A Complete Guide to Troubleshooting Different Types of Commercial Refrigeration Units

Commercial refrigeration units used in restaurants, stores, and other food services keep their products fresh in these commercial spaces. They work by converting a heat source into a coolant circulated through a set of heat exchangers.

These units have been on the rise because it is much more efficient and cost-effective for many businesses. Refrigeration units can be found in different sizes and shapes depending on what they will be used for. For example, commercial refrigerators may be as tall as an average person, while some smaller units may fit under counters or countertops.

Various Types of Commercial Refrigeration Units

Commercial Refrigeration units come in different shapes and sizes and serve various purposes.

The different types of commercial refrigeration units are:

  • Walk-in Coolers/Freezers
  • Display Refrigerators
  • Commercial Freezers/Refrigerators
  • Compact Refrigerators and Freezers
  • Refrigerated Reach-in Units and Display Units
  • Refrigerated Worktops, Chef Base and Prep Tables
  • Glass Door Units and Door Merchandisers
  • Under-counter Refrigerators and Freezers
  • Horizontal Stand-alone Freezers and Coolers
  • Wine Coolers
  • Industrial Chillers
  • Food Processing Chillers/Freezers
  • Cooling Storage Rooms/Warehouses
  • Chillers Blast Chillers
  • Beverage dispensers

Commercial Refrigerator Repair Cost & What You Should Know Before Booking It In

Your commercial kitchen would not be complete without a refrigerator. You should be able to find everything you need there, from food storage to cooking. The importance of your refrigeration system does not end there, though. It can also impact the quality of your food, which is why you need to make sure that it is fully functional. Refrigerators are not cheap either, especially when you want a commercial one that can care for all your needs.

Refrigerator Repair Cost

You have to get the repair right the first time because it will be too expensive if you have to call somebody back again later for another repair job. This means that if something starts going wrong with your fridge, you should get it fixed as soon as possible or else its condition will continue to deteriorate, and you might have to spend LOADS of bucks to get it right again.

The average refrigeration repair cost in the USA for commercial units is $200 to $300.

What are the Common Signs of a Damaged Commercial Refrigerator?

When a refrigerator is damaged, it can cause many problems, from simply being a nuisance to causing food spoilage and even the risk for food-borne illnesses.

Here are some of the most common signs that your commercial refrigerator is damaged:

The fridge’s temperature is either too high or too low. The refrigerator may be too cold or too warm. If you have been noticing this for more than a few days and you can’t figure out how to fix it, then your refrigerator might be broken.

A foul smell coming from the refrigerator is another sign that something may be wrong. It could be mold caused by food not being stored properly in the fridge; it could also be an animal carcass if there was an animal in your store and rotted away unnoticed in your fridge.

What is the Best Solution for Troubleshooting a Damaged  Commercial Refrigerator?

A broken-down commercial refrigeration system is one of the most frustrating things that could happen to any commercial space. When your refrigerator breaks down and needs fixing, you have two options, either buy a new one or try repairing it. Unfortunately, neither is cheap, so it’s essential to know how each process works before making up your mind about which to go with!

There are different ways to deal with the problem, and we’ll go over those now.

We put a lot of emphasis on how we can stop our fridges from breaking, but we don’t always think about what to do when they inevitably do break down. Below we have compiled different situations and ways to handle them.

Refrigerator’s Power Issues

When your refrigeration unit is not turning on. These are some things that you can check to fix the power issues:

  • Unit’s power switch should be in the “ON” position.
  • The unit’s power outlet must be functional.
  • The power cord must not be loose or splitted

Another important thing that you should keep in mind is you shouldn’t be using extensions with your commercial unit. Most refrigeration companies might cancel your warranty if you use an attachment with your commercial refrigeration unit.

Ice Buildup in the Refrigeration Unit

When your commercial unit is EXTRA COOL, that is not a calm situation. Check for the following things when it happens:

  • Your refrigeration system’s doors must be closed properly.
  • Second, your evaporator must not be making noises.
  • Third, your unit’s coil must NOT be freezing.
  • Finally, your unit’s defrost cycle must be functioning correctly.

Once you are done checking the situations mentioned above and fixing them (if something doesn’t feel right), it should help you troubleshoot your refrigerator. Otherwise, feel free to seek professional help. 

Leaky Refrigeration

When your refrigeration unit is leaking. Check for the following:

  • Your kitchen’s environment should not be humid.
  • Your refrigerator should not be on uneven flooring.

Adjust the humidity in your kitchen’s space and check if the unit is not overflowing due to its tilted position. This would do the trick.

Conclusion:

There you have it!

These were the most common problems that a commercial refrigeration unit may encounter and the most accessible ways to troubleshoot them. Furthermore, we suggest following routine maintenance to keep your refrigerator running.

This will not only help you stay away from the nuances but will also save you money.

Has your commercial refrigeration unit ever faced any of these situations? If yes, what did you do to spot the problem and did it work? Then, let us know in the comments sections below.