5 Common Commercial Refrigerator Problems to Look Out For

Commercial refrigerators and freezers are an essential element in most business operations. However, they require a significant investment as even the highest-quality commercial refrigerators and freezers require maintenance to avoid malfunctions – due to the equipment operating almost continuously daily.

Hence, implementing an adequate preventive commercial refrigeration service schedule is an absolute necessity to ensure that your business’ refrigeration systems function properly and efficiently at all times.

Likewise, it is critical to be aware of and understand the type of problems that may occur with commercial refrigeration equipment in order to prevent them from escalating into serious problems. In this article, we discuss the five most common commercial refrigerator issues that you should look out for.

1. Temperature fluctuations

The main function of your commercial refrigerator is to keep food cool. If your commercial refrigerator or freezer is unable to maintain its proper temperature, it is definitely something you should not ignore.

If your refrigerator is not cooling properly, you may have a refrigerant leak, bad seals on the doors, a compressor or thermostat problem, or your equipment may be placed too close to the wall to circulate air properly. Another important yet often overlooked aspect is a malfunctioning compressor that causes significant temperature fluctuations inside a refrigerator and affects its efficiency.

If you suspect any temperature problems being caused by these issues, it’s essential to contact a professional for a commercial refrigeration service immediately.

2. Compressor Issues

Your commercial refrigerator will only work if the compressor and evaporator are functioning properly. A bad compressor will compress the refrigerant and send hot gas to the condenser. If you don’t hear that constant humming sound or you have high energy bills, there is a chance that it could be an issue with the compressor.

There are several potential reasons for refrigerator compressor failure such as high compressor discharge temperatures. Another common problem in commercial refrigerator compressors is ice accumulation on evaporator coils leading to inefficient and inadequate refrigeration. If the condenser is running hot or the evaporator is freezing up, it is an indication that it is time for a commercial refrigeration service and have them examined by a certified technician.

3. Accumulation of ice on the inside

Ice buildup on the inside of commercial freezers happens when warm air from the outside enters the unit and condenses on interior surfaces. The ice or frost developing inside refrigerated compartments may indicate several problems such as a leak in your refrigerant, poor air ventilation, dirty fans or filters that need to be cleaned, worn-out door gaskets, or doors being opened too frequently or left open for too long.

You should also check that the defrost cycle on your commercial freezers is set up correctly before getting in touch with a professional commercial refrigeration repair service, as ice can also build up on your refrigerator’s evaporator coils due to a low-temperature setting.

3. Unusual noises

Loud noises could indicate issues with a commercial refrigerators system’s components, such as the compressor, fans, motors, or any other mechanical component. Regardless of the problems identified or suspected, it is always best to have a professional technician evaluate and provide the required commercial refrigeration service for your refrigeration equipment on a regular basis.

It is crucial to keep your commercial refrigerators serviced regularly, to ensure no major problems occur and complicate the way your business runs on any given day. It is also best to have a trained technician provide regular commercial refrigeration servicing so they can catch issues like this before they become a much more complicated problem.

5. Power and lighting problems

If the power switch is turned on and there are no unplugged power plugs, but your commercial refrigerator does not power up, you have to act swiftly to ensure there are no serious problems with your fridge.

Use a voltage detector to check the wall outlet and ground wires to rule out any problems with the wiring. However, if there is any wiring problem, you need to contact a commercial refrigeration service expert to find out if it requires rewiring. Additionally, avoid using extension cords for your refrigerator to prevent any incidents of short-circuiting.

On the other hand, lighting issues are something you can usually fix on your own. However, if you must replace the bulb, check the manual and ensure that it is approved by your commercial refrigerator’s equipment manufacturer to avoid burning out the light’s electrical sockets.

Contact a professional

If your commercial refrigerators or freezers are experiencing any one of these issues, get expert help as quickly as possible to ensure that the problem does not worsen and burn a hole in your business expenses. Also, it is best to schedule regular commercial refrigeration servicing to ensure that the experts are able to diagnose any problems from the outset!