Walk-in Cooler & Freezer Shopping Tips

Be aware when shopping for walk-ins online that you are comparing the same size box and refrigeration. Some companies are offering smaller sized refrigeration packages, which make it look cheaper upfront but may not provide you the results you are looking for.

Some systems, whether they are coolers or freezers, are designed only to hold the temperature of the product coming in and are not designed to pull-down the temperature of the product to the desired holding temperature. Pull-down happens when there is product entering the cooler or freezer that is warmer than the desired temperature and needs to cool in a short amount of time. For example, when a restaurant owner has a large pot of soup that needs to be cooled quickly to avoid bacteria growth, the refrigeration must be able to cool the soup to the desired temperature in a reasonable and safe time while maintaining the holding temperature in the cooler/freezer. Systems designed for holding only and not to pull down the temperature of the product coming in will only work properly if products entering the box are already at the desired temperature, either cold or already frozen.

The industry standard design temperature for freezers is at -10° F. Some online companies are selling their freezer refrigeration at a holding temperature of 0° F. If you try to run a walk-in designed for 0° F holding temperature and set the thermostat to -10° F, it will run constantly trying to meet the -10° F temperature it was not designed to hold. This will shorten the life of the compressor and may cause the coil to freeze and consequently warm up the box to melting temperature, damaging the food stored inside.

Before purchasing, you must understand the difference and what implications it could have on your business. Most perishable items that are stored in a freezer are not frozen to start with and will need to freeze and stay frozen for a period of time. If the box is designed for holding temperature only and is set at 0° F, the refrigeration will work harder and longer to pull the temperature inside the box back down to 0° F once warm food is stored in the freezer. Frozen products, such as ice cream, hold up better at -10° F rather than 0° F. When a freezer goes into defrost it can raise the box temperature by 10-15°. If your box is set at 0° F, a 10-15° temperature swing can cause some products to be damaged or melted. When dealing with food it is imperative to make sure the holding temperature in the freezer is low enough to keep products frozen, protecting from bacteria or other hazards that spread through food not refrigerated correctly. (Check with your local health codes for the required holding temperature of your walk-in cooler and freezer.) It is also important to note that when refrigeration is working longer and harder, your energy costs will increase as well as the chances of your refrigeration breaking down or having inefficiencies.

Every state has requirements for storing cold food; here is an example of Illinois’s Administrative Code.

Walk-in Installation Tips

All U.S. Cooler walk-ins are test assembled in our plant prior to shipment. This ensures problem free on-site installation. If you have had problems setting up your walk-ins, we have some tips that may be helpful.

1. Receiving your walk-in: When your walk-in cooler or freezer is delivered by the freight company, it is critically important that you inventory the items delivered.

a. You must be sure when you sign the delivery receipt, you have received the freight in good condition and not damaged in anyway. The person signing the delivery receipt is responsible for inspecting the freight.
b. If you see any damage to the container or boxes, this is a good sign that you may have hidden damage. If you have a camera, take pictures of any damage to your freight, even before it is taken off the truck. Call U.S. Cooler and ask for Customer Service if you see a problem with your shipment. When you call, have your order number available. The order number allows us to pull up all details needed to answer your questions.
c. Insist that the driver does not leave until your satisfied all freight damage has been noted on the delivery receipt before the driver signs the delivery receipt.

2. Take time to read the instruction manual and review drawing: Before you get started take out the installation instructions and drawing package. Inventory your parts against the drawing to be sure you understand the layout. If you have any questions on how to assemble the walk-in call U.S. Cooler and ask for Customer Service.

3. Make sure your area where the walk-in will be installed is flat: Level is critical when installing a walk-in cooler or freezer. Before installation you should get an exact tolerance of the entire space you are planning to install the walk-in. The longer the box, the more important it is to have a level area. Floorless boxes should be shimmed inside the vinyl screed to prevent gaps and air infiltration. A liquid leveling compound is very useful for floors that are not completely level.
4. Threshold bar:  On all standard walk-ins, a threshold bar must be installed in the floor panel below the door panel before the door can be set in place. This allows for the door threshold to be anchored to the floor.

5. Line up top corners evenly: When installing panels, make sure the top of the panels are level with the adjacent panels before locking them in place. This ensures the ceiling fits properly on the routes and will keep the box square as the panels are being installed.

6. With the exception of PRO3 and Apex, all refrigeration units must have a condensation line run to the outside of the walk-in. When running any utilities, including those for refrigeration, drill into the wall panel; not the ceiling. After running all utilities, caulk around drilled holes. Follow all local building and electrical codes during installation.

View our Test-Assembly Webcam

Defrost termination fan delay control

The defrost termination/fan delay control is a temperature-activated, single pole-double throw switch controlled with a remote sensing bulb (Fig. 1). The control can be an adjustable type. One example of the installation of an adjustable defrost termination/fan delay control is on a walk-in freezer’s evaporator (Fig. 2).

fig. 1

The control is wired into the refrigeration circuit. The control’s remote sensing bulb is located high on the evaporator where the frost is likely to clear last. The function of this temperature-activated switch is to terminate defrost when the evaporator coil has been defrosted, and to delay the evaporator fans from coming on immediately after defrost.

fig. 2

Defrost time clocks can be programmed for certain defrost duration periods. This is a time duration set at the time clock in minute increments. For example, a defrost time clock on a freezer could be programmed to defrost every six hours (four times daily), and have defrost durations of 40 minutes. However, there will be times throughout the year where the coil does not need the entire 40 minutes. These times could be from low usage of the freezer where the door openings are minimal, or when the humidity is low and not much frost accumulates on the coil. This is where the defrost termination part of the control comes into play.

Read the full article to learn how the defrost termination & fan delay systems work

Energy (and money) Saving Tips for Your Walk-in

Tips for Saving on Energy Costs

Here are some ways to help you save energy costs on your walk-in cooler or freezer.

• Properly seal all penetrations in walk-in.
• Replace worn or damaged door seals.
• Install refrigeration away from doors.
• Keep condenser coils clean.
• Do not prop door open for an extended period of time.
• Add strip curtains or air curtains to your walk-in for extra protection from air infiltration when door is open.
• Make sure the lights are off when exiting the walk-in. Lights produce heat, which will cause your unit to run more to hold its optimal temperature.
• Periodically, check gaskets between panels to make sure they are not cracked or weathered. If so, check with your local health codes for the correct procedure to follow as far as repair and replacement.
• Make sure there is nothing stacked around the coil to restrict airflow.
• Make sure fan motors are balanced and running at optimum speed. Clean fan blades to reduce drag.
• Use an evaporator with an EC Motor.
• Utilize Smart Defrost Kits.
• Set defrost frequency at minimum requirements.

U.S. Cooler Walk-ins

U.S. Cooler manufactures custom walk in cooler rooms for the foodservice and convenience store industries. We have been making quality walk-ins since 1986. Call 800-521-2665 for a quote on a cooler, freezer or combination.

Walk-in Cooler/Freezer Installation Video

A video of how to set up your U.S. Cooler walk-in.

Click here to view the U.S. Cooler PDF Installation Manual.

If the video isn’t working, there are problems with the youtube server and you can view the video through the google server.

Maintaining Your Walk-in Cooler or Freezer

Tips from U.S. Cooler for Maintaining Your Walk-in Cooler or Freezer.

How to keep your walk-in operating efficiently.

• Close door when not in use. Do not block or prop door open for extended periods of time. Make sure door is closed at all times except when entering and exiting the walk-in.
• Periodically, minimum of twice a year, clean evaporator and condensing coil. If located outside, the coils should be cleaned more often.
• Make sure fan motors are running at optimum speed.
• Clean fan blades to reduce drag.
• Make sure there is nothing stacked around the coil to restrict airflow.
• Occasionally have service technician check all electrical connections to make sure they are good and tight. Loose wires could cause high amperage, which will cause your unit to use more energy.
• Check for damage or decay in the insulation on suction lines between condensing unit and evaporator coil. Replace as needed.
• Check door sweep for tears and make sure sealing properly.
• Hinges should be lubricated once a year to keep closing properly.
• Make sure the lights are off when exiting the walk-in. Lights produce heat, which will cause your unit to run more to hold its optimal temperature.
• On outside condensing units, maintain clear and adequate airflow. For example, do not allow trash or weeds to accumulate around walk-in.
• Do not pile anything on top of the walk-in. This could cause damage to the ceiling panels.
• Periodically, check gaskets between panels to make sure they are not cracked or weathered. If so, check with your local health codes for the correct procedure to follow as far as repair and replacement.

How to keep your walk-in clean.

• Soap and water is the best cleaning method for your walk-in. Do not use harsh chemicals as it may react and harm the metal surface of your walk-in.
  For chemicals not to use read this pdf.
• Minimum of twice a year use a self-rinsing cleaner, soap and water or stiff bristled brush to clean your evaporator and condensing coils.
• Drain lines – at least once a year, work with a service tech to make sure the drain lines are clean and not clogged with any debris.
• Door gaskets – Regularly wipe down with soap and water. If door gaskets are damaged, cracked or stiff magnet will not seal and will need to be replaced.
• Sweep or mop floors to make sure floors are kept clean. Read the rest of this entry »

Standard Nominals

Many of our potential customers may be needing a custom sized or custom designed walk-in cooler or freezer to fit their specific needs. For custom orders find a salesperson.

But those of you who don’t require a custom size can choose to buy from our selection of standard nominals through one of our authorized dealers. (find on in your area by typing in your zip code in the form below)

Sizes Include:

6′ X 6′ X 7′ 6″ Nominal (5′ 10 1/2″ X 5′ 10 1/2″ X 7′ 6″ Actual Size)

6′ X 8′ X 7′ 6″ Nominal (5′ 10 1/2″ X 7′ 10″ X 7′ 6″ Actual)

8′ X 8′ X 7′ 6″ Nominal (7′ 10″ X 7′ 10″ & 7′ 6″ Actual)

8′ X 10′ X 7′ 6″ Nominal (7′ 10″ X 9′ 9 1/2″ & 7′ 6″ Actual)

Options:

Cooler (with or without floor), Freezer (with floor)

Refrigeration:

For Indoor boxes – no refrigeration, indoor remote ref, outdoor remote ref, top mount ref, saddle mount ref (cooler only), penthouse ref

For Outdoor boxes- no refrigeration, outdoor remote ref