How To Repair A Commerical Fridge Not Getting Cold?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

When you find your commercial refrigerator not cold enough

check the doors to make sure they’re closing properly

. A rubber gasket around the door provides a seal that keeps cold air in and warm air out of the refrigerator. The door’s hinges also ensure that the door is properly aligned and closing completely.

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

The most common reason why a refrigerator is not cooling is

a problem with the evaporator coils

. Over time, evaporator coils can become covered with ice, which prevents the coils from working properly. If the coils are covered in ice, the ice will need to be defrosted to fix the problem.

How do you test a commercial refrigerator compressor?

Will unplugging a fridge reset it?

Unplug your refrigerator

Disconnect your fridge from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet. You may hear some whooshing or knocking noises after you do so; that’s normal.

Make sure your fridge stays unplugged for several minutes, otherwise the reset won’t work

.

How long does it take a commercial fridge to get cold?

On average, full-size refrigerators take

12 hours

to cool to the FDA-recommended food-safe temperature of 40°F. However, cooling time varies drastically by refrigerator type and brand, ranging from 2 to 24 hours.

Why is my fridge not getting cold but my freezer is?

When the fridge is not cold but the freezer is,

the problem is probably tied to one of your refrigerator’s mechanisms not working as designed

. Evaporator fan: Every refrigerator contains a set of coils called an evaporator, which makes the inside of the fridge cold.

Can you put Freon in your refrigerator?


Adding Freon to a refrigerator is a tough task

. If you add too much Freon, use the wrong kind of Freon, or don’t accurately install the bullet-piercing valve, you’ll risk damaging your refrigerator permanently. Freon is also toxic and can cause a variety of health problems if you ingest it.

Why is my fridge warm but my freezer cold?

The most common cause for this condition is a problem with the defrost system. If the refrigerator freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm,

the evaporator fan motor might have failed

. Every refrigerator has a set of coils called an evaporator. These are the coils that get cold.

How can you tell if your refrigerator compressor is bad?

Pay attention for half an hour. If you do not hear it, then there is an issue.

If you do hear the compressor working but your fridge is not cold, or you hear it running constantly without shutting off

, then it is likely there is an issue with the compressor as well.

How do you service a commercial refrigerator?

  1. Consistently Clean the Interior & Exterior. …
  2. Regularly Clean the Condenser Coil. …
  3. Check the Area by the Evaporator Coil. …
  4. Check the Gaskets Often. …
  5. Check the Air Filters Often. …
  6. Routinely Clean Drain Pans and Tubes. …
  7. Keep Your Refrigeration Unit Dry.

What happens when a fridge compressor fails?


The compressor will automatically turn itself off when the unit is cool enough, and it will run longer in warmer summer months

. If you see a sudden jump in your electricity bill, it can be an indication that your fridge is struggling to maintain temperatures.

Can you unplug and replug a fridge?

Waiting Before Use. Finally, if you do unplug your refrigerator, you should know that

it will not be ready for use immediately after you plug it back in

. The appliance needs time to cool once more to be effective. Most refrigerator manuals advise you to wait at least 8 to 12 hours before it’s safe to use again.

Is there a reset button on refrigerators?


Some refrigerators have a reset button

, and you can use it to restore the refrigerator to its original factory settings. However, if a refrigerator doesn’t have a reset button, you can unplug it from the power outlet for a few minutes. Then, when you plug it back in, the problem should get fixed.

What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?

If Your Fridge Has Stopped and the Light is Off

As obvious as this sounds, often a fridge shuts down completely because it’s simply getting no power. The first thing to check is

the breaker (in your home’s electrical service panel) of the circuit serving the fridge

.

Why is my commercial freezer not freezing?

Causes: If your freezer won’t freeze, most likely the

condenser coils are dirty

which reduces the overall cooling capacity of the freezer. Evaporator fan motor is malfunctioning, and since it’s in charge of circulating the air throughout the freezer, this will need to be resolved, pronto.

What would cause a commercial refrigerator to freeze up?


If the air damper control is broken or stuck open

, your refrigerator will freeze food. The damper is either a manually or automatically operated door which closes and opens to allow less or more cold air get into the refrigerator compartment. Not opening properly means letting too much cold air into the refrigerator.

Will an empty fridge get cold?

Problems with an Empty Refrigerator


Food absorbs the cold air, which helps to chill the food next to it

. When the refrigerator is too empty, the appliance is working very hard (and costing you money) just to cool a few items.

How do you put Freon in a refrigerator?

Where are the evaporator coils on a fridge?

The evaporator coils sit

in the back of the freezer compartment

of a refrigerator and look like a radiator. The back wall of the freezer is actually the cover of the evaporator coil and can easily be opened with a screwdriver.

How do I know if my refrigerator needs Freon?

Checking the Freon


With your ear pressed to the refrigerator, you should hear a faint hissing or gurgling noise

. The Freon will hiss and gurgle through the fridge’s capillary tubes as the pressure equalizes within the system. If you do not hear the hiss and gurgle, you may be low on Freon.

How much does it cost to put Freon in a refrigerator?

The cost of freon, more commonly known as refrigerant, is

$4 to $10 per pound

. If there appears to be a problem with the refrigerant, other parts that may need fixing or replacing may cost anywhere from $100 to $400 (not including labor).

What are the signs of Freon poisoning?

  • Swelling in your throat or sinuses.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe pain in your nose, throat, or sinuses.
  • Burning sensation on your eyes, nose, ears, lips, or tongue.
  • Vision loss.
  • Severe stomach pain.
  • Vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Indigestion or heartburn.

How much does it cost to replace an evaporator fan in a refrigerator?

Part Replacement Cost (Labor Included) Fan

$120 – $150
Evaporator Coil $200 – $300 Ice Maker $350 – $500 Fridge Door $500 – $700

Why is my refrigerator warm?

A refrigerator keeps your food cold by circulating air cooled by the evaporator coils. One of the most common causes of a warm fridge is

overfilling it with food

. Air can’t circulate properly when you stuff your fridge to the rafters, making it hard for your system to maintain a safe food storage temperature.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.