Home › Commercial Refrigeration Guide › Walk-In Cooler & Freezer Guide › KeepRite Refrigeration for Walk-Ins: Service Guide
Updated October 14, 2026
Quick answer
KeepRite Refrigeration is a brand of National Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Canada, founded in Brantford, Ontario in 1945, with a second plant in Longview, Texas. It makes unit coolers, condensing units and condensers used on walk-in coolers, freezers and larger cold rooms. It is a different business from the KeepRite residential HVAC brand.
About KeepRite Refrigeration
KeepRite Refrigeration (k-rp.com) makes evaporator coils and unit coolers, air-cooled and water-cooled condensing units, condensers, and heat recovery equipment. Its products include low-profile unit coolers for coolers and freezers and outdoor condensing units, including a quiet model with remote monitoring introduced in 2023. The company marked 80 years in commercial refrigeration.
Not the same as KeepRite home HVAC
The keeprite.com website covers residential air conditioners and furnaces. Commercial refrigeration equipment is under KeepRite Refrigeration. If you search for parts, use the refrigeration company's model numbers.
Common service calls
- Unit cooler fan motors and defrost components.
- Condensing unit compressors and contactors.
- Leaks at evaporator and condenser coils.
- Remote monitoring alarms on newer units.
Unit cooler or condensing unit: where to look first
| Symptom | Likely side |
|---|---|
| Evaporator fans stopped, coil frozen solid | KeepRite unit cooler: motor, defrost, controls |
| Water leaking from the evaporator | Unit cooler drain pan, drain heater or line |
| Outdoor unit silent, box warming | Condensing unit: power, contactor, controls, compressor |
| Outdoor unit running nonstop on hot days | Condensing unit: dirty coil, fan, refrigerant charge |
| Remote monitoring alarm (newer units) | Check the alert detail; it may name the fault |
Low-profile unit coolers and box height
KeepRite offers low-profile unit coolers for coolers and freezers, which hang close to the ceiling in boxes where height is tight. They are common in walk-ins and larger cold rooms. Because they sit close to the ceiling, keep stacked product well clear of the air intake and discharge; blocked airflow is a common cause of icing and warm spots. Defrost heaters and fan motors on low-profile units are accessed from below, so service may mean moving shelving.
Replacing KeepRite equipment
When a KeepRite unit is beyond repair, a replacement from KeepRite or another maker must match capacity at your box temperature, defrost method, refrigerant, valve, voltage and mounting. If the system is on R-404A and the condensing unit fails, it is a good moment to compare a like-for-like repair with a new system. See R-404A retrofit or replace and repair or replace.
What to have ready when you call
- Model and serial numbers from both data plates.
- Current box temperature and setpoint.
- Any alarm or monitoring alert text.
- When the problem started and whether it is getting worse.
Common KeepRite service jobs
| Job | Why it comes up |
|---|---|
| Evaporator fan motor replacement | Motors wear out; failing ones slow down first |
| Defrost heater and termination checks | Freezer coils icing up |
| Condenser coil cleaning | Dust, pollen and grease cut capacity |
| Contactor and capacitor replacement | Pitted contacts and weak capacitors cause no-starts |
| Leak search and repair | Long run times, partial frost, refrigerant added before |
These are the same jobs any walk-in needs; the KeepRite model numbers just tell the technician which parts to bring. Large KeepRite systems on bigger cold rooms may hold enough refrigerant to fall under federal leak-repair rules. See refrigerant leak repair.
Bay Area tips for KeepRite owners
Keep rooftop condensing units clear of leaves and debris after windy weather, and book a coil cleaning before inland summer heat. Near the coast, ask about corrosion on condenser coils at each visit. If a large KeepRite system serves several boxes, label which box each unit serves so a technician can find the fault quickly.
Before you call: owner checks
- Confirm the box temperature with a separate thermometer.
- Check every evaporator fan is turning.
- Look for ice on the coil and water under the unit cooler.
- Check the condensing unit is running and its coil face is not clogged.
- Check the door closes and seals.
These checks take five minutes and often point straight at the fault. Leave anything electrical or refrigerant-related to the technician.
Replacement planning
If your KeepRite equipment is old and runs on R-404A, plan its replacement before it fails in a heat wave. A planned swap lets you choose a compliant refrigerant and the right capacity calmly.
When to call a technician
Call with the KeepRite model numbers if your walk-in is warming, icing or alarming.
Open 7 days, 8 AM to 5 PM, with emergency service until 9 PM. CA Lic. #776244.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes KeepRite Refrigeration?
National Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Canada, founded in Brantford, Ontario.
Is KeepRite Refrigeration the same as KeepRite furnaces?
No. The residential HVAC brand is separate from the commercial refrigeration company.
Does KeepRite make walk-in condensing units?
Yes, along with unit coolers and condensers.
Can you get KeepRite parts?
Yes, through refrigeration distributors.
Can KeepRite be replaced with another brand?
Yes, with a correctly sized and matched system.
Does KeepRite make low-profile unit coolers?
Yes. KeepRite offers low-profile unit coolers for medium and low temperature use.
Can KeepRite equipment be monitored remotely?
A quiet KeepRite condensing unit introduced in 2023 includes remote monitoring; older units can be monitored with an added controller.
Is KeepRite Refrigeration a Canadian company?
Yes. It was founded in Brantford, Ontario in 1945 and also manufactures in Longview, Texas.
Can KeepRite condensing units serve large cold rooms?
Yes. KeepRite offers larger air-cooled units suited to large walk-in coolers, freezers and blast freezers.
