Is your commercial refrigerator running but not cooling to the right temperature? This common issue can lead to food spoilage, financial losses, and potentially unsafe conditions for your customers.

In this blog post, Leading Edge Mechanical Inc’s commercial refrigeration specialists explore the most common reasons for this problem and provide valuable insights into troubleshooting and maintenance. From faulty thermostats to refrigerant leaks, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your commercial fridge running and cooling properly.

What Makes Commercial Refrigeration Different?

Commercial refrigeration systems work much like your home fridge, with one key difference—they’re built for bigger jobs. Inside, refrigerant circulates, pulling heat out of your fridge and releasing it outside to keep the interior cool and food and other products fresh. Since commercial units are larger and more powerful, they require regular attention to ensure they always meet your business demands.

What Are the Most Common Reasons Your Commercial Refrigerator Is Running and Not Cooling?

It’s a frustrating sight: your commercial refrigerator is humming away, yet its interior remains warm. This can quickly become a crisis, leading to food spoilage and potential health hazards. The most common causes behind this issue often lie in your cooling system’s core components.

Let’s take a look at the most common causes.

A Faulty Thermostat

Your thermostat is like the “brains” of your commercial cooling system. It constantly monitors your fridge’s interior temperature, making sure it matches your selected setting. When it senses that things inside are getting too warm, it tells your compressor to kick in and start cooling.

If your thermostat malfunctions, it can throw everything off—either by giving false temperature readings or failing to communicate with your compressor. This can cause your compressor to run nonstop without actually reducing the temperature inside your fridge.

Your HVAC contractor will assess the situation and let you know whether repairs, recalibration, or replacement will correct your thermostat problems.

Blocked or Dirty Condenser Coils

Blocked or dirty condenser coils can hinder your cooling system’s performance, affecting its ability to dissipate heat.

Your commercial fridge’s condenser coils release heat absorbed from inside the unit. When these coils are blocked by dust, dirt, or grease, they can’t dissipate that heat nearly as well. This puts pressure on other parts of your cooling system because they have to work much harder to produce the same amount of cooling.

As a result, your compressor runs longer, your business’ energy consumption surges, and the extra strain on your commercial cooling system increases. Over time, this can lead to inefficient cooling, warmer fridge temperatures, and equipment breakdowns.

Schedule regular coil inspections and cleanings to prevent cooling issues from affecting the fridges your business depends on.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks are a serious problem you should address right away to prevent safety risks, environmental damage, equipment failure, and spoiled products.

A commercial fridge relies on refrigerant to facilitate proper cooling. It’s the chemical responsible for the absorption and release of heat. When a leak happens, your system no longer has enough of this essential liquid to maintain the right temperature. So, your fridge may still be running, but it won’t cool effectively.

Compressor Issues

While dirty coils and refrigerant loss can put extra strain on your fridge’s compressor, some problems stem directly from the compressor itself.

Over time, your compressor’s internal components can wear out, leading to issues like overheating, pressure imbalances, or mechanical failure. When your compressor starts to go, it may still run but fail to cool your fridge. This can cause the temperature inside your refrigerator to rise and may put your products at risk. Even small issues, like worn-out seals or electrical problems, can prevent your compressor from doing its job effectively.

Don’t hesitate to schedule an HVAC maintenance inspection and repair work whenever you think your fridge’s compressor may be struggling.

How Does Poor Air Circulation Impact Cooling Efficiency?

When there are obstructions or restrictions to airflow inside your commercial fridge, cold air can get trapped in some spots while other areas remain too warm. Your fridge’s compressor will suffer the brunt of this uneven cooling and, again, must work much harder to keep your products at the right temperature.

Poor air circulation also causes frost build-up and condensation inside your fridge. These issues can further impact its performance and make your products appear unattractive. Avoid this by scheduling repairs as early as possible when you notice airflow issues inside your fridge.

By addressing airflow problems promptly, you extend the life of your commercial fridge and ensure it consistently maintains the optimal environment for your products.

What Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Tasks Help Prevent Cooling Problems?

Schedule regular maintenance inspections every six months to ensure your commercial fridge continues to operate efficiently and prevent potential cooling issues.

You can clean condenser coils to optimize heat dissipation, inspect and replace worn door seals to prevent cold air from seeping out, and monitor refrigerant levels to ensure your fridge maintains sufficient cooling capacity. You should also check for blocked vents, test your thermostat’s accuracy, and check your unit’s evaporator fan for issues.

If you’re unsure how to perform any of these refrigeration maintenance tasks, don’t hesitate to schedule service with a reliable HVAC company. Your mechanical contractor will help you quickly identify problems and suggest cost-effective commercial refrigeration repairs that align with your budget.

Keep Consumers Safe With Code-Compliant Refrigeration Solutions

When your business depends on commercial refrigeration to display and protect food or other temperature-sensitive items, you need reliable and worry-free cooling units. Spoiled products and health risks can damage your reputation and put your business in jeopardy. A fridge that runs without adequately cooling the air inside wastes energy and increases your liability risk.

Leading Edge Mechanical Inc specializes in providing code-compliant refrigeration solutions that keep your business safe. Our team will proactively maintain and repair your refrigeration systems, resolving any cooling issues before they become major problems. With our expertise, you can feel confident knowing your refrigeration is up to standard, your products are protected, and your customers are safe.

Call us at (218) 237-5125 for help fixing problems with your commercial refrigeration system.