Regional Refrigeration Upgrades Deliver Reliable Performance for Victorian McDonalds Stores
At Chatfield OzCool, we understand how critical reliable refrigeration is for food businesses. A cool room or freezer breakdown can lead to product loss, compliance issues, and costly downtime. Recently, our team completed two commercial refrigeration upgrade projects for McDonalds stores in Ararat and Horsham, helping a regional Victorian business improve efficiency, reliability, and temperature control.
Ararat McDonalds Store: Complete Freezer and Coolroom Refrigeration Upgrade
The owner of three McDonalds stores across regional Victoria contacted us after experiencing ongoing issues with refrigeration equipment at their Ararat location.
During our site inspection, we found that both the freezer room and cool room refrigeration systems were well beyond their serviceable life and struggling to maintain consistent temperatures. To ensure long-term reliability, we proposed replacing the existing refrigeration plant with a new condensing unit and two new evaporators.
After sourcing the equipment, our technicians removed the ageing systems and installed the new refrigeration equipment in the existing locations. We sourced the custom MAC unit from Channon Refrigeration in NSW. We also upgraded the associated pipework and drainage systems while integrating the new equipment with the site’s existing operational controllers.
Following pressure testing, evacuation, and commissioning, the systems were brought online and immediately demonstrated improved performance and efficiency.
A follow-up inspection confirmed the freezer room was maintaining temperatures between -21°C and -17°C, with all refrigeration and defrost cycles operating exactly as designed. The coolroom was also performing correctly, providing the client with confidence that their food storage requirements were optimised.
Horsham McDonalds Store: Targeted Coolroom Replacement
At the client’s Horsham McDonalds store, our inspection identified that the coolroom refrigeration system was no longer capable of maintaining temperatures effectively due to age and wear.
Unlike the Ararat site, the freezer system had previously been upgraded and was operating efficiently, so we recommended replacing only the coolroom refrigeration equipment sourced from Kirby Refrigeration. This allowed the client to achieve the best value while avoiding unnecessary expenditure.
The Chatfield OzCool team installed a new coolroom condensing unit and evaporator, upgraded pipework and drains, and fitted a new digital temperature controller for improved monitoring and control.
After commissioning, we conducted comprehensive operational testing. The system successfully completed defrost cycles and maintained stable operation, with all controls functioning correctly.
Commercial Refrigeration Specialists Across Melbourne and Regional Victoria
These projects highlight the importance of proactive refrigeration upgrades before equipment failure impacts business operations. Modern refrigeration systems offer improved energy efficiency, reduced running costs, better temperature control, and greater reliability.
If your cool room, freezer room, or commercial refrigeration equipment is struggling to maintain temperature, our experienced Melbourne HVAC and refrigeration team can help businesses throughout Melbourne, Ararat, Horsham, and regional Victoria with professional refrigeration upgrades, repairs, and maintenance services.
Want to know more about what Chatfield OzCool can do for you?
The team at Chatfield OzCool are available to assist with cooling and refrigeration equipment service and repairs, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you would like to find out how we could help you, please give the team at Chatfield OzCool a call on 1300 361 186.
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