For a business that relies on refrigeration, a broken system could spell thousands in lost revenue—not to mention any additional costs from water damage caused by melting ice. Thankfully, most systems will show signs that they are beginning to fail long before they reach the point of total shutdown. These signs allow a savvy business owner to call for commercial refrigeration repair to avoid catastrophe.

Here are the top things any business owner should look for when it comes to commercial refrigeration.

Signs That Your Commercial Refrigeration Needs Repair

Walk-in coolers, freezers, ice machines, and other such industrial refrigeration equipment are complex systems that require skilled technicians to diagnose potential problems. If you notice any of these symptoms appear in your refrigeration, it’s time to call your trusted commercial freezer repair company to check that nothing is amiss with your system. 

Inconsistent Temperatures

A proper cooler or freezer should maintain a steady temperature with a variation of one to two degrees. If you notice that your refrigeration unit fluctuates between temperatures, resulting in excess frost or condensation accumulating on your products, it may indicate that you have been overstocking your refrigerator, blocking off airflow that maintains a proper temperature. It may also be an indication that the coolant in your refrigeration system is low, so it is best replaced by your refrigeration technician.

Uncommon or Excessively Loud Noises

An industrial freezer will make noise—if your system is silent, that might be further cause for concern. However, if you notice unusual noises, such as rattling or grinding, this could mean that a component within your freezer is broken or worn out. Even if your system still functions properly, failure to replace it could lead to more parts being damaged as they work overtime to make up for the broken part.

Leaks

Water pooling inside or outside your refrigeration system could be an indication of a number of different problems. Some of these issues might be:

  • Damaged or misaligned drainage pan
  • Clogged or frozen drain line
  • Damaged water line
  • Malfunctioning water inlet valve

These puddles can cause damage to the electrical components of your freezer or even become a safety hazard if an employee slips and falls. Should the liquid be something other than water, it might even indicate your refrigerant is leaking, which poses both a safety and environmental hazard and must be dealt with properly by a professional.

Higher Energy Bills

When your system has to work harder to maintain its temperature, it will use more energy and spike your energy bill. Sudden, unexpected hikes in what you pay could be an indication of damage that otherwise has no other visible indicator. Proper examination of your cooler by a trained professional can help you determine the issue and whether or not it will require walk-in cooler repair. 

Door Won’t Seal Properly

Commercial freezers are prone to door damage, as they experience far more use than the one you’d find in your home. If the door to your refrigeration unit isn’t properly closing, it could lead to your system overtaxing itself and breaking down. It could even lead to product spoilage. Frequent checks on your door’s seal can save you in the long run.

Call On a Professional 

If you notice these issues with your system, now is the time to call on a trusty refrigeration technician. A repair technician can accurately diagnose your refrigeration system’s problem and get it back in working order in a timely manner. This means your business can return to usual without significant downtime.

However, the best way to prevent costly breakdowns is to set up a schedule for routine commercial refrigeration maintenance. Issues don’t appear from thin air, and routine preventative maintenance is likely to catch any problem before it becomes a major issue. 

Systems that are routinely maintenance will also last longer than systems that are only checked when a repair is needed, saving you money and extending the time between refrigeration installation and replacement.

Air Services & Refrigeration Specialties, Inc.

If you have:

  • Reach-In Coolers
  • Medical Refrigerators & Freezers
  • Refrigerated Display Cases
  • Prep Tables
  • Reach-In Freezers
  • Walk-In Coolers
  • Ice Machines
  • Walk-In Freezers
  • Custom Manufactured Walk-In Coolers and Freezers
  • Below Zero Medical Equipment

Air Services & Refrigeration Specialities, Inc. should be your first call when you need commercial refrigeration repair services. We have served clients throughout the Coastal Empire and Low Country since 1984, offering the best in commercial refrigeration installation, maintenance, and repair services.