Troubleshooting Guide for Commercial Fridges & Freezers
Commercial fridges & commercial freezers play an important role in storing & keeping cool perishable foods and goods. If your fridge does not hold temperature or does not turn on, you may lose valuable stocks and ingredients to make menus for sale. A malfunctioning commercial fridges can disrupt business operations and lead to spoiled stock. Here’s a troubleshooting guide to help diagnose and fix common issues before calling a technician.
1. Fridge Not Cooling Properly
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Blocked Airflow – Ensure vents and fans aren’t obstructed by food or packaging.
Dirty Condenser Coils – Clean coils regularly to improve cooling efficiency.
Faulty Thermostat – Check temperature settings and adjust as needed. If temperature randomly goes up and down, It’s more likely caused by faulty controller or sensors that need to be replaced
Overloading – Too much stock can block airflow; reduce load for better circulation. Possible symptom is water leaking due to frozen evaporator producing excessive water too much than auto heated drain capacity
Refrigerant Leak – If there’s insufficient cooling, call a technician to check for leaks. This is usually determined by too high temperature (20 or over degrees)
2. Fridge Running But Not Cooling at All
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Compressor Failure – If the compressor isn’t running, check if it’s overheated or needs replacement. users can hear common sound of motor running, if it’s not making sound, it could be due to stopped motor or compressor, or overload or relay faulty
Faulty Start Relay – A broken relay can prevent the compressor from turning on.
Capacitor Issue – The capacitor jump-starts the compressor; if faulty, it may need replacement.
Evaporator Fan Not Working – If the fan is not spinning, cold air won’t blow. You can easily check this by opening doors and see if the internal fans still turn even if it’s slow movement. If it still moves, eva fan motors work fine.
3. Excessive Ice or Frost Buildup
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Door Left Open – Check if the door closes properly and seals tightly.
Faulty Door Gasket – Replace worn-out seals to prevent warm air from entering.
Defrost System Failure – If auto-defrost isn’t working, manually defrost and check for faults. With Carell or Dixell (most common fridge controller), you can press a button to perform manual defrost. If this doesn’t work, technician needs to look into controller
High Humidity – Excess humidity can cause frost; ensure good ventilation around the fridge.
4. Fridge Making Unusual Noises
Possible Causes & Fixes: This issue can’t be done by users, professional assistance required
Loose Components – Check for any loose screws, panels, or fan blades. – Need to call a technician out to look
Faulty Evaporator or Condenser Fan – A worn-out motor may need replacement. – Need to call a technician out to look
Compressor Issues – A loud buzzing or rattling could indicate compressor failure. – Need to call a technician out to look
5. Fridge Not Turning On
Possible Causes & Fixes: This issue can’t be done by users, professional assistance required
Power Supply Issue – Check if the power cord is plugged in and the outlet is working. You can try other power socket or circuit
Tripped Circuit Breaker – Reset the breaker if necessary. If still not turned on or tripped straight away, something’s not right with fridge or freezer
Control Board Malfunction – A faulty PCB may require professional repair. – Need to call a technician out to look
Thermostat Failure – If the fridge doesn’t start, test or replace the thermostat. – Need to call a technician out to look
6. Water Leaks or Condensation Issues
Possible Causes & Fixes: This issue can’t be done by users, professional assistance required
Clogged Drain Line – Clean the drain to prevent overflow. Most of refrigeration units can’t be easy to do this. Need a professional to check
Excessive Humidity – Keep doors closed and ensure good ventilation. May need to turn it off for 1 hour at least or 1 day to see if there was possible icing up
Cracked Drain Pan – Replace the pan if it’s damaged.
7. Fridge Cycling On and Off Too Frequently
Possible Causes & Fixes: This issue can’t be done by users, professional assistance required
Dirty Coils – Clean condenser coils to help regulate cooling cycles.
Incorrect Temperature Setting – Set the temperature to recommended levels (1°C to 5°C).
Faulty Thermostat or Sensor – If the fridge cycles too often, test and replace these parts if needed.
Call your fridge repair technician to consult first after doing these troubleshooting, and find out if it’s necessary for them to come out. There is usually a call out fee whether or not there is actual issue. Regular maintenance for your commercial refrigerators and freezers will prevent unnecessary call out and save you cost
