6 good reasons not to buy a used refrigeration unit
We repeatedly receive inquiries from our customers about purchasing used refrigeration units. These often represent an attractive alternative to a brand-new unit. Many retailers offer used refrigeration units for cold rooms and refrigerated storage at favorable conditions online. You can read about what you should definitely consider when buying and why we generally advise against buying a used refrigeration unit in this article.
1. No manufacturer's warranty on used refrigeration units
For brand-new refrigeration units and components, a 12-month manufacturer's material warranty usually applies. This means that in case of a defect in the refrigeration unit, all components will be reimbursed by the manufacturer free of charge. This manufacturer's warranty applies within the first 12 months after purchasing the device and is void when buying a used refrigeration unit. This means you, as the consumer, bear the risk. In the event of a repair, you will have to bear not only the repair costs but also the costs for the defective components.
2. The age of the unit is often unknown
The age of a refrigeration unit or a refrigeration component can be unambiguously determined by its manufacturing date. The year of manufacture or production date is usually noted on the type plate by most manufacturers. However, with used refrigeration units, the manufacturing date is not always visible. In addition, not all manufacturers note a year of manufacture on the type plate. When purchasing, you often have to rely solely on the information provided by the seller. Especially on eBay and in various dubious online shops, refrigeration units and components are increasingly offered with incorrect information. Therefore, always check the seriousness of the dealer before purchasing. On its website, the consumer advice center has compiled tips for identifying fake shops online.
3. Defects are not always visible when purchasing a used refrigeration unit
While the manufacturer's warranty ensures that you purchase a unit in perfect condition when buying a brand-new refrigeration unit, this may not always be the case when buying a used refrigeration unit. Used refrigeration units often have defects that are not directly visible at the time of purchase. For example, leaks can be temporarily repaired by the seller before the sale by filling the refrigeration unit with fresh refrigerant. At the time of purchase, the leak is no longer visible. However, after a short period of operation, the unit begins to lose refrigerant and no longer functions properly. A refrigeration technician must be commissioned to repair the unit, which in turn causes unnecessary additional costs.
4. High previous loads can shorten the lifespan
Like all technical devices, refrigeration units also have a limited lifespan. This is influenced by daily use of the device. When purchasing a second-hand refrigeration unit, you often have no reliable information about the conditions and utilization under which the unit was operated. Used devices often have a short operating life because individual components are already worn out at the time of purchase and need to be replaced. In the worst case, you may have to purchase a new refrigeration unit after a short time. So, if you have no certainty about the previous stress on the device and its operating life, you should reconsider buying it.
5. Maintenance cycles are often unknown or insufficiently documented
Refrigeration units are complex, refrigeration technology products that require regular maintenance. If the seller cannot demonstrate regular maintenance of the unit by a refrigeration specialist company or a refrigeration technician, you should refrain from purchasing.
6. Installed components are not always original
Before buying, you should examine the refrigeration unit carefully. How do the solder joints look? Is the wiring neatly laid? Does anything indicate a previous repair? If you notice any anomalies, we strongly advise against purchasing. In the event of a previous repair, it is possible that the installation was carried out with a non-original component. Furthermore, as already mentioned, refrigeration units are highly complex products with coordinated components. If, for example, a compressor is replaced after a winding damage and the work was not done cleanly, acid may still be present in the refrigeration circuit. In this case, it is usually only a matter of time before the winding of the new compressor is attacked and the compressor fails.
Is it a good idea to buy a used refrigeration unit for cold rooms and similar? Our conclusion!
A used refrigeration unit can be a cost-effective alternative to a brand-new unit, but only if it is in perfect condition. If you have no certainty about the operating life, the strain on the unit, proper maintenance, possible repairs, and the installed components, you should reconsider the purchase. To avoid additional costs for new components or repairs, we recommend purchasing a brand-new unit with a manufacturer's warranty. You can find out how to choose the right refrigeration unit in our step-by-step guide.
Have you already had your own experiences with purchasing used refrigeration units or other refrigeration equipment? Tell us about it in the comments. We are curious!
