Commercial refrigerators are essential for a range of businesses from restaurants to coffee shops and caterers. They serve the sole purpose of maintaining cold storage of raw ingredients, fresh food and anything perishable. Unfortunately, aging equipment will not be able to maintain the proper low temperature, which risks spoilage and foodborne illnesses.
There are a wide range of things that can malfunction with these units. Read on to find out common causes of your commercial fridge not cooling—and what to do about it.
Door doesn’t close properly
One of the leading culprits of a commercial refrigerator not working is that the door isn’t fully closing. A rubber gasket on the door prevents warm air from entering and cold air from leaving. The hinges are also there to keep the door aligned and fully closed. If the gasket or hinges are damaged or wearing down, this can lead to warmer temperatures in your commercial refrigerator.
Dirty condenser coils
Condenser coils are responsible for distributing cool air through the refrigerator. The problem is that the buildup of dirt, grease and dust may prevent the coils from functioning, meaning that the air will not be treated with enough refrigerant. This, in turn, results in warmer refrigerator temperatures, which can lead to food spoilage.
You can avoid this problem through proper maintenance, which includes cleaning these coils four times a year. Calling in a commercial refrigerator expert for periodic maintenance means you won’t need to worry about dirty condenser coils affecting your equipment.
Compressor problems
The compressor is the part that pushes refrigerant vapor to the coils, leading to steady temperatures inside the fridge. However, if you notice that the fridge’s fan is still running but it isn’t cold, this is likely due to a busted compressor. A commercial refrigerator technician may be able to repair the unit; if not, a new one will need to be installed.
Blocked vents
Cold air must circulate throughout the refrigerator’s interior to keep temperatures down. This cold air comes through in vents, which, if blocked, will prevent circulation. Keeping the fridge’s contents organized and out of the way of vents means there will be air circulating throughout the unit.
When you need to buy a new commercial refrigerator
You may get to the point where a commercial fridge not cooling becomes a persistent problem. If you require repair services on a frequent basis, it may be that your commercial refrigerator needs to be replaced. A quality unit can last for many years, but investing in a new commercial refrigerator can be a smart investment. After all, this provides climate-controlled storage for all the perishables that your business utilizes.
Is your commercial refrigerator not working? Then trust the pros at Commercial Equipment Service Inc. Our dedicated team has been providing service and sales of commercial/restaurant cooling, refrigeration and heating equipment since 1984. Our friendly staff prides itself on our professional attitude and service. We are a 24/7, on-call service for your appliance needs, so call us now!