Display fridge not working? Things to check before calling an engineer

Businesses that either serve or sell food items to customers rely on their commercial refrigeration to function effectively. Food must be stored at the correct temperature to ensure that it’s safe. If you’re ever in any doubt about the safety of your food, then it’s imperative that you throw it, rather than risk the consequences of serving or selling bad food. You should be checking and recording the temperature of your display fridge daily. You should also have your refrigeration regularly serviced to help keep it in good working order and pick up on any issues before they develop.

Power Supply

While it may seem obvious, always check the power is correctly connected. Plugs can be knocked and come loose, resulting in loss of power to the unit. If you’re unsure if the issue is with the power outlet, you can try plugging another item into the socket to check that the power is working. Make sure that the voltage is correct, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Next, make sure the thermostat is on, and set to the right temperature. If the power is connected, and the thermostat is at the right temperature and your display fridge still isn’t working, then you’ll need to call out your fridge engineer.

Water Leaks

If you see any water pooling around or inside the unit, you’ll need to check this immediately. Firstly check that the unit is level, as this is important for optimum function. Check that the outflow pipes are clear and working properly. Empty the condenser tray, and check there isn’t an excessive build-up of ice. It may be necessary to defrost the unit. If you’ve checked all of these and you’re still experiencing water leaks, then you’ll need to call a fridge engineer.

Lighting and Indicators

Check that the switch for the lighting is turned on. Again, this can be knocked during everyday use. Check that the condenser is clean, and if not, then clean the condenser. It’s also important to physically check around the unit, and see if it’s excessively hot, which may indicate that the display fridge is overworking to try and maintain temperature. If you’re unsure the device is working correctly, check with a portable thermometer. If food items don’t feel cold, check how long they’ve been in the unit. It may be that they’ve not yet had a chance to cool down. If your fridge isn’t holding the correct temperature and you can’t see a reason why, then you’ll need to seek professional advice.

Noises

You should be aware of the normal noises made by your display fridge. If it’s making unusual noises, this may indicate a problem. Rattling may be a sign that your display is unlevel, and this can be easily solved. Clicking or buzzing may be a sign that the compressor is struggling, so check that it’s clean and clear of any build-up of debris. If the noises persist, it may be time to call a professional.

Door seals

Door seals can become damaged or worn during daily use. Check and clean the door seals regularly. If you see any signs of damage, then your door seals can be replaced by a competent person.

Troubleshooting checklist

Before calling an engineer make sure you have checked the following:

• Is the power on and working?
• Is the thermostat on and the correct temperature?
• Have you checked and cleaned the condenser?
• Are all ventilation holes clear?
• Is the unit level?
• Have you checked the door seals for wear and tear or damage?
• If there’s a leak, have you checked the source?

If you’ve checked all the above areas and the display fridge still isn’t working correctly, then you need to call your reliable fridge engineer.

Service and record

It’s important to have your display fridge regularly serviced to help troubleshoot problems and optimise its performance. It’s sensible to keep a record of the service history, as well as recording the daily temperature checks. If you do need to call an engineer out, they’ll want to know when your display fridge was last serviced.

Fridgesmart is here to help

While it’s always best to try and repair your display fridge, at some point it will need replacing. We understand how reliant your business is on its commercial refrigeration, and will always endeavour to provide emergency replacements quickly, to minimise business disruption. Whether you’re looking for an immediate replacement, or are planning for an upgrade, we have an extensive range of display fridges for all budgets and businesses. Call us today on 0115 9413640.