3 Problems and Solutions for Winter Refrigeration Equipment
Blog Highlights
- What refrigeration issues are triggered by cold temperatures?
- How do you solve these winter refrigeration issues?
- Is there a service that can maintain my refrigeration system during the winter?
Freezing water lines are a very real risk for refrigeration systems in the winter. Experienced facilities staff know that freezing water lines can lead to minute cracks in pipes. These cracks get worse and worse and, when spring rolls around, problems arise in the form of leaking pipes and possible flooding.
By addressing winter refrigeration issues head-on now, you can avoid expensive repairs and cleanups in the spring.
Kroeschell has been working with building operators since 1879 to support their refrigeration systems. In fact, the Kroeschell brothers were some of the first to embrace cooling technology in the U.S. In 1906, we designed, built, and installed the air cooling system for Chicago’s Congress Hotel.
Avoid the dreaded spring pipe bursts by getting ahead of the problem. Learn the most common refrigeration issues brought on by cold winters and how to address them.
3 Problems and Solutions for Winter Refrigeration Equipment
During the winter months, you have the opportunity to service your refrigeration system to prepare it to run more efficiently at full capacity in the summer. Without a proactive plan in place, the colder weather can wreak havoc on your refrigeration system.
Learn how to get your refrigeration system optimized for all seasons.
Problem #1: Impact on Condensing and Compressor System
Cold air passes through the condenser coil, causing a drop in the refrigerant pressure. This means that the system can’t hold a proper temperature. When this happens, the temperature controls will sit idle or not turn on at all. This can turn into a permanent problem if the evaporator pressure never reaches the cut-in pressure of the low-pressure control.
Solution: Impact on Condensing and Compressor System
Add a low ambient control to prevent the head pressure from falling too low. Additionally, if the system is installed outside, cold-weather controls are a must for proper operation.
PROBLEM #2: EXCESSIVE REFRIGERANT IN CONDENSER
The refrigerant will move to wherever it is coldest, and that is the condenser. In the winter, you’ll find that the bulk of your refrigerant is in the condenser. This means that when it’s time to use it again, it won’t work properly.
SOLUTION: EXCESSIVE REFRIGERANT IN CONDENSER
Drain excessive refrigerant from the system before the weather turns cold.
- Connect the manifold pressure gauge to the system.
- Slowly loosen the manual valve at the low-pressure side of the gauge.
- Discharge refrigerant.
- Wait until the pressure gauge returns to normal, then clear the refrigerant flow.
PROBLEM #3: COMPRESSOR RUNS FOR TOO LONG
There are a few reasons that a compressor might run too long.
- Too much frost has accumulated on the evaporator coil and the frost is cutting the heat transfer and cooling rate.
- The thermostatic expansion valve isn’t working properly and isn’t properly using the refrigerant.
- There is high discharge pressure in the condenser.
SOLUTION: COMPRESSOR RUNS FOR TOO LONG
Defrost the evaporator, purge the air and noncondensable gas, and clean or descale the condenser.
NEXT STEPS TO AVOID WINTER REFRIGERATION SYSTEM ISSUES
You don’t want to blow your operations budget on a broken refrigeration system or cracked water lines. Instead, get proactive and reach out to Kroeschell to keep your refrigeration system in top condition during the cold winter months.
Visit our facilities maintenance services page to learn more.
