As climate patterns shift and heatwaves become more frequent and intense, ensuring the stability of ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers in laboratories and healthcare facilities is more critical than ever. These freezers, often set at -80°C, are essential for preserving temperature-sensitive samples, vaccines, and other materials. However, the extreme heat can pose significant challenges to maintaining their optimal performance.

The Risks of Heatwaves

During a heatwave, the room ambient temperature can soar to unprecedented levels. This rise in temperature places immense stress on air conditioning systems, which are vital for maintaining the controlled environment necessary for ULT freezers. When air conditioning systems fail under this stress, the ambient temperature in the room can increase, leading to potential freezer failure. If the freezer cannot expel heat effectively, it may struggle to maintain the -80°C required, putting valuable samples at risk.

Monitoring: Three Layers of Protection

To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to implement a robust monitoring system that focuses on both the freezer and the room in which it is housed. Here’s how you can safeguard your ULT freezers and the samples they protect:

1. Monitor the Freezer's Performance: Utilize temperature sensors to continuously track the internal temperature of the freezer. These sensors can alert you to any deviations from the set temperature, allowing for immediate corrective action.
2. Track Ambient Room Temperature: Given that ULT freezers expel heat into the surrounding environment, monitoring the room temperature is equally important. If the room temperature rises, the freezer must work harder to maintain its internal temperature, increasing the risk of failure.
3. Backup Plans for Air Circulation: Ensure that the room has adequate ventilation systems that can kick in if the primary air conditioning fails. This may involve fans or secondary air conditioning units that help dissipate heat and maintain a stable environment for the freezers.

Why Monitoring Matters

Heatwaves can lead to sudden and severe increases in ambient temperatures, overwhelming cooling systems and putting ULT freezers at risk. The consequences of freezer failure can be catastrophic, leading to the loss of invaluable research materials and critical medical supplies. By proactively monitoring both the freezer and its environment, you can prevent these outcomes and ensure the integrity of your samples.

As a Montreal-based company, ATEK is committed to providing prompt onsite support and solutions that help you stay ahead of challenges, ensuring your valuable samples remain protected, no matter the weather. Clients choose ATEK not only for accurate tracking and monitoring of environmental conditions but also for easy data retrieval and quick preparation for compliance and incident reports. 

For more information on how ATEK’s innovative monitoring solutions can help you protect your ULT freezers, contact our team. Stay cool, stay protected, and keep your research and healthcare efforts running smoothly.