What Makes a Commercial Refrigerator Stop Working?

Under counter commercial refrigerator

By – The Editor
Your commercial refrigerators help you ensure that all of the food and beverages you store remain at the optimal temperature. Having your refrigerator break down does happen occasionally, and is certainly unexpected. However, knowing some of the warning signs to look for and having a commercial refrigeration service provider like General Parts Group can help you reduce the chances of it happening.

Our team of foodservice industry-trained technicians collected a few of the most common problems that cause breakdowns!

Frayed Wiring

Often an issue with old commercial kitchen appliances, frayed wiring can easily create problems for your commercial refrigerator. This is because, over time, interior wiring will lose its protective covering and begin to fray, resulting in short circuits and failures. That’s why regularly inspecting your refrigerators and freezers for such issues is paramount.

Compressor Motor Problems

Your commercial refrigerator’s compressor motor is what helps it maintain a cool temperature. Unfortunately, they don’t last forever. If you hear loud noises coming from the refrigerator when it turns on or off, or it isn’t cooling the way it should, it’s likely a problem with the compressor motor. It may have faulty bearings or simply need to be replaced, so contacting a foodservice equipment technician ASAP is recommended.

Coolant Leaks

Another important component in keeping your refrigerated items at the right temperature is your commercial refrigerator’s coolant. Over time, things like loose hoses or leaks can create problems, lessening your refrigerator’s effectiveness. Moving it too much can also cause leaks.

Installation Issues

If you’ve recently purchased a new commercial refrigerator or moved locations, please note that you can’t simply plug in your fridge and expect it to begin working immediately. This is because you need to allow the coolant in its refrigeration system time to settle. Also, be sure that the area where it’s installed provides ample room for air circulation around its exhaust motor.

For those who prefer to repair equipment on their own, have an in-house service department, and all you need is the replacement part, our O.E.M. parts distribution center carries an extensive inventory of commercial refrigerator parts.

To order, visit us online or call 1 (888) 498-1238.