Walk-In Freezer Maintenance

SWVA Mechanical provides essential maintenance for commercial walk-in freezers in Lebanon, VA. Our expert service protects your most valuable frozen assets and ensures system reliability.

Book Now Call Now
Book nOw (276) 971-9514

Professional Walk-In Freezer Maintenance Done Right

Your commercial walk-in freezer is responsible for protecting tens of thousands of dollars worth of valuable frozen inventory. Given the extreme low temperatures it must maintain, this equipment operates under immense and constant stress. Regular, professional maintenance is not just recommended; it is a critical business necessity. A preventative maintenance service from our certified technicians helps prevent the catastrophic failures that lead to total product loss. We ensure your freezer maintains its target temperature safely and efficiently, keeping you compliant and your inventory secure. Trust SWVA Mechanical to protect your most critical refrigeration asset.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
Book Now Call Now

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
google
Shahram Totonchian
May 17, 2025
Douglas Canody
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
mountainview retirement
August 7, 2023
Kevin McGlothlin
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
April Dawson
September 6, 2019
Sami J.
google
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 Maintenance Service

A walk-in freezer requires a highly specialized and thorough maintenance service to ensure its continued operation. Our comprehensive tune-up is designed specifically for these low-temperature systems. We recommend a scheduled professional service at least twice a year, and quarterly for freezers in demanding kitchen environments. This proactive approach is the single best way to protect your business from the immense financial loss of a freezer failure. Our service covers the entire system, from the powerful refrigeration unit to the integrity and unique features of the freezer box itself.

The most critical mechanical task for a walk-in freezer is cleaning the condenser coil. The refrigeration system on a freezer works much harder and runs at higher pressures than a cooler’s system. This makes it even more susceptible to overheating and failure if the condenser coil is clogged with dirt, dust, or grease. Our technicians will use professional cleaning agents and tools to completely clean the condenser. This restores the system’s ability to reject heat, which lowers your energy bills and drastically reduces the risk of a premature compressor burnout.

A key focus of our freezer maintenance service is the inspection of the defrost system. Because a freezer operates below freezing at all times, it relies on a powerful electric defrost system to keep the evaporator coil clear of ice. Our technicians will manually initiate a defrost cycle to test the defrost timer, the electric heating elements, and the termination sensors. A failure in any part of this system will cause the evaporator coil to turn into a solid block of ice, which will stop all cooling and can damage the fan motors.

The freezer box and door have unique features that require expert inspection. We will carefully check the door gaskets for a perfect seal. More importantly, we test the heated door frame and seals. These low-wattage heaters prevent moisture from freezing the door shut, and their failure can make the freezer inaccessible. We also inspect and clear the pressure relief port. This small, heated vent is essential for equalizing the pressure inside the box, allowing the door to be opened without fighting against a powerful vacuum seal.

Our technicians will perform a complete check of the freezer’s robust refrigeration system. We will verify the system’s refrigerant charge is at the precise level required for low-temperature operation. We will test the amperage draw on the compressor and fan motors to detect any signs of excessive wear. For some larger systems, we will also check the compressor’s oil level for safety. All electrical connections and contactors are inspected for tightness and signs of arcing or corrosion. This helps to ensure the system is operating safely and reliably.

Verifying the freezer’s temperature and controls is a crucial step. We use a highly accurate, calibrated digital thermometer to confirm that the freezer is maintaining its target temperature, typically 0°F or below. We will check the calibration of your unit’s thermostat or electronic controller to ensure its accuracy. The settings on the defrost clock are also verified to make sure the defrost cycles are occurring at the correct times and for the correct duration. This ensures your frozen products are always held at a safe and stable temperature.

Given the immense value of the inventory stored in a walk-in freezer, a preventative maintenance agreement is an essential business tool. A scheduled maintenance plan makes the cost of upkeep predictable and ensures this critical service is never overlooked. It is the most effective way to prevent catastrophic product loss and avoid the high cost of emergency repairs. Our maintenance plan members also receive top-priority scheduling for any emergency service calls. It is the smartest way to protect your business’s frozen assets and its bottom line.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
Book Now Call Now

Walk-In Freezer Emergency Maintenance Near You

A failed walk-in freezer is the highest level of refrigeration emergency for a business. The window of time to save your frozen inventory is very short. SWVA Mechanical treats these calls with the utmost urgency. Our commercial maintenance plan customers receive absolute top-priority dispatch for any walk-in freezer failure. We have technicians on call 24/7 to respond to your emergency. Our goal is to get on-site as fast as possible, diagnose the problem, and perform the necessary repairs to save your valuable frozen inventory from a total loss.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
Book Now Call Now
Services Offered
Client Satisfaction
Units Installed
Service Calls Completed

Most Common Walk-In Freezer Maintenance Questions

A walk-in freezer is a powerful and essential piece of equipment. Understanding how to properly care for it is vital for any business that relies on frozen goods. We have answered some of the most common questions our commercial clients in Lebanon ask about this critical service.

While both are refrigeration systems, walk-in freezer maintenance is more complex and places a greater emphasis on specific components. The biggest difference is the defrost system. A cooler may have a simple off-cycle defrost, but a freezer requires a powerful electric defrost system with heaters, timers, and sensors. Testing each of these components is a critical part of a freezer tune-up that is not as central to a cooler service. A failed defrost system in a freezer will cause a complete failure much more quickly than in a cooler.

Another key difference is the inspection of freezer-specific hardware. This includes the heated door gaskets and the pressure relief port. These parts are essential to prevent the door from being frozen shut by the extreme cold and are not found on a walk-in cooler. The refrigeration system itself also operates under higher pressures and greater stress. A technician must verify these more extreme operating conditions and pay closer attention to the health of the compressor.

Finally, the consequences of failure are much more severe for a freezer. A cooler that warms up may spoil some produce, but a freezer that fails can result in the loss of tens of thousands of dollars in meat and other high-value frozen products. This makes the preventative aspect of freezer maintenance even more critical than it is for a cooler. The entire service is performed with a greater sense of urgency and attention to detail.

If the door to your walk-in freezer is stuck shut and feels like it is vacuum-sealed, you should not try to pry it open with force. Doing so can damage the door, the frame, or the handle, leading to a much more expensive repair. The two most common causes for this issue are a failed pressure relief port or a malfunctioning door frame heater. A technician will need to diagnose which of these components has failed. This is a common issue that can be resolved during a maintenance or repair visit.

The pressure relief port is a small, heated vent that allows air to pass between the inside and outside of the freezer. When the freezer runs, it cools the air inside, causing the air pressure to drop significantly. The port equalizes this pressure, allowing the door to open easily. If the port’s heater fails, ice can block it, creating a powerful vacuum that holds the door shut.

Similarly, the door frame is lined with a low-wattage heater. This heater’s job is to prevent moisture from freezing the door’s gasket directly to the metal frame of the box. If this heater burns out, a seal of ice can form around the door, literally freezing it in place. A technician will need to test these components and replace the one that has failed.

A significant buildup of ice inside your walk-in freezer is a clear sign of a problem. This issue can typically be traced to one of two sources: a problem with the defrost system or an air leak into the box. The most likely culprit is a failure in the electric defrost system. The system may have a burned-out defrost heater, a broken defrost timer, or a faulty termination sensor. When the defrost cycle fails to run correctly, the normal frost on the evaporator coil will continue to build until it becomes a solid block of ice.

The other major cause of ice buildup is an air leak. Every time the door is opened, warm, moist air enters the freezer. The system is designed to handle this normal infiltration. However, if there is a constant source of warm air leaking into the box, it will introduce a large amount of moisture. This moisture will freeze onto the coldest surface, which is the evaporator coil. The most common source of an air leak is a torn door gasket or a door that is not sealing properly.

During a maintenance visit, our technicians will test the entire defrost system to ensure it is working. We will also inspect the door gaskets and closers to eliminate any potential air leaks. By addressing these issues, we can solve the problem of excessive ice buildup and restore your freezer’s efficiency.

A “heated gasket,” more accurately described as a heated door frame, is a critical component for any walk-in freezer. It consists of a low-wattage heater wire that is embedded into the metal frame of the freezer box where the door gasket makes contact. Some freezer doors may also have a heater wire embedded in the door itself. The purpose of this heater is to keep the surface of the door frame just above freezing temperature. This is essential for reliable operation in a sub-zero environment.

The reason this is so important is to prevent the door from freezing shut. The air outside the freezer contains moisture. When this moist air comes into contact with the sub-zero surface of the freezer frame, the moisture will instantly freeze. Without a heater, a layer of ice would quickly form on the frame, and the door’s flexible gasket would freeze solid to it. This would make the door extremely difficult or impossible to open without damaging the gasket.

During a maintenance visit, our technicians will always check the function of these door heaters. We will feel the frame to ensure it is slightly warm to the touch and test the heater’s electrical circuit if necessary. A failed door heater is a common problem that can make your freezer very difficult to use. It is a simple but essential feature that allows for easy access to your frozen goods.

For any commercial walk-in freezer, a professional maintenance service should be performed a minimum of twice per year. A semi-annual schedule is the industry standard and is vital for keeping the hard-working refrigeration system reliable. However, for most freezers located inside a busy commercial kitchen, a quarterly maintenance plan, with a service visit every three months, is the highly recommended choice. The high levels of airborne grease and dust in a kitchen can clog a condenser coil very quickly.

A freezer’s refrigeration system is under much greater strain than a cooler’s system. It must create a much larger temperature difference, and the compressor runs at higher pressures. This means that a dirty condenser will cause a catastrophic failure much more quickly on a freezer than on a cooler. A quarterly cleaning schedule is the best insurance against a very expensive compressor replacement. It also ensures the unit is running as efficiently as possible, which can save you a significant amount on your electricity bill.

Our experienced technicians can evaluate your freezer’s location and usage patterns. We can then recommend the optimal service frequency to protect your equipment and inventory. The small additional cost of a quarterly plan is a very wise investment when you consider the immense value of the frozen goods you are protecting.

Yes, absolutely. Skipping maintenance can damage your frozen products even if the freezer does not fail completely. A poorly maintained freezer will experience wider temperature swings. For example, a unit with a faulty defrost system may allow the product temperature to rise during a long, ineffective defrost cycle and then drop again. This repeated, minor thawing and refreezing process is very damaging to the quality of frozen food. It causes the formation of large ice crystals, which ruins the texture of meats and vegetables.

This process is commonly known as “freezer burn.” While the food may still be safe to eat, its quality, taste, and texture are severely degraded. This can lead to customer complaints or the need to discard expensive inventory that is no longer up to your quality standards. A well-maintained freezer holds a very stable, consistent temperature, which preserves the quality of your frozen goods for a much longer period.

Of course, the biggest risk is a complete system failure. A catastrophic breakdown will lead to a total thaw and the loss of your entire frozen inventory. The financial impact of such a loss can be devastating. Regular preventative maintenance is designed to prevent both the gradual decline in food quality and the catastrophic loss of product. It is an essential practice for any business that deals in frozen goods.

A pressure relief port is a small but essential safety component found on all walk-in freezers. It is a small, heated vent, usually located on the wall or ceiling of the freezer box, that allows air to pass between the inside and the outside. The reason this is needed is due to basic physics. When you open the freezer door, warm air rushes in. When you close the door, the refrigeration system rapidly cools this trapped air. As air cools, its pressure drops dramatically, creating a strong vacuum effect inside the box.

Without a pressure relief port, this vacuum would be so strong that it would be nearly impossible to open the door again until the pressure slowly equalized. The port allows a small amount of air to be drawn into the box as the internal pressure drops, instantly equalizing the pressure and allowing the door to be opened normally. The port contains a small heater to prevent it from ever being blocked by frost or ice. It is a critical component for the safe and convenient use of the freezer.

If you find that your freezer door is very difficult to pull open right after you have closed it, it is a classic sign that your pressure relief port is not working. It is likely blocked by ice due to a failed heater. During our maintenance visit, we always inspect this port to ensure it is clear and that its heater is functioning correctly.

No, even a hard-working commercial walk-in freezer should cycle on and off. While it will certainly run for long periods, especially after the door has been opened, it should be able to reach its target temperature and shut down periodically. If you notice that your freezer’s condensing unit is running constantly, 24 hours a day, it is a clear sign of a problem. This nonstop operation indicates that the refrigeration system is struggling and is unable to keep up with the heat load.

The most common cause of a freezer running constantly is a dirty condenser coil. A clogged coil prevents the system from rejecting heat, forcing it to run continuously in a futile attempt to get colder. Another very common cause is an air leak into the box from a torn door gasket or a door that is not closing properly. The system simply cannot overcome the constant infiltration of warm air. A low refrigerant charge due to a leak can also cause the system to run nonstop while providing poor cooling.

A freezer that runs constantly is consuming a massive amount of electricity, which will cause a huge spike in your utility bills. It is also putting an incredible amount of strain on the compressor, which will lead to its premature failure. If you notice your freezer is running all the time, you should schedule a service call immediately. A technician can diagnose the cause and restore the system to its normal, efficient operation.

Schedule Your Walk-In Freezer Maintenance

Contact SWVA Mechanical to schedule professional maintenance for your commercial walk-in freezer. Protect your most valuable frozen inventory with our expert refrigeration service.

Book nOw (276) 971-9514
Book Now Call Now