USED REFRIGERATION TIPS ON INSPECTION PRIOR TO PURCHASE

Following basic rules listed below, you may make educated decision in purchasing used refrigeration.
Following rules from below will not completely eliminate risks involved in used refrigeration purchase and will not guarantee you that you are making perfect decision. When it come to refrigeration, there is no guarantee.

RULE#1:
Follow simple logic. If simple things do not add together, walk away from that deal, there is plenty of used refrigeration out there.

RULE#2:
Avoid buying refrigeration that is being sold because it has problems or it had problems in it's past.

RULE#3:
Check overall condition of the refrigeration box.
Red flags - things to look for (may lead to future machine malfunction or compressor failure):
    a. old age, beat-up, worn out,
    b. door seals/gaskets not closing tight, broke, missing, damaged, split,
    c. internal light should turn off when door closes, light switch should be in good condition,
    d. rust, corrosion, internal, outside,
    e. bad smell, freon smell,
    f. damages, cracks, concealed or repaired.

RULE#4:
Check condition of evaporator (unit with fan).
Red flags - things to look for (may lead to future machine malfunction or compressor failure):
    a. All the parts present,
    b. All secured, not loose, not damaged,
    c. Take a good look (disconnect refrigerator from power, do not touch fins) of aluminum evaporator fins - look for damage, oxidation, corrosion and such.
    d. Fan blades must be free of damages,
    e. Fans should run freely and quiet,
    f. Test fans (on units with evaporator door switch) by holding safety switch on - watch your fingers if deciding to do so.
    g. Drainage works freely - test with adding cup of watter into evaporator drainage pan,

RULE#5:
Check Condenser unit/Compressor:
Red flags - things to look for (may lead to future machine malfunction or compressor failure):
    a. Listen for sounds coming out of compressor / fan - there should not be any unusual noise (like clinking/rattling).
    b. Compressor (black tank with 2 or 3 pipes coming out) must be easy to move left-right when moved by hand (refrigerator must be unplugged from power for this test).
    c. Look out for dirt on fan, coils, grease on fins - there should not be any of it on condenser unit - if there is - shows that regular maintenance was not performed, life expectancy of unit is greatly reduced and problems / repairs or even failure of unit in near future is to be expected.

RULE#6:
Test unit operations:
    a. Some units do not have temperature display, arrive prepared, have small thermometer with you, place thermometer into unit.
    a. Open door(s) and keep them open till raised temperature starts compressor/condenser fan together.
    b. Check evaporator fan - must run.
    c. Listen, when reaching temperature set by temperature controller, compressor / fan should stop.
    d. Check temperature reached on you thermometer - must read 41 degree F or lower.

Please, if this guide was helpful, mark it down as helpful.
Thank you & best of luck!