Is your commercial refrigerator not cooling and you have no idea how to fix it? Here is an easy guide of some things that will help you get your refrigerator back on track and cooling in no time. Before we start you should always check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer and make sure they are at the right setting. Refrigerators should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit as your freezer should be set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Now that we have that checked off lets get started.
If your refrigerator isn’t running like it should don’t be afraid to call. At Touchstone Commercial Services we are always willing to help. If you need an expert opinion or don’t think you have the time to fix the problem we have you covered, and the best part is, if we can’t fix it you don’t pay.
Simple Fixes
- Your thermostat could be turned down
Looking at your thermostat to see if its on the right temperature may seem like an obvious thing, but don’t forget to check. Some thermostats are located in the back of the refrigerator, while some are even located under it. Checking the thermostat and making sure its turned to the right temperature is a must do before trying to find the problem with your cooling system.
- Your refrigerator may not be plugged in
If your refrigerator is not working at all and doesn’t even seem to be producing any type of cold air insulation check your plugin, it might be because it got loose or even pulled out by accident.
- The refrigerator door doesn’t close all the way
If you’re having a hard time keeping the door on your refrigerator to stay shut or even if you forget to close it, that could be a huge component of why your refrigerator has not been cooling. When the door is left open the refrigerator is now trying to not only cool the inside of the fridge but also everything outside of it as well, which can cause it to shut down or not work properly.
- The refrigerator stuffed or too full.
If you’ve checked the plug and made sure your thermostat is at the right temperature it may be that your refrigerator is too full and therefore does not allow room for the cooling system to work properly and can thus cause it to shut down.
Repairing your Refrigerator
If you’ve gone through this checklist and still can’t seem to find what’s wrong it’s safe to assume there’s a bigger problem. Having your fridge malfunction can be a complicated fix but with the right tools we can help you know how to get the job done right, and knowing how your refrigerator works will benefit well when going through these next few steps.
Compressor
The compressor is the part of the fridge that compresses and moves the refrigerant vapor into the coils that are located outside of the fridge. Because of the pressure, it creates heat which can form hot gas that can later cool and absorb the heat from the refrigerator and freezer. You can tell if the compressor or compressor fan is out by checking if the freezer fan is running, if it is and the fridge is not getting cold this could be the problem.
Location:
The compressor is located behind the refrigerator at the bottom. It is a tanish black part. The compressor start relay is going to be the part that pushes the cords into the compressor. In order to fix this problem you will need to move your fridge away from the wall and make sure that it is unplugged before you start.
Fixing the problem
When fixing the compressor it’s often easier to replace the compressor start relay than the actual compressor, by doing that you can insure that its not your compressor that is actually the part that is broken. If however it does not seem to fix the problem you can replace the compressor itself, in order to do so you will need to safely and cautiously disconnect it from the suction line, compressor discharge line, and the process line.
You will now need to remove the electric package and cut the high and low lines before you try to loosen the bolts from the refrigerator. You can also move the part closer to you and access and remove the ground wire. The new compressor will need to connect to the process line, discharge line, and suction line. These lines require some welds to secure them into their place. Make sure to use the same rubber grommets from the old compressor with the new one and then switch the crossover line before you evacuate the new system and dump the new charge.
Condenser Fan
The condenser fan is in charge of cooling the condenser coils and compressor as they begin to work. The fan should be running while the compressor is on. If the condenser fan does not function properly it can cause the refrigerator to overheat.
Location
The condenser fan is located at the bottom by the Condenser coils and fan. Make sure to note that if the refrigerator has condenser coils on the back it will not have a fan.
Fixing the problem
Make sure to check first for dust or anything on the fan that could be causing it not to spin properly, and make sure that the refrigerator is unplugged if trying to fix this problem. If however there is nothing stopping the blades from spinning you probably need to replace the condenser fan motor. To replace the motor start by unscrewing the mounting screws that are holding the fan in its place, and then carefully remove the assembly from the motor’s compartment. Take off the brackets that hold the motor onto the blades, and then replace it with your new motor.
Condenser Coils
The condenser coil is where heat is ejected from the refrigerant. Once gas refrigerant is pressurized and heated into the compressor it now enters the condenser coil. When the coils are covered or clogged with dirt or dust they will not be able to release heat efficiently.
Location:
The Condenser coils are located at the bottom of the fridge usually along side the compressor.
Fixing the problem
If coils are clogged they could just need to be cleaned. Make sure to unplug the refrigerator before starting to remove the toe grill from the coils. Before you start, read the owner’s manual on whether it is okay to remove the toe grill without any further steps. Next using a coil brush, rub off any dust from the condenser coils, vacuum up the extra dust, and then reinstall the toe grill.
Commercial Refrigerator Repair
Always call a professional for serious repairs on your commercial equipment. Some of these situations can get very sticky. If you are located in the Salt Lake Valley or surrounding areas and are in need of restaurant equipment repair such as walk-in refrigerators or freezers call us at 1 801-497-8127.
If you have a problem with your commercial equipment or have Commercial Walk-In Freezer Installation or Repair needs in Utah please contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment at 1 801-497-8127. Or contact us for any questions.
