7 COMMON COMMERCIAL FRIDGE ISSUES
Commercial refrigeration ensures food is stored safely at proper consumption temperatures and preserves ingredients at ideal storage conditions. For these reasons, it is imperative to keep your fridge working effectively for the betterment of your business. If you operate a commercial fridge, there are some issues that occur more often than others.
Here’s your guide to what they are and how to prevent them!
1. Loud and Unusual Noises
There are certain commercial refrigeration parts that you should expect to make noise – including fans, motors, and of course the compressor. If you’re hearing odd noises coming from your appliance, it could be due to a fan motor that is not properly aligned, a dying compressor, or perhaps another cause. If strange noises start developing, it’s best to call a professional to diagnose the problem.
2. Temperature Problems
There are a few factors to consider if you have started to notice that your commercial refrigerator is having difficulty maintaining a proper temperature. You could be dealing with either of the following:
- An undercharged refrigerant
- A broken compressor
- A dirty condenser or coils, or
- A leak in the relief valve
But don’t panic! There are a few measures you can take to help get your commercial refrigerator back in working order.
Set the thermostat to your desired temperature and ensure the appliance has some room to breathe away from the wall – as air circulation is necessary. Next, ensure the doors are snugly closed and the seals are in good shape.
You’ll know you’re dealing with a bad compressor if you aren’t hearing a constant humming sound coming from the unit.
If you can’t hear anything at all coming from your fridge, it’s time to call an appliance repair technician.
3. Lighting Problems
Generally, when light stops working in a commercial refrigeration unit it is because the bulb has burnt out. Consult the owner’s manual to find out what bulb you’ll need as a replacement. It is important to select one that is manufacturer-approved in order to keep the sockets from burning out.
4. Ice Build Up Inside the Fridge
A number of factors can be the reason why ice is building up inside your fridge.
Broken door gaskets, poor ventilation, or it could be something as simple as keeping the door open for long periods of time.
This would allow warm air to enter the unit, which would create favorable conditions for condensation and frost.
5. Refrigerator Compressor Not Starting
In order for your commercial unit to function as intended, it will need its compressor to be working properly. Higher than normal energy bills can be a sign of a compressor on the fritz. Consult the user guide for proper cleaning procedures as regular maintenance is recommended.
6. Power Issues
If the power switch is engaged and all the necessary cords are properly plugged into their outlets, you should have no issue starting up your commercial fridge.
If this is not the case, a voltage detector can help identify potential wiring problems.
In either scenario, it’s best to call a repair specialist for their expertise in the field.
This would allow warm air to enter the unit, which would create favorable conditions for condensation and frost.
7. Evaporator Fan Issues
Ice build-up in the fridge can be an indication of an evaporator fan misbehaving.
Turn off the unit and allow the ice to melt.
You will then want to clean the coils and inspect the drain lines to ensure there are no blockages.
Professional Refrigeration Repair
These are the 7 most common issues that are associated with malfunctioning commercial refrigeration units. Next time you’re in need of a commercial refrigeration service, call the experts at Antarctic Refrigeration Solutions. With over 35 years of experience, our licensed technicians are ready to assist you with refrigeration repairs and maintenance in all things commercial, industrial, restaurant, and more!
