Common reasons your commercial fridge might be malfunctioning

Your commercial fridge is the backbone of your business operations. When it stops working properly, everything else can grind to a halt.

We want to help you spot the warning signs before minor issues turn into major headaches. The more you know about what can go wrong, the better you’ll be at catching problems early.

This article explores the most common issues with commercial fridges, how to prevent them and what to do if trouble strikes.

Daily checks make all the difference

Check your fridge temperature every single day.

Not only is this essential for compliance, but it’s your first line of defence against bigger problems.

Think of temperature changes as your commercial fridge’s way of waving a red flag. When you catch issues quickly, they’re usually simple and affordable to fix. But when problems linger, they tend to snowball into severe (and expensive) headaches.

While you’re at it, take a quick look at those door seals. They’re often the culprits behind temperature problems and are relatively easy to fix. Keep an eye out for excess moisture or frost build-up, too.

Don’t just use your eyes. Use your ears. A change in how your fridge sounds can tell you a lot about what’s happening inside.

Your commercial fridge should operate with a gentle, consistent hum that you’ll become accustomed to over time. This baseline sound is your reference point for detecting problems.

Listening to your fridge is crucial because many internal components will signal trouble through sound before they fail. While visual inspections can spot leaks or frost, they often miss mechanical issues developing inside the sealed system. Your ears can catch these problems weeks or even months before they cause a temperature failure or complete breakdown.

Moreover, addressing unusual sounds early typically means simpler, less expensive repairs. Wait too long, and you might be replacing entire systems rather than individual parts. Here’s what to listen for:

• Loud or irregular humming: If your fridge’s usual hum becomes noticeably louder or develops an irregular pattern, this often indicates that the compressor is struggling. The compressor may be working overtime due to issues with refrigerant levels or door seals, or it might be wearing out.
• Clicking or ticking: Occasional clicks when a fridge turns on or off are normal, but persistent clicking, especially rapid or rhythmic clicking, suggests problems with the relay switch or start capacitor that helps power up the compressor. If left unaddressed, this can lead to compressor failure.
• Buzzing or vibrating: New or increased buzzing sounds often point to fan issues. The condenser or evaporator fans may have accumulated dust, become misaligned or have worn bearings. A malfunctioning fan reduces cooling efficiency dramatically and puts strain on other components.
• Rattling or knocking: These sounds can indicate that something has come loose inside your fridge, perhaps a component mount or bracket. While sometimes minor, loose parts can damage other components if they interfere with moving parts.
• Gurgling or hissing: Some gurgling is normal as refrigerant moves through the system. However, pronounced hissing or bubbling noises often indicate a refrigerant leak, which is serious and requires immediate professional attention.
• Silence: Perhaps most concerning of all, complete silence might mean electrical problems or compressor failure.

Make it a habit to pause and listen to your fridge for a few moments during your daily temperature checks. Your ears might just save you from a costly emergency and protect the valuable stock inside your commercial fridge.

And remember, having a professional service your fridge regularly isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It keeps your equipment running smoothly for years to come.

Why maintenance matters

Think of your commercial fridge as an investment because it is. Regular maintenance helps protect that investment. It’s simple maths: a well-maintained fridge lasts longer than a neglected one.

That said, even the best equipment has a lifespan. It’s worth having an honest conversation with your fridge engineer about when it might be time to think about an upgrade.

Even with perfect maintenance, fridges can still fail. If yours does, quick action is essential to minimise the impact on your business.

When in doubt about food safety, always play it safe. It’s better to throw away questionable food than risk serving something that hasn’t been kept at the right temperature.

Need an upgrade? We’ve got you covered

Here at Fridgesmart, we get it. Fridge emergencies are real emergencies. That’s why we prioritise getting replacement commercial fridges to businesses quickly when disaster strikes.

We know fridges, and we know business. Whether you need a replacement right away or are planning for the future, we’re here to help.

Our range covers everything from eye-catching display fridges for your customer areas to hard-working storage fridges for behind the scenes. We’ve carefully selected options for every business size and budget.

For personalised advice on finding your perfect commercial fridge, give us a call today on 0115 941 3640.