Cooler & Freezer Repair Service Contractors in Toronto & GTA Ontario.

Walk-in Cooler, Walk-in Freezer Emergency Services

We are 24-Hour Emergency Walk-in Cooler & Freezer Repair Service Contractors in Toronto & GTA Ontario.

Comprehensive Walk-in Cooler, Walk-in Freezer Repair & Installation Services in Toronto & GTA Ontario.

At Commodore Group, we believe in delivering fast, efficient, and accurate Commercial Walk-in Cooler, Walk-in Freezer services throughout Toronto & GTA Ontario. We prioritize quality, exceptional service, and promptness to ensure your satisfaction and comfort.

Why Choose Commodore Group:

  • QUALITY SERVICE
  • EXPERIENCE AND EXPERT TECHNICIANS
  • SATISFACTION AND COMFORT GUARANTEED
  • FREE CONSULTATION

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