A common crisis for Seattle restaurants is the “iced-up” evaporator. During a recent diagnostic in Shoreline, WA, I found a walk-in cooler struggling to maintain temperature. While a basic technician might have just defrosted the coils and left, our HVAC/R certified approach required digging deeper.
The Diagnostic Workflow:
- Thermostat Check: Verified the T-Stat was energizing the liquid line solenoid.
- Pressure Analysis: Observed the Low-Pressure Control (LPC) cutting out prematurely.
- The Root Cause: The system was short-cycling due to faulty start components and oil stress on the compressor.
By replacing the contactor and all start components, we stabilized the “Sequence of Operation.” This prevented the compressor from burning out, saving the owner thousands in replacement costs. If your walk-in is fluctuating even by 5 degrees, your TXV (Thermal Expansion Valve) may need calibration or your gaskets may be failing.
What causes a walk-in cooler to short-cycle and ice up?
Walk-in cooler short-cycling is typically caused by a faulty Low-Pressure Control (LPC), low refrigerant charge, or failing start components. When a system cycles too frequently, the evaporator coils never reach the proper temperature to shed moisture, leading to ice buildup that blocks airflow and ruins inventory.
Is your walk-in short-cycling or icing up? Catching start-component issues early prevents a total compressor seizure. Get an EPA-certified technician on-site today. Check our walk in cooler repair in Seattle page.