Your business relies on your commercial refrigeration equipment to keep foods at a safe temperature. Whether you use this refrigeration equipment in a restaurant kitchen or larger-scale food processing facility, you need these appliances to work reliably.

By spotting early signs of commercial refrigeration problems, you can tackle minor repairs before they turn into larger and more expensive ones. This, in turn, can save your business money and ensure that your customers continue to receive the fresh food they deserve and expect. 

Exterior Condensation

The exterior surfaces of your commercial refrigerator should be dry; condensation forming on the outside of your refrigerator is typically not a good sign. In isolated instances, this condensation could mean that the refrigerator door was simply left open at some point. If the problem is recurring, or if you begin to notice ice building up on the outside of your refrigerator, then it's time to call for commercial refrigeration repair services. More than likely, the culprit is a bad evaporator coil or restricted airflow.

Temperature Inconsistencies

Does the inside of your commercial refrigerator sometimes feel warmer than it should? Perhaps you've even noticed that foods or beverages coming out of your fridge seem to be warmer than you'd expect. Inconsistent temperatures can be dangerous because this can lead to bacterial growth and food spoilage. Consider double-checking the internal temperature of your fridge using your own thermometer, and call a repair technician if the temperature is not staying below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Failing Door Seals

Another common problem on commercial refrigerators--especially side-by-side models--is that of faulty door seals. Over time, refrigerator doors can lose their ability to seal properly. This can lead to problems with your fridge being able to maintain its temperature. In some cases, the fix may be as simple as figuring out what's blocking the seal. In other instances, total seal or door replacement may be needed.

It's Past Its Prime

Don't wait until your commercial fridge completely fails and you lose a large amount of inventory to spoilage; the average lifespan of a commercial refrigerator is about 10-15 years. If your equipment is nearing that age, it may be time to consider a preemptive replacement.

Sometimes spending money on unexpected commercial fridge repairs or premature replacement is necessary. By being proactive about maintaining this equipment, you can keep it working properly for many years to come and save your business some money in the process.