If you have any experience with walk-in freezers, you know that the majority of their issues are caused by high relative humidity.
Walk-ins are only built to withstand a relative humidity of 55% or lower. So if the kitchen tends to have a higher relative humidity or the walk-ins are placed near an exterior door, you will probably see signs of frost buildup. The ceiling, fan covers, joints (where one panel meets another), and heated vent ports are some of the areas that are most likely to be affected.
Walk-In Freezer Frost Build-Up Solutions
The best method to combat this issue is to put the entrance to the walk-in freezer inside of the walk-in cooler. By the time any outside air gets to the freezer entrance, the walk-in refrigerator environment will have lowered its humidity to the point it will no longer negatively affect the freezer.
Unfortunately, customers are not always open to this option. Some don’t like the loss of storage space in their walk-in refrigerator, some find it too much of a hassle for food prep and delivery, and some just like having two separate entrances. If that’s the case, there are other solutions available. Having the walk-in cooler be closer to the exterior door, for example, can make a big difference.
Another alternative is an air curtain door, particularly one with a plunger switch that automatically turns on as the door opens. These should be installed above the walk-in door and any nearby exterior doors. Air curtains will create an air barrier that seals in the interior air and seals out the exterior air, preventing moisture from making its way to your walk-in. Not only will having an air door help with humidity issues, but it will also make the unit more efficient. This method is not a perfect solution, but it will mitigate many of the humidity issues.
If you choose to go the air curtain route, you will want to communicate this with the walk-in manufacturer. They will need to add backing above the walk-in entrance so the air curtain can be properly installed. And some manufacturers, such as Kolpak, even have air curtains they can build into the unit!
Additionally, you can address the humidity levels directly. You will need to find ways to lower the humidity of the area surrounding the walk-in. Sometimes this is as simple as changing the delivery routine. Does the delivery driver tend to prop open the exterior or walk-in doors when he makes a delivery? It doesn’t sound like much, but this can have a drastic effect on your humidity levels.
Learn more about how to prevent frost and moisture buildup inside of walk-ins by reaching out to the Rapids Contract & Design team today!
