Walk-In Freezer Repair

SWVA Mechanical provides 24/7 emergency walk-in freezer repair in Lebanon, VA. We know that a freezer failure is a critical emergency that threatens your most valuable inventory.

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Professional Walk-In Freezer Repair Done Right

A broken walk-in freezer is one of the most urgent crises a food service or grocery business can face. With tens of thousands of dollars in frozen inventory at risk, every minute counts. You need an emergency repair service with expert knowledge of low-temperature refrigeration systems. The certified technicians at SWVA Mechanical are experienced in diagnosing and repairing all makes and models of commercial walk-in freezers. We prioritize these emergency calls to provide the fastest response time possible. Our primary goal is to repair your system quickly and effectively to prevent catastrophic product loss.

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Honest Reviews From Our Clients

Businesses across Southwest Virginia trust SWVA Mechanical for refrigeration services that are done right the first time. Here’s what real customers have to say about their experience:

Shahram Totonchian
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Shahram Totonchian
May 17, 2025
Douglas Canody
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Douglas Canody
January 25, 2025

We recently had our downstairs residential heat pump fail after 17 years of service. Given the age of the system, and the newer technology available, it made sense to replace both the downstairs and upstairs systems (3- and 2-ton units respectively). I obtained quotes from 4 different installers and ultimately, we selected the Mitsubishi Hyperheat systems as the replacement. Brian at SWVA Mechanical gave us the best price and best answers to our questions and we selected them to do the work. I don't think it could have gone any better. They showed up when they said they would, staged the work so that we could stay warm (installed in December), were respectful of our property and answered all of our questions. All of the SWVA Mechanical workers were friendly, cheerful, and most importantly knowledgeable and competent. Brian encouraged us to consider the Mitsubishi Hyperheat system which would function as a heat pump to below 0 degrees F. Frankly, I had my doubts that a system without auxiliary heat would function properly at such low temperatures without an auxiliary heat source. However, this review is being written 1 week after some of the coldest temperature in years (as low as 6 degrees F and -1-degree wind chill) and I can testify that my house stayed at the temperature set point throughout this very cold period, and in fact my house has been more comfortable than it ever has in similar conditions. I have temperature monitoring data that proves the system worked as Brian said it would. Additionally, the numbers show significant electricity savings compared to the operation of the old system. I will also mention that Brian and his partner Nick, were persistent in being able to get a relatively new steam humidifier installed about 2 years ago to work with the Mitsubishi heat pump and air handler. That required a lot of effort on their part, and a non-standard installation that went beyond the manufacturers’ instructions. I can verify that what they did worked, that it was done properly and is functioning as it should. To reiterate, I would highly recommend SWVA VA Mechanical to anyone in need of their services. They check all the boxes... knowledge, expertise, dependability, reliability, and integrity. Based on our experiences, we intend to use them to service our new system in the future and would not hesitate to work with them again. In my opinion, and based on my past experiences, it would be very hard to do better than SWVA Mechanical in this line of work and expertise.

Jack McArdle
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Jack McArdle
December 5, 2024

I had emergency when the heating system stopped working during the coldest days these past 2 months and Brain came the same day I called SWVM. No other HVAC company in the area would even give me an estimate of when they could come. Brain got the system running just in time for the lows in the teens the next few nights. If you need help this company will do all they can to help you. I would highly reccommend them.

NetworkSandbox
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NetworkSandbox
November 27, 2024

Recently had an installation as well as a preventative maintenance on another unit. I received good communication about scheduling and pricing and they answered any question I had. They showed up on time and performed the work well. After the install, Brian came by to make sure I was happy with the install and that I was fully taken care of. Subsequently for the preventative maintenance that Samuel performed, he thoroughly cleaned and tested the units and communicated to me the way that the unit was originally wired may not be optimal and explained the pros/cons of making a minor adjustment which I had him do. I'm very happy with the service provided and plan to use SWVA Mechanical for any future HVAC needs.

Kristen Jones
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Kristen Jones
September 24, 2024

Called with HVAC issue on Monday had a resolution by Tuesday morning. Owner Nick is amazing. Goes above and beyond for his customers. Technician that came out was 5 star! Polite, conscientious regarding cleanliness, and super helpful. Pricing is extremely reasonable. I will never use another company!

Bill Fletcher
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Bill Fletcher
September 7, 2024

Nick Cross and his team are amazing. Did a great job for us. They are polite, professional and knowledgable. Our challenge is with a house built in 1913 and their work has given us more control over our HVAC system and made our living space more comfortable. Price was very reasonable. Highly recommended.

Tony
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Tony
July 12, 2024

Samuel came out and did a great job!! He serviced my unit inside and outside. Company was amazing to begin with. Answered and returned my calls every time. They were prompt in letting me know when they would arrive and informed me of all repairs before doing anything. Amazing job!! Highly recommended.

Robert Elswick
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Robert Elswick
June 3, 2024

Highly Recommend! Brian and his team done an outstanding job installing my new Mitsubishi mini splits. I couldn’t have asked for a better HVAC Team than SWVA Mechanicals!

Brian Hale
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Brian Hale
April 13, 2024

I recently had a heat pump replaced by SWVA and they did an excellent job. As we were weighing the options of repairing my old system and the cost and benefit of the new system they were very helpful. I never felt they were trying to up-sale me. I especially appreciate the fast service both on the repairs I needed on my old system and with this new install. I was in a bind because it was winter but they had me up and running with a new system fast. I would highly recommend them again!

Scott Beverly
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Scott Beverly
April 8, 2024

I can't say enough good about the folks at SWVA mechanical. They came to my house and quoted the Mitsubishi unit to me and I had it installed within a few weeks. Every tech was very professional and respectful while in our home and did an outstanding job. I had one company give me a quote for the same system and it was over $4000.00 more than what Brian at SW VA Mechanical quoted, plus the other company didn't want to even talk about the Mitsubishi units that have the best reputation in the business. These more efficient units will save us money on our electric bill and they are so quiet you can't even hear them run. If you need a HVAC system or just need your old system repaired, give Brian at SW VA Mechanical at call and you will not be disappointed. They are more than fair on their prices and will treat you with respect and not try to burn you up on the charges. They are my new HVAC company. Scott Beverly

Jackie Rife
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Jackie Rife
January 19, 2024

Our furnace went out during frigid weather. Called Brian and he came immediately. He is very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend this company!

bill vaden
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bill vaden
December 25, 2023

Brian and Samuel real good people sincerely want to help when you’re in trouble just installed a new heat pump force excellent job

Tully Wright
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Tully Wright
November 13, 2023

Excellent service. Friendly, good communication, punctual, quality work. I was very pleased and highly recommend this company for any of your heating and cooling needs

Joe Johnson
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Joe Johnson
October 26, 2023

I had these guys install a new American Standard 3 ton heat pump this week. I got quotes from different companies and after a great deal of research chose SWVA Mechanical. Nick and Brian explained everything in detail and Jesse and Sam did our install. We are very happy with the entire process. Nick asked me a number of times during and after the install if we were happy and everything was to our expectations. They really care about customer satisfaction and it shows. Great product and install! I would highly recommend this company to anyone on the market for a new system. Great price and great product!

Joel Clark
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Joel Clark
August 27, 2023

SWVA Mechanical took care of us quickly and efficiently! Very knowledgeable in all the services they have provided to us. Highly recommend!

mountainview retirement
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mountainview retirement
August 7, 2023
Kevin McGlothlin
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Kevin McGlothlin
July 21, 2023

Brian and his employees were wonderful to deal with. They installed a Mitsubishi Mini Split system for our office and needless to say was the best investment both for quality and cost. We truly appreciate SWVA Mechanical's willingness to go the extra mile for us.

Amy Barrett
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Amy Barrett
July 4, 2023

Excellent quick service from Brian and all of his crew! Called on Sunday and had a new heat pump on Monday they went above and beyond to get my family’s air going again. The best guys around for all your hvac needs!!

Rhonda Hale
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Rhonda Hale
June 17, 2023

Highly recommend. They did an excellent installation on our new 4 ton heat pump and electrical work. 10 year warranty on the heat pump and 1 year on all the labor. These guys are the best around!

Anthony Mullins
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Anthony Mullins
June 3, 2023

Called Brian on a Friday night after 8pm and told him my situation!! He was here in less than 5 minutes and took care of me!! He don’t have to answer his phone on a Friday night!! Very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous!! Will use this company from now on!!

Benjamin Price
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Benjamin Price
April 18, 2023

Excellent service and quality installation job for my business on a total install of 12 mini split units. The units have a 10 year warranty and with the savings in my power bill, the units will pay for themselves in 5 years. Highly recommend this small business for anything related to HVAC

April Dawson
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April Dawson
September 6, 2019
Sami J.
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Sami J.
June 3, 2018

Excellent service , on time, freindly, very knowledgeable, reasonable prices, definitely will use again if needed, thank you

Walk-In Freezer Repair Service

Our emergency repair service for a walk-in freezer begins with an immediate sense of urgency. When you call us with a freezer down, our first priority is getting a technician to your facility fast. Upon arrival, the technician’s first action is to assess the current temperature and the rate of temperature rise inside the box. This helps determine how much time we have to work with before your product is compromised. We will then perform a rapid but thorough diagnosis of the entire system to quickly identify the point of failure.

The most critical failure is a freezer that is not maintaining its sub-zero temperature. The causes for this are often related to the system being under extreme stress. A heavily clogged condenser coil can cause the compressor to overheat and shut down. A complete compressor failure will result in a total loss of freezing capability. A refrigerant leak, a failed condenser fan motor, or a failed evaporator fan motor will also cause the temperature to rise. Our technicians have the expertise to diagnose any of these complex refrigeration failures.

A very common repair issue specific to walk-in freezers is a failure of the defrost system. If the evaporator coil inside the box becomes a solid block of ice, it cannot transfer heat, and the freezer will stop working. This is almost always caused by a problem with the electric defrost system. The defrost timer may have failed, one of the powerful defrost heaters may have burned out, or the termination sensor may be faulty. A technician will need to manually thaw the coil and then repair the defrost system components.

Problems with the freezer door are also common and require immediate repair to prevent major energy loss. The heated door gaskets or door frame heaters can fail, which can cause the door to freeze shut with a powerful ice seal. The pressure relief port, which allows the door to be opened easily, can also fail or become blocked with ice. We can diagnose these electrical components and replace them. We can also repair or replace damaged door hinges and closers to ensure the door seals tightly every time.

Repairs to the low-temperature refrigeration system require a certified and experienced technician. A walk-in freezer’s sealed system operates under more stress and at different pressures than a cooler’s system. Our technicians are EPA certified to handle low-temperature refrigerants safely. We can perform complex repairs like compressor replacements, evaporator or condenser coil repairs, and reversing valve repairs on heat pump models. We have the specialized tools and knowledge required for this demanding work.

The electronic controls of a freezer are the brains of the operation and are a common point of failure. A faulty electronic temperature controller will not be able to properly regulate the system, leading to temperature swings or a complete shutdown. The defrost clock is another critical control that can fail, leading to severe icing issues. Our technicians are skilled in troubleshooting these complex control circuits. We can test, recalibrate, or replace any faulty electronic component to restore your freezer’s proper automatic operation.

We understand that a major, unexpected repair is a significant financial event for a business. Even in an emergency situation, we are committed to providing upfront and transparent pricing. As soon as our technician has completed the diagnosis, we will provide you with a detailed quote for the necessary repair. We will explain the cause of the failure and the work that is required. No work will ever begin without your full understanding and approval. Our focus is on getting you operational again with no surprises.

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Emergency Walk-In Freezer Repair Near You

A failed walk-in freezer is a code-red emergency for your business. The clock is ticking, and your most valuable inventory is at risk. SWVA Mechanical provides true 24/7 emergency walk-in freezer repair services for our commercial clients in the Lebanon area. Our technicians are on call around the clock, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to respond to your crisis. Our absolute top priority is to get to your facility as quickly as possible to save your frozen inventory from a total loss. When your freezer goes down, call us immediately.

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Most Common Walk-In Freezer Repair Questions

When your walk-in freezer fails, it creates a high-stress situation with serious financial consequences. We have answered some of the most common questions our commercial clients ask when facing this critical emergency.

If you discover your walk-in freezer is warming up, you must act with extreme urgency. The single most important rule is to keep the door shut. Do not open it for any reason. Every time the door is opened, you allow a massive amount of heat to enter, which will accelerate the thawing process. Instruct all staff that the freezer is off-limits. The second step is to immediately call a 24/7 emergency refrigeration service like SWVA Mechanical. Time is absolutely critical.

While waiting for the technician to arrive, you can check to make sure the circuit breakers for the freezer have not been tripped. Do not repeatedly try to reset them if they trip again. Your next step should be to consider a contingency plan for your inventory. If you have access to another freezer, you can prepare to move your most valuable items. Some businesses may have a relationship with a local refrigerated truck rental service for such emergencies.

The best way to save your product is with a fast repair. A fully loaded walk-in freezer can often hold its temperature for 24 hours or more if it remains sealed. However, this is not a guarantee. Do not wait to see how long it will last. Your first and most important action should always be to call for immediate, professional, emergency service.

The amount of time your frozen food will remain safe depends on several factors. A large, fully loaded walk-in freezer will hold its temperature much longer than a smaller, half-empty one. The mass of the frozen products themselves helps to keep the entire box cold. As a general guideline, a full and unopened walk-in freezer can typically keep food frozen for 24 to 48 hours. However, this is highly dependent on the initial temperature of the freezer, the temperature of the surrounding room, and the integrity of the box’s insulation.

It is critical that the door remains closed during this entire period. Every time the door is opened, the safe window of time shrinks dramatically. You should not assume you have 48 hours. It is always best to err on the side of caution and treat the situation as if you only have a few hours to act. This sense of urgency is what will prevent a major loss.

The only way to be certain that your inventory will be saved is to get the refrigeration system running again as quickly as possible. A fast and effective professional repair is the most reliable method for protecting your products. Do not “wait and see” how the temperature holds. Call for an emergency repair service immediately to give yourself the best possible chance of avoiding a catastrophic loss.

The defrost system on a walk-in freezer is absolutely critical to its operation. Because the evaporator coil inside the box is always operating at a temperature far below freezing, it constantly collects moisture from the air and turns it into frost. Without a way to remove this frost, it will continue to build up until the entire coil becomes a solid block of ice. An iced-over coil cannot have air passed through it. This completely stops the cooling process, even if the rest of the refrigeration system is working perfectly.

To prevent this, walk-in freezers are equipped with a powerful electric defrost system. Several times a day, a timer will shut down the refrigeration cycle and turn on a set of high-wattage electric heating elements that are laced through the evaporator coil. These heaters rapidly melt the accumulated frost and ice. The resulting water then drains out of the box. A sensor will then terminate the defrost cycle once the coil is clear, and the freezer will return to its normal operation.

If any part of this system fails—the timer, the heaters, or the sensors—the freezer will eventually ice up and stop cooling. A failed defrost system is one of the most common causes of a walk-in freezer repair call. Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure all these components are working correctly.

This is a critical business decision, and for a freezer, the argument for replacement is often stronger than for other equipment. If your freezer is older, typically 10 years or more, and it is facing a major sealed system repair like a compressor failure, it is almost always more prudent to replace the entire refrigeration system. The risk of a second major failure on an old system is very high. The potential loss of inventory is so great that investing in reliability is paramount.

You must weigh the high cost of the repair against the cost of a new, more efficient refrigeration system. If a single repair will cost 30-50% of the price of a new system, replacement is the logical choice. The peace of mind and warranty coverage that come with a new system are incredibly valuable when you are protecting tens of thousands of dollars in frozen goods. The improved energy efficiency of a modern system will also provide long-term operational savings.

While replacing the refrigeration system is a major expense, it is often less than the cost of a single catastrophic inventory loss. An old, unreliable freezer is a constant financial risk to your business. Our technicians will provide you with a clear quote for the repair and a quote for a full replacement of the condensing unit and evaporator coil. This will allow you to make the best possible business decision.

If the door to your walk-in freezer is frozen shut, do not use excessive force, crowbars, or other tools to try and pry it open. This will almost certainly damage the door, the door frame, or the gasket, leading to a much more expensive repair. A frozen door is a sign that a specific component has failed, and it needs to be diagnosed and repaired by a professional. The two likely culprits are the heated door frame or the pressure relief port.

The most common cause is a failure of the low-wattage heater wire that is embedded in the door frame. This heater’s job is to keep the frame just warm enough to prevent the moisture on the gasket from freezing solid to the metal. If this heater burns out, an ice bond will form, sealing the door shut. A technician will need to test the heater’s circuit to confirm the failure. They may need to carefully use a heat gun to thaw the seal to gain access without causing damage.

The other possibility is a blocked pressure relief port. This port is also heated, and if its heater fails, it can become plugged with ice. This creates a powerful vacuum inside the freezer that can hold the door shut with incredible force. A technician will need to clear this port and repair its heating element. In either case, this is a repair that requires professional service.

A walk-in freezer that is running constantly and never cycles off is a major warning sign that a failure is imminent. While freezers have very long run times, they should be able to reach their target temperature and shut down periodically. Nonstop operation means the refrigeration system is struggling to keep up with the heat load. This leads to extremely high energy bills and puts an incredible strain on the compressor. This is a problem that must be addressed immediately.

The most common cause of a freezer running constantly is an air leak into the box. This is usually due to a torn or flattened door gasket, or a door that is not closing properly. The system simply cannot overcome the constant infiltration of warm, moist air. The second most common cause is a very dirty condenser coil. A clogged coil prevents the system from rejecting heat, forcing it to run continuously at a reduced capacity.

In some cases, the problem could be a low refrigerant charge due to a leak, or a worn-out, inefficient compressor. Regardless of the cause, a freezer that runs all the time is on the verge of a major breakdown. This is a critical warning sign that should prompt an immediate call for service. A maintenance visit can almost always prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.

While many refrigeration technicians can work on coolers, walk-in freezer repair is a specialty. Low-temperature refrigeration is more complex and demanding than standard, medium-temperature refrigeration. We recommend that you always use a technician with specific experience and training in low-temperature systems. They will be more familiar with the powerful defrost systems, the heated components like door frames, and the specific types of controls used in freezers.

The operating pressures and refrigerant characteristics are different in a low-temperature system. A technician needs to understand these differences to properly diagnose a problem. An inexperienced technician might misinterpret pressure readings or fail to properly diagnose a defrost issue. This can lead to an incorrect repair that does not solve the root problem, resulting in a callback and continued downtime for your business.

The technicians at SWVA Mechanical are trained and experienced in commercial low-temperature refrigeration. We have the expertise to work on all types of walk-in freezers. We understand the urgency and the unique technical challenges these systems present. When your most valuable inventory is on the line, you need a true specialist, not a generalist.

The single most expensive repair for a walk-in freezer is a compressor failure. The compressor is the pump that circulates the refrigerant, and it is the heart of the entire system. It is also the most costly single component. Due to the high pressures and stress of low-temperature refrigeration, freezer compressors are particularly robust and expensive. The labor to replace a compressor is also extensive, as it is a major sealed system repair that requires recovering refrigerant, brazing, and recharging the system.

A major refrigerant leak can also be a very expensive repair, not because of the parts, but because of the labor. Finding the precise location of a small leak in a large and complex system can be very time-consuming. This is especially true if the leak is in a hard-to-reach part of the evaporator or condensing unit. The cost of the lost refrigerant itself can also be significant.

Because these major repairs are so costly, the best strategy is always prevention. The number one cause of compressor failure is a dirty condenser coil that causes the compressor to overheat. The best way to prevent catastrophic repair bills is to invest in a regular, professional preventative maintenance plan.

Schedule Your Walk-In Freezer Repair

If your commercial walk-in freezer has failed, call SWVA Mechanical immediately for 24/7 emergency repair. Our expert technicians will work fast to protect your frozen assets and get your Lebanon business operational.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
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