Walk In Freezer does not defrost?, If your industrial walk-in freezer is not defrosting, it can be a frustrating and costly problem. A buildup of frost and ice can not only make it difficult to access items in the freezer, but it can also cause the unit to work harder and potentially shorten its lifespan.

First things first, let’s go over how a walk-in freezer typically defrosts. Most commercial walk-in freezers use a “self-defrosting” system, which means that the unit will automatically melt any frost or ice that builds up on the evaporator coils. This process typically occurs during periods of low usage, such as overnight, and the melted water is then drained away through a pipe or hose.

Now, onto the troubleshooting. If your walk-in freezer is not defrosting, there are a few different factors that could be causing the issue. Here are some things to check:

Temperature setting: Make sure that the temperature setting on the freezer is set correctly. If the temperature is set too low, it can prevent the defrost cycle from activating.

Defrost system: The defrost system in a freezer consists of a few different components, including the defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and defrost timer. If any of these components is malfunctioning, it could prevent the defrost cycle from activating.

Door seals: If the door seals on your freezer are damaged or not sealing properly, it could cause the freezer to not defrost. Check the seals to make sure they are in good condition and properly sealing the door shut.

Blockages: If the airflow in your freezer is blocked by ice or other debris, it could prevent the defrost cycle from functioning properly. Check for any blockages and remove them if necessary.

Evaporator coils: The evaporator coils in your freezer are responsible for absorbing heat from the inside of the unit and releasing it outside. If these coils are dirty or clogged, it can prevent the defrost cycle from functioning properly. Clean the coils with a soft brush or use a commercial coil cleaner to remove any dirt or debris.

Drain line: The melted water from the defrost cycle needs to be able to drain away properly. If the drain line is clogged, it can prevent the defrost cycle from completing. Check the drain line and clear any blockages.

Timer: The defrost timer controls the frequency of the defrost cycle. If the timer is not functioning properly, it can cause the freezer to not defrost. Check the timer and replace it if necessary.

If you have checked all of these things and your walk-in freezer is still not defrosting, it may be necessary to call a professional repair service company for further assistance. They will be able to diagnose the issue and determine the best course of action.

How to check a defrost timer in Walk In Freezer?

Checking a defrost timer in a walk-in freezer typically involves a few steps. Here is a general guide on how to check the defrost timer in a walk-in freezer:

Locate the defrost timer: The defrost timer is typically located behind the control panel or near the compressor, inside the walk-in freezer. It is usually a small, cylindrical device with two or three wires connected to it.

Verify that the timer is in defrost mode: The defrost timer controls the defrost cycle by switching between the cooling and defrost modes. To check if the timer is in defrost mode, consult the owner’s manual for your specific make and model of walk-in freezer. Some timers have a small knob that needs to be turned to the “defrost” position, while others will have a light or digital display indicating the current mode.

Check the timer’s continuity: Once you have verified that the timer is in defrost mode, you can check the continuity of the timer by using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting, and touch one lead to the timer’s common terminal and the other lead to the defrost terminal. If the timer is working properly, the multimeter should beep, indicating continuity.

Test the timer’s timing: You can also check the timer’s timing by manually advancing the timer through its defrost cycle. Consult the owner’s manual for the specific procedure for your make and model, but it typically involves rotating the timer’s knob or pressing a button to manually advance it through the defrost cycle. Keep track of the time it takes to complete the defrost cycle and compare it to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Common Causes of a Walk-In Freezer That Won’t Defrost

A commercial walk-in freezer that won’t defrost can be a major inconvenience for any business that relies on frozen products. There are several common causes of this problem, including:

Dirty or blocked evaporator coils: The evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat from the inside of the freezer and transferring it to the refrigerant. If these coils become dirty or blocked, they may not be able to function properly, causing the freezer to stop defrosting.

Faulty defrost thermostat: The defrost thermostat is responsible for detecting when the freezer needs to be defrosted, and triggering the defrost cycle when necessary. If this thermostat is faulty, the freezer may not start the defrost cycle, leading to frost build-up.

Faulty defrost timer: The defrost timer controls the length of the defrost cycle, and if it is not working properly, the freezer may not be defrosted for the correct amount of time.

Faulty defrost heater: The defrost heater is responsible for melting the frost build-up in the freezer. If this heater is faulty, the frost may not be melted, causing the freezer to stop defrosting.

Clogged drain: A clogged drain can prevent the melted frost and condensation from flowing out of the freezer, causing the defrost water to accumulate and freeze again on the coils, this can eventually cause the freezer to stop defrosting.

When faced with a walk-in freezer that won’t defrost, it is important to determine the cause of the problem so that it can be properly fixed. A qualified technician should be able to diagnose and repair the issue, ensuring that your freezer is back in working order as soon as possible.

Repairus Refrigeration Ottawa is the go-to company for all your industrial walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer needs. They offer a wide range of commercial refrigeration services, licenced 313A, experienced technicians, and a commitment to customer satisfaction that sets them apart from other commercial refrigeration companies. Contact Repairus Refrigeration Ottawa today to learn how they can help your business keep its refrigeration systems running smoothly and efficiently.