The room is set to +2°C, but the screen reads +7°C even though the unit is running. The first useful question here is When did the temperature start to rise? If this happened after receiving a shipment, start by checking the temperature of the goods and the duration the door was open. If the room remains higher than required even during quiet times, record the readings and start these reviews.
1. Make sure to check the reading before changing the settings
Record the set point and the temperature displayed on the screen and any alarm code. If you have a reliable independent thermometer, compare the readings at the same time and as close to the room sensor as possible. If the difference is clear and recurring, inform the technician to check the sensor and its location. And if you are storing sensitive foods, check the product temperature using the method approved in your facility, because the screen reading reflects the air temperature at the sensor.
2. Check the door and the last shipment that came in
Does the door close tightly? Is the rubber seal torn or loose? And does the door remain open for a long time during loading? Warm, humid air entering increases the load on the unit. The temperature of the shipment itself matters. If the amount of goods has increased or started coming in warmer than usual, the room will need to pull more heat before returning to the required temperature.
3. Look at the stacking of the goods and the airflow
If the boxes are stacked in front of the evaporator, which is the indoor unit that distributes the cold air, some shelves may be warmer than others. Ensure that the air intake and exhaust openings are clear, and that the stacking leaves the required spaces according to the room design. If the problem is more evident in certain shelves or corners, identify those areas for the technician.
4. Check for any ice buildup on the evaporator
لو الثلج مغطي جزء كبير من المبخر أو بيرجع بسرعة بعد دورة إذابة الثلج (Defrost)Take a picture from a safe distance and request an inspection. Snow accumulation can reduce airflow, and the technician can review the defrost cycle, fans, and the entry of moist air from the door. Leave snow removal to the technician, as scraping it with a sharp tool can damage the evaporator.
5. Check the ventilation of the outdoor unit
The condenser in the outdoor unit expels the heat that has been absorbed from the room. If the area around it is cramped, or there are obstacles in front of the airflow path, or dust is accumulated on its surface, ask the technician to check the ventilation, cleanliness of the condenser, and the condition of the fans. If the temperature is still high after these checks, inspecting the refrigeration circuit and measurements will determine the next step.
When to contact maintenance?
If the temperature remains higher than required after loading is complete and the door is closed, or if the alarm keeps recurring, or if snow accumulates again, send the technician the setpoint, the current reading, the time the problem started, the alarm code, and a picture of the evaporator if there is visible snow. Also, mention if the problem started after a change in the quantity of goods or loading schedules.
And if the temperature of the food has gone beyond the approved storage limits, start inventory protection procedures immediately. Record the temperatures and the known duration, and follow the food safety plan in the facility to determine which products can be moved to an alternative room, and which products need to be assessed before sale or use.
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