How NYC Weather Affects Walk-In Coolers (And What You Can Do About It)

Let’s be real: NYC weather can be absolutely wild. Blazing hot summers, freezing cold winters, and enough humidity to make you feel like you’re swimming to work some days.

While we’re used to rolling with it, your walk-in cooler? Not so much. It’s working overtime behind the scenes, and most folks don’t realize just how much the weather outside can mess with it; until it breaks down.

Here’s how NYC’s crazy weather impacts your walk-in cooler and what you can do to keep it chill all year long.

When It’s Blazing Hot…

NYC summers can hit the 90s (and don’t even get us started on the heat waves). If your walk-in cooler is in a poorly ventilated area, it can feel like it’s trapped inside a toaster oven.

What Happens:

• Compressor Overload: Your compressor has to work way harder to keep things cool. That extra strain can lead to overheating or burnout.
• Higher Energy Bills: Longer run times = more electricity eaten up.
• Poor Cooling Performance: Ingredients spoil faster because your unit can’t keep up.

What You Can Do:

• Keep the Area Ventilated: Make sure the space around your cooler isn’t trapping heat.
• Check Door Seals: Hot air sneaking in will make everything worse.
• Service the Condenser Coils: Dust + dirt + heat = trouble. Keep those coils clean!

When It’s Freezing Cold…

Winter in NYC is not cold, it’s brutal. And believe it or not, freezing outdoor temps can mess with your cooler too.

What Happens:

• Frozen Components: If your walk-in is located outdoors or partially exposed, parts like the condenser can freeze up.
• Inconsistent Temps: Cold outside, cold inside? Sometimes your cooler ends up too cold, which can damage food.
• Oil Thickening: The oil in your refrigeration system can thicken up, making it harder for the compressor to run.

What You Can Do:

• Install a Low Ambient Kit: This helps your cooler adjust when outdoor temps drop.
• Protect Outdoor Units: Add proper insulation or weatherproofing if your system’s exposed.
• Monitor Temps Closely: Don’t just assume everything’s fine—check your cooler’s temperature daily.

Bonus: That Nasty NYC Humidity

Humidity in the city is no joke, and it can be just as brutal on your walk-in.

What Happens:

• Frost Buildup: Moist air sneaks in and freezes, leading to frost around doors, fans, and coils.
• Mold and Mildew: High moisture = prime conditions for nasty growths.

What You Can Do:

• Dehumidify the Space: If you can, run a dehumidifier nearby.
• Inspect Gaskets and Doors: Any tiny gap is an open invitation for humid air.

Bottom Line: NYC Weather Isn’t Kind, But You Can Be Prepared

Your walk-in cooler is one of the hardest-working pieces of equipment you’ve got. Treat it with a little extra TLC, especially when the seasons change, and you’ll avoid those emergency repair calls that no one has time for.

Need help getting your walk-in cooler weather-ready? Or already noticing something’s a little “off”? Commercial Repair LLC has your back. Call us today, we’ll help keep things cool, no matter what NYC throws at you!