Many businesses depend on their walk-in coolers to keep products fresh and ready for customers. But what happens if the temperatures fail to drop? At Van Ernst Refrigeration in East Rochester, NY, their team wants to help you keep your equipment running optimally. Their experts explain one of the most common problems with commercial refrigeration equipment: restricted refrigerant flow.

A Guide to Refrigerant

What Is It?

Refrigerant is the chemical that helps keep your walk-in cooler’s interior at low temperatures. This fluid flows throughout the unit, absorbing heat and letting your system emit cold air. Under normal conditions, refrigerant cycles through the compressor, generating heat and increasing pressure. As it moves through the cycle, it passes through the evaporator valve, which then removes any remaining heat from the liquid. This process facilitates the cooling of your commercial refrigeration equipment.

What Happens if the Flow Is Restricted?

When the flow is restricted, the refrigerant does not move throughout your walk-in cooler, causing temperature variations or leading the cooler to run several degrees hotter than it should. In most refrigeration, there are two causes of restricted flow:

• The Meter: The meter in your cooler monitors the temperature and tells the system when to start running. If there’s a problem with the meter or the system has become oil-logged, the flow of refrigerant slows, increasing the temperature in your equipment.
• The Liquid Line: Refrigerant flows through the liquid line. If the line has a kink or is bent at the condenser, the coolant will not be able to flow at an adequate rate, causing your cooler to heat up.

An experienced refrigeration repair professional will diagnose the cause of the problem, whether it’s a clogged line or an issue with the meter.

If you suspect your walk-in cooler or freezer is experiencing restricted refrigerant flow, contact Van Ernst Refrigeration today. Their team has helped businesses in New York maintain, repair, and install their commercial refrigeration equipment since 1984. Visit their website for more information and call (585) 586-6780 to schedule an appointment.