How to Maintain Walk-In Refrigerator Doors

Your walk-in refrigerator keeps your business running; without it, you can lose thousands of dollars in product and sales. The door is the biggest component of the unit, and if it decides to break down, it's going to cost you. 

Regular care can ensure it stays in good condition, so let's take a look at a few different door types and some general maintenance tips from the Solid Refrigeration team.

Hinge & Swing Doors

Hinge doors are a classic option for coolers and walk-in freezers. Their design includes a bottom door sweep that helps prevent outside air from getting inside by creating a seal inside the unit. 

Hinge and swing doors typically have a hydraulic closer and come in a variety of finishes.

Slide Doors

Slide doors are all about aesthetics and convenience. They work the most efficiently if you consistently bring products in and out of the unit. 

Sliding doors also make it more convenient for customers by helping create an easier traffic flow as products are retrieved from the space.

Recommended Walk-In Fridge Door Maintenance 

With the amount of use the doors get, they will need regular ongoing maintenance, and here are just a few ways to help keep them functioning correctly.

Check for Leaks

You want to keep the cold air in and the warm air out, and your gaskets and seals play a critical role. As time progresses, they will wear down and become cracked or hard, resulting in less efficiency. 

As the warm air circulates in, this can cause your products to spoil much faster, which can wreak havoc on your pocketbook. 

The door should be able to seal completely, so pay close attention as you open and close it to ensure there's not too much give. Also, periodically check your internal temperature to ensure it's holding the desired setting.

Keep Up on Cleanings

According to ENERGY.GOV, not keeping up with cleaning can decrease energy efficiency by up to 35%, which will greatly increase over time. Because the doors are in contact with customers daily, the wear and tear can build up quickly.

Do an inspection and maintain the unit with regular cleanings, removing grime and dirt build-up and wiping down the door, gaskets, glass, seals, and other components so it stays pristine and works great. 

Lubricate the Hinges

Appropriate lubrication is needed for your components to function smoothly and reduce the risk of breakage. Depending on your model and the unit's placement, the lubricant should easily go onto the hinges using the manufacturer's recommended applicator and products. 

Apply it to the top and bottom at least once a year, and if you have any concerns, contact an expert for help. 

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Staying on top of scheduled inspections is also critical for maintenance. This means if you have a problem, don't put it off! 

Replacing door gaskets, addressing the insulating material, and checking for cracks and tears in the seal are just a small part of the maintenance that needs completing. 

Professional checks, repairs, and routine care to help identify any problem areas and keep your doors in excellent condition.

Is Your Walk-In Door Too Worn Out for Maintenance?

At some point, all the maintenance in the world can't make your walk-in door look and perform like it once did. 

Even if you've got the highest-quality unit on the market, eventually, things will start to break, and you have to weigh out whether it's costing you excess money in product and loss of efficiency. 

Fortunately, there are a few ways to know it's time to consider a replacement.

• You know there's damage to the door.

• The seal won't hold.

• The unit’s not sitting in the frame evenly.

• You're finding ice spilled out and pooling water around the edges of the doorway.

• Opening and closing it isn't has become a challenge.

Even if the unit is still running, it won't be as efficient, and you will end up with a spoiled product or a huge liability claim from slip and fall injuries from unmarked water leaks inside the unit.

Installing a New Custom Unit 

If it looks like replacement is inevitable, building in a custom unit can help you save money because only the highest efficiency materials are now used for insulation. 

You can also pick and choose your maintenance levels and determine the best size and height for your business, giving you more options and flexibility with longer-lasting results that will save you time and money.

Solid Refrigeration, LLC: Your Trusted Choice for Exceptional Services 

A well-maintained door helps protect your inventory and prevents your refrigeration unit from overworking due to leaks. Getting expert service is crucial, so if you need support with your commercial refrigeration unit, Solid Refrigeration has been your Minnesota specialist since 2005. 

Our team specializes in everything from walk-in freezers to energy audits, and we offer 24/7 emergency repair services to ensure your system is functional day or night.  

Our team offers streamlined services and installations you can count on; message us online or call us at 952-854-2850 for your free estimate.