How to Choose Between Commercial Refrigeration Repair or Replacement in Michigan
How long does a commercial cold storage system last – and when should you replace it? If your commercial refrigeration unit breaks down frequently or runs constantly, struggling to maintain temperature, you may wonder if it’s beyond repair. Distinguishing whether it needs a little TLC or has reached the end of its lifespan can help you make the best decision for your business.
Typical lifespan of a commercial cold storage system in Michigan:
Commercial refrigeration systems and major parts last an average of 10-15 years.
When to replace your commercial refrigeration system:
We recommend replacing your cold storage system in Michigan when it’s over 10 years old and when repairs cost more than half the price of a new system.
How Long Does a Commercial Cold Storage System Last — and When Should You Replace It?
Your commercial refrigeration is central to your business, ensuring product quality and food safety, and reducing waste and liability. Even minor issues can significantly impact operations, making timely commercial refrigeration service in Michigan crucial. Our experienced cold storage contractors provide thorough, professional inspections to help you identify the cause of operational issues and weigh the cost of repairs against your system’s remaining lifespan and potential upgrade benefits.
Typical Lifespan of a Commercial Refrigeration System in Michigan
The standard lifespan of commercial refrigeration equipment varies widely depending on style, system and installation quality, your maintenance and repair practices, and usage intensity. Most last 10-15 years on average. Larger walk-in systems, which have greater thermal mass and systems that are used less frequently, generally last longer. Reach-in, display, and undercounter units that are subjected to continuous use and must run constantly to maintain temperature typically have a shorter lifespan.
Factoring in the Lifespan and Cost of Major Components
Considering the lifespan of major refrigeration system parts and associated replacement costs should be a primary factor when determining whether to repair or replace commercial refrigeration equipment in Michigan. Regardless of quality, all components of commercial refrigeration systems decline in performance and wear out over time. Some parts, such as door gaskets, thermostats, control boards, and fan motors, may be cost-effective to replace. However, when it comes to replacing these major components, commercial cold storage system replacement may make more financial sense:
- Commercial compressors – 10-15 years
- Evaporators and condensers – 12-20 years
- Control systems – 8-12 years
Signs You Need to Replace Your Commercial Refrigeration System
Our commercial cold storage experts generally recommend commercial refrigerator replacement over repair in the following situations:
- System is over 10-15 years old (75% of expected lifespan)
- Repair or parts replacement costs more than half as much as a new system
- Commercial cold storage system frequently breaks down
- Commercial unit struggles to maintain optimal temperature, accelerating spoilage
- Abrupt spike in electric costs from damaged/inefficient equipment running nonstop
- Refrigerants have been phased out (R-12, R-22) or are being phased down (R-404A, R-410A, R-134A, R-407C)
Our friendly staff can break down the energy savings a new system can offer and your expected return on investment. A new, more reliable, warrantied system with variable-speed compressors and improved insulation could cut your energy usage by half or more as well as reduce product loss. Upgrading your system design also offers opportunities to address storage and workflow issues and improve operations.
Does Your Michigan Cold Storage System Need Repair or Replacement?
Find out how long a commercial cold storage system lasts and when you should replace it with help from the experts at CW Refrigeration. Contact us at 509-248-4600 to schedule a professional commercial refrigeration system inspection in Frankenmuth, Holland, Alma, Inlay City, Coldwater, St. Johns, Greenville, Hart, Adrian, or Cadillac, Michigan today.