Cooler not working, Here are some troubleshooting tips

We get a lot of service calls about walk in cooler and reach in coolers in Raleigh NC. And we have notice that a great deal of them relate to some of the same problems. We wanted to share with you some of the problems we run into on a daily basis when we get a service call for a reach in cooler or walk in cooler. 

Start with the Basics

If the commercial refrigerator does not seem to be running, check to see if it is turned on. If there is a switch, check to see if it is in the on position.

Check the plug and power outlet. If there is no power, it may not be the unit but the electricity. Sometimes faulty wiring can cause short circuits. Check the plug and the wiring to see if anything is broken or loose. You can use a non-contact voltage detector to test the presence of voltage in outlets. It is a quick way to find broken wires or loose connections.

If the commercial refrigerator is on, but not cooling, check the internal temperature with a thermometer to confirm the functioning of the thermostat. An incorrect temperature read could mean blocked vents or a broken thermostat.

Another reason the unit might not be cooling is worn gaskets. Regularly opening and closing refrigerator doors creates a lot of wear and tear on a unit’s gaskets. Check to see if the door is closing properly and sealing well.

Compressor, Condenser or Evaporator?

If it’s not the thermostat or gaskets, the problem might be the compressor. The compressor is the motor that distributes the coolant through the condenser and evaporator coils. You can usually diagnose a compressor problem if there is a loud noise coming from the unit. Compressors are sealed and are not easy to open up, fix and reseal. This means the compressor will have to be replaced.

If it’s not the compressor, it may be the condenser. The condenser coil removes free heat from the refrigerant so it can be used for cooling. Check to see if the condenser coils are clean. Sometimes coils get clogged or cracked, which can cause a refrigerant block or leak.

Next, check the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil pulls heat out of the inside of the unit. Sometimes the liquid inside the evaporator coil will freeze. The coil should be clean and the drain line should be clear.

You should also check the condenser or evaporator motor fans to see if they are rotating correctly. The condenser fan is located outside the unit and moves the refrigerant through the coil once it has been compressed. The evaporator motor fan is located inside the refrigerator on the ceiling or on the top of the unit.

Call for Support

Commercial refrigerator units are complex pieces of equipment. If you do not have experience handling maintenance issues on these systems, you should contact a refrigerator repair technician for assistance. A trained professional can help you fix the unit faster.