If you just opened a restaurant or business, you might consider buying a walk-in cooler repair. The purpose of walk-in coolers or freezers is to keep the temperature of food and drinks good for commercial use. The unit can become expensive based on the size you need. Therefore, there are a couple of things you must consider before buying a freezer or walk-in cooler.

In case you are really thinking of buying one, you should read this article in the end. In addition, it will prevent you from buying the wrong one.

What is it Exactly?

Walk-in coolers have an extra refrigerated and cooled storage space while they provide the security of being aware of knowing why the items are stored at the right temperature and keeping it that way. There are 2 different kinds of units that are customized, and they are prefabricated. Those units are cheaper because they have a specific size and are consequently a lot less expensive compared to the customized ones. The disadvantage is that in prefabricated units are that the size is limited and the configuration might not be as long-lasting as the customized units.

Box Location

Regardless of whether you will put it indoors or outdoor, you need to make sure that you have enough space to accommodate that box. Outdoor walk-ins have a rain roof, refrigeration hood, and drip cap for going over the door. You need to assess it in order to make sure it is appropriate for bearing load. If there is a concrete floor, a walk-in cooler can be placed there. If the walk-in goes on a wood frame floor, it needs floor panels. A walk-in freezer always needs an insulated floor.

Size

There are walk-in coolers that are pre-built in certain sizes. If you are not sure about the size you need, it is suggested that asking a local walk-in cooler installer to come and measure the unit’s correct size. You need to be aware that the unit size you require depends on what you are planning to store, but it may not also be limited by the installation of tolerances.

Design Features and Accessories

Do you require a strip curtain for energy efficiency, and a temperature alarm to alert you that the refrigeration is malfunctioning, a kickplate that protects the door, or an external or internal ramp to help the wheel carts into the freezer? You need to list down all the additional features you want. It is better to bundle the add-ons with the walk-in purchase since they are usually sold at a lower markup vs. purchasing the aftermarket.

Installation

The first requirement is that the walk-in unit fits into the application’s footprint. The unit should accommodate all the ancillary equipment that is needed for the operation, which includes the piping runs for the refrigeration, plumbing, and electrical components. It is important to use a qualified walk-in cooler installer who does the proper installation and that meets the local code requirements, national certification, and energy efficiency.

Extra Costs

If for instance, you are buying from a walk-in manufacturer from a different state, the freight is going to cost a lot. You must always ask for an estimated cost of the freight and you must check your liability for taxes.

Before you contact commercial refrigerators repairs Virginia, make sure that you have considered all of these things and be prepared for whatever extra cost that might come up.