Walk-In Cooler Repair

SWVA Mechanical provides fast, 24/7 emergency walk-in cooler repair in Lebanon, VA. Our certified technicians understand that a broken walk-in is a critical emergency for your business.

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Professional Walk-In Cooler Repair Done Right

When your commercial walk-in cooler fails, your business faces a crisis. Thousands of dollars in valuable inventory are at immediate risk of spoilage, and your ability to serve customers is compromised. You need an emergency repair service that is fast, knowledgeable, and available at all hours. The expert technicians at SWVA Mechanical specialize in commercial refrigeration repair. We have the skills to quickly diagnose the problem and perform the repairs needed to save your inventory. We are committed to providing a rapid response to get your most critical asset back in operation.

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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 Cooler Repair Service

Our emergency repair service is built around a rapid and accurate diagnostic process. When we receive a call for a walk-in cooler that is down, our top priority is getting a technician on-site as quickly as possible. Upon arrival, our technician will immediately assess the situation, checking the box temperature to understand how much time we have to save your product. We will listen for key sounds from the compressor and fans and look for obvious signs of failure like heavy ice buildup or tripped breakers. This initial triage allows us to focus our diagnostic efforts and work quickly.

The most common and critical failure is a cooler that is not maintaining a food-safe temperature. This can be caused by a number of issues within the refrigeration system. A frequent culprit is a failed condenser or evaporator fan motor, which stops the essential process of air movement. The problem could also be a major refrigerant leak, which drains the system of its cooling capacity. A complete compressor failure will also result in a total loss of cooling. Our technicians have the tools and expertise to diagnose and repair any of these sealed system components.

A walk-in cooler that is icing up is another frequent problem. If you see a solid block of ice on the evaporator coil inside the box, it means the defrost system has failed. The defrost system is designed to periodically melt away normal frost accumulation. A failure can be caused by a bad defrost timer, a faulty termination sensor, or a burned-out defrost heater. A technician will need to manually thaw the coil and then repair the faulty defrost component to prevent it from happening again.

A walk-in cooler that is leaking water into your kitchen or storage area poses a serious slip hazard. This is almost always caused by a clogged or frozen condensate drain line. This drain is responsible for carrying away moisture from the evaporator coil. If it gets blocked, the water will back up and spill out of the unit. Our technicians can quickly and effectively clear these clogs. We can also repair or replace a cracked or overflowing condensate pan to resolve any water leakage issues.

Failures of the electrical and control systems are also common. The electronic thermostat or temperature controller that regulates the cooler can fail, causing the system to run constantly or not at all. The contactors and relays that send power to the compressor and fan motors can also burn out. Our technicians are skilled in troubleshooting these complex electrical systems. We can test all controls and components to find the source of the electrical fault and restore proper operation to your cooler.

The physical integrity of the walk-in box itself is crucial for proper temperature control. A torn door gasket is a major source of cold air loss. A broken door closer or sagging hinges can prevent the door from sealing shut properly. These issues force the refrigeration system to run constantly, wasting energy and leading to component failure. As part of our repair service, we can replace damaged gaskets and repair or replace faulty door hardware. This restores the airtight seal of the box, which is essential for efficiency.

We understand that an unexpected, major repair can be a strain on your business’s budget. That is why we are committed to providing clear and upfront pricing for all our repair services. Once our technician has completed the diagnosis and identified the problem, we will provide you with a detailed quote for the necessary repair. We will explain the work that is needed and will not proceed until we have your full approval. Our focus is on providing a lasting repair that gets your business back to normal as quickly as possible.

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Emergency Walk-In Cooler Repair Near You

A broken walk-in cooler is one of the most serious emergencies a food service or floral business can face. Every hour that passes increases the risk of catastrophic product loss. SWVA Mechanical offers 24/7 emergency walk-in cooler repair service in the Lebanon area. We have technicians on call to respond to your emergency day or night, on weekends, and on holidays. Our number one priority is responding quickly to save your valuable inventory and prevent a massive financial loss for your business. Do not hesitate to call us anytime.

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Most Common Walk-In Cooler Repair Questions

When your walk-in cooler fails, it is a high-stress situation with serious financial implications. We have answered some of the most common questions our commercial clients ask when they are facing a refrigeration emergency.

If you notice the temperature in your walk-in cooler is rising, you must act immediately to protect your inventory. The very first step is to ensure the door is closed and sealing properly. Check for anything that might be obstructing the door from shutting completely. Instruct your staff to keep the door closed as much as possible to trap any remaining cold air inside. Next, locate the circuit breakers for the cooler’s condensing unit and evaporator fans and make sure they have not been tripped.

If these simple checks do not resolve the issue, you should call for emergency repair service right away. Time is the most critical factor in saving your product. While you wait for a technician to arrive, avoid opening the door. If possible, you can begin to move your most valuable and temperature-sensitive products, such as meats and dairy, to other working refrigeration units if you have them. However, the fastest way to save the bulk of your inventory is to get a technician on-site as quickly as possible.

Do not attempt to have your own staff troubleshoot the refrigeration equipment. This can lead to further damage and wastes valuable time. A professional refrigeration technician can diagnose the problem much faster and has the parts and tools to begin the repair immediately. Your first and most important action should be a call for emergency professional help.

The cost of an emergency walk-in cooler repair can vary widely, from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars. The final cost depends entirely on the component that has failed. A relatively simple repair, like replacing a faulty evaporator fan motor or a bad thermostat, will be on the lower end of the cost spectrum. These are common repairs with moderately priced parts and labor. A repair to the defrost system or a leaking door gasket also falls into this category.

The cost increases significantly for major sealed system repairs. If the compressor has failed, it is the most expensive repair your cooler can have. The compressor itself is a very costly part, and the certified labor to replace it is extensive. A major refrigerant leak that requires significant time to locate and repair can also be a high-cost job. For these types of major failures on older systems, we will always discuss the cost-effectiveness of the repair versus a full system replacement.

It is important to note that a service call made after normal business hours, on a weekend, or on a holiday may be subject to a higher emergency service rate. However, we are always transparent about our pricing. Our technician will provide you with a complete, upfront quote for the repair before any work begins. This ensures you can make a clear financial decision, even in an emergency situation.

A walk-in cooler that is running constantly but failing to reach its target temperature is a classic symptom of a serious problem. This indicates that the refrigeration system is trying to work, but it is unable to effectively remove heat from the box. One of the most common causes of this issue is a refrigerant leak. As the system loses its refrigerant charge, its cooling capacity diminishes. The system will run nonstop trying to compensate, but it will be fighting a losing battle.

Another very frequent cause is a severely clogged condenser coil. If the outdoor coil is completely matted with dirt, cottonwood, or debris, it cannot release heat. The system’s pressures and temperatures will rise to unsafe levels, and its cooling capacity will plummet. The compressor will run continuously under extreme strain until it eventually overheats and shuts off, or fails completely. This is a maintenance issue that has escalated into a major repair problem.

Other potential causes include a failing, inefficient compressor that can no longer pump refrigerant effectively, or a significant air leak into the box from a very bad door seal. In any of these cases, the system is wasting a tremendous amount of electricity and is on the verge of a complete breakdown. This symptom requires immediate professional attention to diagnose the root cause and prevent a catastrophic failure of the compressor.

This is an important business decision that requires a careful analysis of cost and risk. The key factors to consider are the age of your current system, the cost of the proposed repair, and the reliability of the equipment. Most commercial refrigeration systems have a practical service life of about 10 to 15 years. If your system is in this age range and is facing a major repair, such as a compressor replacement, it is often more financially prudent to replace the entire refrigeration system.

A good rule of thumb is to compare the repair cost to the replacement cost. If the cost of the repair is 30-50% or more of the price of a new system, replacement is generally the wiser long-term investment. Pouring a large amount of money into an old system is risky, as other aging components are likely to fail in the near future. This can lead to a cycle of repeated emergency repair calls, downtime, and potential product loss, which can be far more costly than a planned replacement.

A new refrigeration system will be more energy-efficient, which will lower your monthly utility bills. It will also come with a full manufacturer’s warranty, protecting you from repair costs for years to come. Most importantly, it provides reliability and peace of mind. Our technicians can give you a firm price for both the repair and a full replacement of the condensing unit and evaporator coil. This will allow you to make the best financial decision for your business.

The fan assembly inside your walk-in cooler is called the evaporator fan. Its job is to pull warm air from the box, draw it through the cold evaporator coil, and then blow the newly chilled air back into the space. If this fan is not running, your cooler will not work. The refrigeration system may still be running, but without air circulation, the heat will not be removed from your products. This will cause the evaporator coil to quickly turn into a solid block of ice, and the temperature in the box will rise.

There are several reasons why an evaporator fan might stop working. The fan motor itself may have burned out from age and constant use. This is a very common point of failure. The issue could also be electrical. A bad relay or contactor may not be sending power to the motor. In other cases, the fan blades could be physically obstructed by a heavy buildup of ice on the coil, which prevents them from spinning.

Regardless of the cause, a failed evaporator fan is a critical issue that requires immediate repair. The system should be shut down to prevent further damage. A technician will need to test the motor and the electrical circuit to determine the point of failure. They can then replace the faulty motor or electrical component to restore the essential airflow your cooler needs to function.

When your walk-in cooler fails, time is of the essence, and every action you take should be focused on preserving the cold temperature inside the box for as long as possible. The most important rule is to keep the door shut. Instruct all staff that the cooler door is not to be opened for any reason until help arrives. Every time the door is opened, a large amount of cold air escapes and is replaced by warm, moist air. This will cause the temperature inside to rise much more quickly.

If you have other functioning refrigeration units, such as reach-in coolers or other walk-ins, you can begin a triage process. Identify your most expensive and most perishable products, such as fresh meat, fish, and dairy. Carefully and quickly move these high-value items to the working refrigeration units. This may help you save the most costly portion of your inventory. Do not waste time moving less sensitive items like vegetables or sealed sauces if space is limited.

While it may be tempting, do not try to use dry ice inside a walk-in cooler. The enclosed space can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide gas. The best way to save your inventory is to get a professional technician on-site as fast as possible. A quick repair is far more effective than any temporary measures. Call SWVA Mechanical’s emergency service line immediately.

No, absolutely not. First, it is illegal under federal law for anyone who is not an EPA Section 608 certified technician to handle or purchase refrigerants. These are controlled substances, and releasing them into the atmosphere is harmful to the environment. Second, if your system is low on refrigerant, it means there is a leak. Simply adding more refrigerant without finding and fixing the leak is like putting air in a tire with a hole in it. The new refrigerant will just leak out again, wasting your money and failing to solve the problem.

Furthermore, a refrigeration system must be charged with a precise amount of refrigerant by weight. Overcharging or undercharging the system will cause it to run inefficiently and can lead to catastrophic compressor damage. A professional technician has the training and the specialized equipment, such as gauges, a scale, and a vacuum pump, to perform a repair and recharge correctly. They will first find and repair the leak, then pull a vacuum to remove contaminants, and finally weigh in the exact, correct charge.

Attempting to work with refrigerants without training is also extremely dangerous. The refrigerant is under high pressure and can cause severe frostbite-like injuries if it comes into contact with your skin. For legal, safety, and performance reasons, you must always leave any work involving refrigerants to a certified professional.

The single most effective way to prevent future emergency breakdowns is to invest in a regular, preventative maintenance plan. The vast majority of emergency repair calls we receive for walk-in coolers are for failures that could have been easily prevented. The most common cause of failure, a compressor burnout due to a dirty condenser coil, is 100% preventable with routine cleaning. A scheduled maintenance program is a proactive strategy that keeps your equipment in optimal condition.

During a maintenance visit, our technicians can identify and address small problems before they become major, system-killing failures. We can spot a fan motor that is starting to wear out, a door gasket that is beginning to tear, or a contactor that is showing signs of burning. By replacing these small parts during a planned service visit, we can prevent them from failing during your busiest dinner rush. This saves you the high cost and stress of an emergency service call and potential business downtime.

For a business, a semi-annual maintenance agreement for your walk-in cooler is a sound financial decision. It reduces your energy bills by keeping the system efficient. It protects your valuable inventory by ensuring the system is reliable. It helps you avoid expensive, unexpected repair bills. And it extends the lifespan of your critical equipment. It is the smartest and most cost-effective way to manage your refrigeration assets.

Call for Walk-In Cooler Repair

If your commercial walk-in cooler has failed, call SWVA Mechanical immediately for 24/7 emergency repair service. Our priority is to protect your inventory and get your Lebanon business running again.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
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