Repair Warning Signs and Indicators for Commercial Refrigeration

Learn to Avoid Serious Repair Issues

A malfunctioning commercial freezer or cooler can cause serious issues for restaurants and commercial businesses that depend on their equipment to store food products. It’s recommended to have regularly scheduled refrigeration maintenance to keep it running in good order and to extend the life of your equipment.

Even with regular maintenance, equipment can still fail and breakdown. Oftentimes there are warning signs or indicators that can signal you need to call for repair. It’s critical to call as soon as you realize something is amiss to avoid a small issue turning into a major crisis.

Warning Signs for Equipment Malfunction

Build-up of Frost

A build-up of frost is common and is an early sign that something is not quite right with your refrigeration unit.

Frost can come from a number of factors including:

Humidity changes
Faulty pressure relief valve
Damaged or expired gaskets

Insulation issues
Freezer door being left open too long
Freezer door not sealing correctly

Frost build-up on or around the evaporator coil may be indicative of a problem with the fan or its electronic components.

In addition to frost build-up indicating a mechanical issue(s), it is also a sure sign that the refrigeration unit is increasing your energy bill as it is working inefficiently.

Noticeable Temperature Fluctuations

Food must be kept at a consistent temperature and with less cycling (on and off) your refrigeration unit uses less energy.

Temperature fluctuations can be due in part to:

Compressor malfunctioning
Faulty temperature gauge - can be verified with a thermometer
Dirty or defective fan
Refrigeration unit door being left open too long
Refrigeration unit door not sealing correctly

Damaged sensor
Dirty condenser coils
Cool air not circulating - too much food being stored
Failed electrical component(s)

Odour Issue

Commercial refrigeration units are not manufactured with mechanical parts that cause an unpleasant odour. Most often, an odour is the result of food that is spoiled or rotting somewhere on or around the refrigeration unit. Once you have eliminated this possibility then you can determine the smell is the result of something more serious.

Odd odours that indicate something is faulty may be caused by:

Mould or bacteria collecting on a dirty internal coil
Leaking refrigerant coolant
A malfunctioning condenser

Unusual or Strange Noise

A noticeable noise coming from your refrigeration unit is most often indicative of something that needs repair. It’s important to identify and correct the problem as soon as possible to alleviate the potential of something more serious, and expensive, developing if left unattended.

Water Leaks

Generally speaking water leakage is usually an easy, inexpensive fix, although it can also be an indicator of something more serious.

The most common causes of water leakage can include:

Worn out seals
Damaged water lines
Clogged or frozen water lines

Blocked defrost drain
Drain pan is tilted and overflowing

Best Practice to Reduce Refrigeration Repair

It’s best to deal with any anomalies that you detect with your refrigeration unit which will not only increase it’s lifespan but also reduce the repair cost if it’s not left unattended.

To increase the odds for maximum efficiency and long term operation it’s recommended you schedule regular maintenance - the investment will save you money in the future.