Commercial Ice Freezer Replacement at BWS Gelorup

Knowing when to repair – and when replacement is the better option

When commercial refrigeration equipment breaks down, replacing it isn't always the first or most economical solution. Proper fault-finding can often identify a repair that will return equipment to reliable operation.

However, the age and condition of the equipment, ongoing repair costs and application suitability all need to be considered.

A recent ice freezer replacement at BWS Gelorup proved to be a good example.

The initial problem

Our technicians attended BWS Gelorup after the store reported that ice was melting in one of its commercial freezers.

Initial testing identified a seized condenser fan motor, which was replaced. Further testing then found the refrigeration system was short of refrigerant.

Further testing showed the system was short of refrigerant. To identify the source of the loss, the deck was removed and returned to our workshop for leak testing.

Testing identified multiple leaks in the evaporator coil. The coil showed significant pitting- small areas of corrosion that gradually eat into the metal, weakening the coil and eventually creating pinhole leaks. Given the extent of the deterioration and multiple leak points, replacement of the evaporator coil was recommended.  

Further repairs and fault-finding

The evaporator coil was replaced before the system was pressure tested to confirm it was now leak-free. The system was then evacuated, recharged and tested.

During this testing, another fault became apparent: the evaporator fans weren't operating. Further electrical testing identified the controller as the cause.

What had initially presented as a freezer not maintaining temperature had developed into a series of faults requiring a broader assessment of the equipment.

Looking beyond the individual faults

Further assessment also identified an important issue with the refrigeration deck fitted to the freezer.

The capacity of the existing refrigeration unit was undersized for the application, and the unit itself didn't correctly fit the cabinet it had been installed on.

This meant the decision wasn't simply about whether another individual component could be repaired or replaced.

The age and overall condition of the freezer, accumulated repair costs and suitability of the existing refrigeration equipment all needed to be considered.

After reviewing the options, the decision was made to replace the ice freezer rather than continue investing time and money in the existing equipment.

Installing the replacement freezer

The replacement ice freezer was supplied by the customer, with our technicians completing the changeover at BWS Gelorup.

There was just one problem: the new freezer wouldn't fit through the doorway fully assembled.

Rather than turning a relatively straightforward changeover into a much larger exercise, our technicians removed the refrigeration deck from the top of the freezer.

This allowed the cabinet to be moved through the doorway and into position inside the store.

Once inside, the refrigeration deck was reinstalled and the freezer was tested to confirm correct operation.

The entire changeover was completed in approximately one hour.

Repair or replace commercial refrigeration equipment?

There isn't a single answer that applies to every breakdown.

Repair can often be the most economical option, particularly when the equipment is otherwise in good condition and the fault can be reliably rectified.

However, replacement may become the better long-term investment when factors such as equipment age, overall condition, repeated faults, repair costs or incorrect equipment selection start adding up.

That's why proper diagnosis involves more than identifying just the component that has failed. It means looking at the refrigeration system as a whole and giving the customer the information they need to make an informed decision.

Commercial refrigeration servicing in Bunbury and the South West

Bunbury Refrigeration & Air Conditioning provides commercial refrigeration fault-finding, servicing, repairs, maintenance and equipment replacement throughout Bunbury and the South West.

From commercial freezers and coolrooms to refrigeration systems relied upon by retail, hospitality and other businesses, our technicians can assess the equipment and recommend the most appropriate way forward.

Having trouble with your commercial refrigeration equipment? Contact our team to arrange an assessment.