Troubleshooting Common Commercial Refrigerator Repair Issues
Commercial refrigerators such as the True T-49-HC reach-in, just like any other type of restaurant equipment, can malfunction and may need repairs & maintenance. As the old saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and preventative maintenance is the key to maintaining the longevity of your commercial refrigeration equipment.
Even the top-notch and most durable refrigeration brands such as Beverage-Air, Centerline by Traulsen, True Refrigeration, and Turbo Air may need to be repaired over time. When you do find yourself facing refrigeration maintenance issues, you need to know how to fix them quickly and efficiently, with the help of a seasoned commercial HVAC refrigeration repair service company.
You may also fix the problem yourself if it's very minor if you know the right beverage air cooler troubleshooting and turbo air refrigerator troubleshooting tips. Here are the most common commercial refrigeration problems you may find, and a few tips on how to determine what's wrong with your unit.
Power Issues
Is your commercial refrigerator or refrigeration equipment not powering up? Is your bottle fridge not cooling? In the commercial restaurant business, fixing these issues in a timely manner is paramount.
You may not need a commercial HVAC appliance repair company to perform business or residential service on your unit if you can learn how to fix your unit. With that in mind, we’re happy to provide commercial refrigerator troubleshooting tips.
First, make sure your unit doesn't have a power switch that has been switched off. You should check to see if the power cord has been properly plugged in all the way to the outlet, as it may have been knocked out of place.
If that still isn't the option, then check if the wiring for the outlet and ground wires are active. The issue may be the power supply and not the unit. Use a voltage detector to make sure the outlet has voltage present.
Remember: Most manufacturers warn users to never use extension cords for their commercial fridges, as the use of those cords will void the warranty.
Temperature Problems
Are you experiencing problems with your refrigeration temperature? Is your bottle fridge not cooling? Having your refrigerator keep food cold enough is a necessary process of the commercial appliance, and thus, you'll need to address this problem quickly.
First, examine your appliance. Is it placed directly against the wall? Your commercial refrigerator needs to be placed slightly away from the wall to give it room to circulate air properly.
Commercial refrigerators are made to withstand countless opening and closing operations, but sometimes the gasket can get worn down from wear and tear. Your door should close properly and seal completely so the unit can perform proper cooling processes.
You may also have a problem where the temperature control gauge is offering an incorrect reading or is broken altogether. If this is the case, manufacturers like True have made the temperature gauge easy to replace. Your incorrect temperature read could also be because of a blocked vent. Double-check your temperature by using a thermometer to make sure the thermostat is indeed working.
Compressors
The refrigerator compressor is used to keep your food cool, and if it's not working, your unit won't cool properly, commercial refrigeration compressor troubleshooting may be in order Looking for True commercial refrigerator troubleshooting specifically? True (and other commercial refrigeration companies for that matter) outline in their respective manuals how often you need to clean the compressor, but it's typically every 90 days.
Dirt, hair, grease, and more may build up in the compressor and keep it from functioning. Verify that the compressor has been cleaned recently, and is working as it should. A compressor that is running hot will certainly cause a refrigerator from getting cold.
Evaporator Fan
Is your commercial fridge freezing up, and is ice collecting throughout the unit? You need to make sure that your evaporator fan and evaporator fan motor are running correctly to provide proper air circulation. You'll need to first let the ice melt off the evaporator, if ice is present, by turning off your unit.
The coils of the evaporator should also be clean as should the fans, as dirty fans can cause issues. You can locate cleaning tips in your model's manual.
Make sure that the drain lines are clear as well. You may notice that only a part of the evaporator coil is freezing up, which could indicate you have a low charge, so the pressures and sub-cooling may need to be checked either by you or a certified technician.
Ice Maker & Water Supply Issues
If your commercial fridge has a built-in water dispenser or ice maker and either or both are on the fritz, you should be sure to check that the water supply is connected and that any auto-shutoff mechanisms on the ice maker are not accidentally tripped. Beyond that, you can generally find additional manufacturer-provided information in your product manual or guide. But of course, we are happy to provide commercial troubleshooting services if none of those actions do the trick.
Lighting Issues
Sometimes you may have a minor problem, such as the lights aren't working in your unit. If that's the case, you need to take a look at the lights themselves. True and other brands use LED lights, but if you need to replace a bulb, make sure it's verified and approved by your equipment's manufacturer, or else you run the risk of burning out the electrical sockets for the lights. Always read the manual that accompanies your appliance to make sure you're using the proper recommended repair options.
Additional Resources for Commercial Fridge Troubleshooting
If you have done your due diligence in troubleshooting how to repair your commercial refrigeration equipment, you may not have to use a commercial repair service company to fix common problems.
Looking for additional resources? Check out this refrigerator troubleshooting flowchart from our friends at fixitnow.com!
If you still can't pinpoint the exact problem, then you can always search online at sites like fixya.com, familyhandyman.com, or applianceassistant.com for solutions or consult social media for additional information.
If you still have no luck pinpointing your commercial refrigerator repair issue, you will need to consult a trusted commercial refrigeration repair service. Some brands make it easy to find a service locator by including a listing of repair services on their website.
Call Us for Commercial Refrigeration Repair Tips
If you are having trouble locating a repair technician, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-550-0706 for assistance. Remember, if your refrigerator is still under manufacturer or parts and labor warranty, you'll need to check the warranty details to make sure any repair you or a third party may perform won't void your warranty.
You may also look into a maintenance plan offered by a certified repair service to make sure your appliance runs smoothly 24 hours out of your day and doesn't have a malfunction at a time when you'll be inconvenienced. Regular maintenance on your commercial refrigerator will help minimize larger repair issues in the future.
When All Else Fails - Don't fix it... FINANCE IT!
Sometimes an older commercial refrigerator or freezer may be "too far gone" to repair. Why spend money, time and again, to repair an older appliance? Repair bills can add up quickly and so purchasing a new appliance can be hard on your cash flow, which is why we strive to help you get the most bang for your buck. Why fix it - when you can finance it ?!
Did you know that buying NEW may actually save you money? Not only do most new appliances come with a warranty, but they usually run more efficiently with some Energy Star qualified appliances using 40% LESS electricity - those savings alone will add up on your utility bills. In addition, by utilizing rebate programs like those provided by Energy Star you may qualify for tax credits up to 30% as well as additional local/state rebates!
Contact us today to speak with a live agent and see what separates us from our competition. Let one of our Customer Service Experts customize a solution for your unique situation, to help you determine if you're in need of a commercial freezer repair, commercial fridge repair, or simply a new unit.
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