A Comprehensive List of Commercial Refrigeration Issues

Commercial refrigerators are an important part of many businesses. This is especially true for restaurants, storage facilities and grocery stores. After all, they ensure that the ingredients and other perishables are stored in ideal storage conditions. They also keep food and beverages cold enough at proper temperatures. HVAC installation companies would say that they also help move food through the Danger Zone and ensure that these foods are consumed as soon as possible.

These businesses rely on commercial refrigeration, which can make or break their business. In addition to affecting the quality of the food, produce and general storage, refrigeration problems can result in failed health inspections or customers falling sick due to bacterial contamination or foodborne illnesses. They can take a toll on your business’ production, reputation and product quality. As such, it’s important to ensure that your commercial refrigeration unit is properly maintained and free of issues.

As a property or business owner, it’s also important to know the things that can cause problems for your commercial refrigeration unit. After all, knowing what causes these issues can help you address them as soon as possible, or even prevent them from ever occurring. In this post, one of the premier heating and air conditioning maintenance companies in your area, Cafco Services, shares a comprehensive list of commercial refrigeration issues and the corresponding solutions.

Commercial refrigerator not maintaining the proper temperature

You might find that your commercial refrigerator won’t be able to keep the proper temperature for a few reasons. The first problem can be traced to dirty condenser or evaporator coils. Another probable cause is undercharged refrigerant, a faulty compressor unit or a leaking relief valve. It’s also possible that you have a faulty discharge tube or poor airflow issues, among other things.

Before you assume what your commercial refrigeration issue is, HVAC installation companies recommend setting the cooler to the desired temperature. Double-check if the refrigeration unit is an ample distance from the wall, since it needs a fair amount of space to circulate air properly. Also, double-check to make sure the door properly closes all the way and seals tight once it’s shut.

Remember that when the  compressor is faulty, your commercial refrigerator won’t be able to maintain its temperature. Listen to the sound emitted by your commercial refrigerator. If it isn’t producing a constant humming sound, make sure that you contact your local HVAC repair expert for close inspection and prompt repairs.

Ice formation

Your HVAC repair technician will tell you that, just like your air conditioning unit, ice can build up on the inside and outside of your refrigerator for a number of reasons. Ice formation could be an indicator that there’s a leak in your refrigerant, or you could have poor air ventilation in your commercial refrigerator. Another likely cause is that you have dirty fans that have difficulty operating, you have a filter that requires cleaning or you have deteriorated door gaskets.

You should also check if your commercial refrigerator’s defrost cycle is set up properly. This is because an improperly-set defrost cycle can cause your refrigerator’s evaporator coils to freeze up if the temperature setting is too low. This can also cause other problems like dirt and debris accumulation on the coils, leading to a broken evaporator fan motor or a malfunctioning defrost system. Another thing to consider is that you simply might’ve left the refrigerator door open for too long.

Commercial Refrigeration Unit Making Noises

HVAC installation companies will tell you that a commercial refrigerator will usually make noise due to fans, motors and the compressor, signaling normal operation. However, if you hear unusual noises coming from your refrigerator, they could be caused by a misaligned fan motor, a faulty compressor or other issues. Don’t hesitate to call your HVAC technician right away when you hear these noises to avoid disruption to your business operations, which could cost you a day or two.

Don’t hire an out-of-town HVAC technician for this job, because it’s better to hire a local contractor like Cafco Services who’s embedded in your community.  In addition to having local contacts, it’s easier to get ahold of a local company in the event of an emergency since they’re a phone call away and can quickly reach your area. We can also conduct regular maintenance routines to catch issues like this before they get worse. We offer a maintenance agreement, as well, to keep your commercial refrigeration unit working properly.

Fortunately, there are a lot of perks to having your commercial refrigeration unit maintained by a skilled HVAC repair technician. This means that your unit will stay energy efficient, last longer and endure for years to come. This reduces the likelihood of your commercial refrigerator breaking down, which would affect your business operations as repairs are carried out.

Evaporator fan problems

If you find out that ice is accumulating throughout the refrigerator, your evaporator might be the culprit. Inspect it for ice buildup. If there is any, shut it off so that the ice can melt. Afterwards, have the evaporator coils cleaned and the drain lines inspected for any signs of clogging. If only a portion of the evaporator coil is frozen, it’s probably because your refrigerant has a low charge. Contact a certified technician so that they can recharge your refrigerant and make sure that the pressure and sub-cooling units are properly set.

Lighting issues

This is a minor problem that you should look into. While it’s possible to replace LED lights with after-market options, make sure that you choose replacement bulbs that are approved and verified by your refrigeration company because you might run the risk of damaging the electrical sockets of your lights. You should also read your user manual to make sure that you’re choosing the proper repair option.

Make your search for heating and air conditioning maintenance companies easier by turning to Cafco Services. When it comes to residential and commercial HVAC services, we’re the number one professionals to approach, and we won’t let you down! Give us a call at (513) 242-3400 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.