If your walk-in units or other commercial refrigerators and/or freezers are not holding the proper temperature it could be caused by one of these 5 common problems we have seen over the years.
Top 5 Most Common Issues:
1. Temperature Control Settings
The temperature control settings are one of the first things to check before calling for service. Double check that the temperature settings on your refrigerator were not accidently changed. If they were changed and you reset it to the right temperature, and your refrigeration is still not cooling down correctly, then it is time to call a professional to take a look. At times, it has been found that the thermometer itself is faulty and needs to be replaced.
2. Condenser Coils
When condenser coils are dirty, they are not able to efficiently release heat which forces the system to work much harder in order to maintain the needed temperature. Cleaning the condenser coils is a critical part of refrigeration preventative maintenance, so make sure you are having the condenser coils cleaned regularly (at minimum every 6 months).
3. Condenser & Evaporator Fans
The condenser fan cools the compressor and condenser coils and should run at the same time the compressor is running. If it doesn’t, the refrigerator will have trouble cooling. First, we would check for any obvious obstructions causing the fan to not work properly. If none are found, then it may be a case where the fan motor needs to be replaced.
The evaporator fan is responsible for blowing cold air inside the refrigerated unit. Similar to the condenser fan, if the evaporator fan is not being physically obstructed, then the evaporator fan motor may need to be replaced as well.
4. Door Gaskets
A common cause of temperature problems occurs when the door gaskets are not sealing properly. Without the proper seal, cold air is able to escape from the unit, therefore making it harder, and sometimes impossible, for the system to keep colder temperatures maintained.
5. Air Flow
If a refrigerator is over stocked with food items that hinder the air flow it will be much harder to cool the entire unit down, especially if the air vent itself becomes physically obstructed by food items. Pro-tip: don’t over stuff your refrigerators!
The placement of your refrigerator also matters when it comes to the air flow. The refrigerator should not be flush up against a wall, it needs a bit of “breathing room” surrounding it, so that there’s space for proper air circulation.
When in doubt it is always best to call a professional. We offer preventative maintenance plans that go a long way to avoid these common problems as well as offer 24/7 emergency service for any of your urgent after-hours refrigeration breakdowns. Give us a call at (713) 665-8886 or send us a message.
