A commercial refrigerator is a heavy-duty machine designed to keep food items fresh until served to customers. They are not only efficient but also effective. However, they can run into problems like any other appliance. One common issue amongst commercial refrigerators is insufficient cooling. There might be multiple reasons for it and you need to be aware of how to troubleshoot these issues and when to consider commercial refrigerator repair. Here, we will prepare you to tackle commercial refrigerator problems so that you know where to kickstart the diagnosing process.
The Filters Are Dirty
When your commercial refrigerator runs into a problem, it does not necessarily mean the problem is serious or major. To kickstart the troubleshooting process, you need to start from the basics. The first thing you need to do is check if the filters are clogged.
This is one of the most underestimated factors when it comes to owning commercial refrigerators. Business owners do not realize the impact of the filters until they run into a problem. Filters are designed to trap contaminants and, with time, tend to become dirty and clogged.
This forces the unit to consume more electricity than usual to make up for the loss. As a result, the other components have to work harder than usual as well, which could lead them to heat up and eventually give up, leaving you with no other option but to replace them.
If your commercial refrigerator is old, you might have to replace the filters if they are cracked or damaged. Make sure to opt for the exact replacement and do not go for cheap alternatives as filters look more or less the same but differ in quality and features.
Thermostat Issues
A thermostat acts like the brain of the commercial refrigerator. This component keeps track of the outdoor unit and adjusts the indoor temperature accordingly. If your commercial refrigerator was recently serviced, it might have lost its calibration.
In this case, you must consult an expert to recalibrate the thermostat. But if you have installed an aftermarket thermostat, you might need to replace it. Keep in mind that not every thermostat is supposed to pair and work perfectly with your commercial refrigerator.
You will need to consult the manual or the manufacturer to avoid wasting your time and money.
Issue With The Coils
Commercial refrigerators come with two types of coils: evaporator coils and condenser coils. These coils help disperse hot air, which is produced during the cooling process. Since these components are mostly located at the back of the unit or in some other area, it can be hard to reach them on a regular basis.
With time, dirt, dust, and grease accumulation prevent heat dispersion, which heats up the coils and makes it a lot more difficult for them to operate smoothly. The problem with the coils is that they can be expensive to replace. This is why prevention is better than cure and you should perform regular inspections to ensure the coils are not clogged. To prevent this, clean the condenser coils and evaporator coils of the refrigerator regularly.
But if your commercial refrigerator happens to be old, it might be that the coils need replacement. But, in such a situation, you should not replace the coils and rather save the money to invest in a new unit. Commercial refrigerators last a maximum of more or less 10 years, depending on the maintenance.
But, even then, the components start to turn weaker with time and you will need to replace the unit, eventually.
Low Refrigerant
A commercial refrigerator comprises several different components to run perfectly. It utilizes refrigerant gas to compress the air before it is circulated within the unit itself. This refrigerant is stored in a protected area to prevent leaks.
Every commercial refrigerator comes with a specific refrigerant level to ensure smooth functioning. With time, this refrigerant could leak due to rust and cracks. Plus, if your commercial refrigerator was serviced, it might be that the gas leaked accidentally.
Ensuring sufficient refrigerant levels is crucial to keeping the unit running without any complications. That said, if your commercial refrigerator is constantly tripping or not cooling as much as it should, you should get the refrigerant level checked by calling in a commercial freezer repair Clifton expert.
Lack Of Maintenance
Commercial refrigerator maintenance is one of the most ignored factors leading to serious consequences. As they work around the clock to ensure food items stay fresh, they require maintenance to keep running smoothly.
Professional maintenance includes thorough inspections as well that help fix any potential issues. This helps prevent the unit from breaking down just when you least expect it to. So, you should consider it as an investment.
The Refrigerator Is Stuffed
Although a commercial refrigerator is a heavy-duty machine but that does not mean it should be stuffed. If you observe closely, you will see different compartments inside the unit. These compartments are for different types of food items and should not be overstuffed.
The reason is that it makes it difficult for the unit to circulate cool air equally. Plus, overstuffing the refrigerator also causes the unit it to work harder than usual, which increases electricity consumption and might overheat the components as well.
Therefore, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and store food items in batches rather than stuffing them inside for weeks and months.
The Refrigerator Is Old
Finally, if nothing else seems to be the culprit and your refrigerator is still not cooling enough, it might be that it has neared its lifespan. As mentioned earlier, commercial refrigerators come with a limited lifespan. You cannot expect them to work for decades without needing a replacement.
In such a case, you should not waste your money on expensive repairs and replacement and consider opting for a new unit. This is going to be an investment you make for your business to prevent disruption in the services.
Hire The Right Expert
When choosing someone to work on your commercial refrigerator, you should hire someone certified and licensed. It might be tempting to hire someone offering lower market rates, but they can easily create an issue even if there isn’t one.
You should always check for insurance, certification, and a license when choosing an expert. Such experts can be expensive but will guarantee a professional job. Plus, you won’t have to worry about paying for accidents or expensive mistakes on their part, as insurance will cover it for them.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned tips are tried and tested and will surely get your unit running back to normal. To avoid complicated, hire commercial refrigerator services Fairfax for inspections, repairs, and maintenance.
