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0 Restaurants, hospitals, and fast food chains that need to store food as inventory require commercial freezers. This is the only way to keep things from rotting or spoiling. However, like other kitchen appliances, commercial freezers need maintenance from a commercial refrigerators repair technician so they work in top condition. So, let’s take a look at some common problems you can encounter otherwise and how to troubleshoot them.
Power Problems
Some of the most common problems in commercial freezers are related to power. Commercial freezers are designed to work round the clock but not without reducing the life of the components. There is no doubt that the components have to withstand a beating on a daily basis.
Power Switch And Power Plug
As a result, it is often that business owners come to find out that either the commercial freezer is not performing at its peak or is simply not turning on. The first thing you need to do in such a situation is to check the power switch. It might be that someone has accidentally flipped it.
If that is not the case, you should move on to checking the power plug. If the power cord is loose, you should plug it in. If that does not solve the issue, you should inspect the power cord for any cracks or damage. Moreover, you should also check to see if the socket is working fine or not.
Unplug your freezer from the power socket and try plugging in some other electric appliances. If they are not turning on as well, it means there is a problem with the power socket.
Fuse And Circuit Breaker
Finally, it comes down to checking the fuse and circuits. Both fuse and circuits either blow or trip to prevent the unit from permanent damage. They also prevent fire hazards. So, it might be that the freezer has a blown fuse. Plus, it can be tripped circuit breaker as well.
Try flipping the circuit breaker to see if the freezer runs again. However, if there is another blown fuse or the breaker happens to trip again, it means there is something wrong with the freezer. You should consult an expert on the matter.
High Temperatures
If you observe that the food stored inside the freezer is spoiling or thawing, it means the temperature inside is not appropriate and before you end up throwing expensive food items, you should address the issue immediately.
Freezer Position
The first thing you need to ensure is that the freezer is positioned the right way and away from appliances that produce heat. If it is placed near your gas oven, the freezer will have to work twice as hard to maintain the temperature. This will not only harm the components but also increase your electricity bills.
Furthermore, it should be kept away from direct sunlight and a distance from the wall. Freezers need proper air ventilation to disperse heat. That said, if the unit is attached to the wall, it will not be able to disperse heat and will eventually heat up.
Condenser Coils
Once you have made sure the freezer is positioned correctly, you should inspect the condenser coils. Even though keeping the condenser coils clean is part of basic maintenance but is often ignored. If the coils happen to be dirty, the heat will not be dispersed.
Door Gaskets And Hinges
If that does not make a difference, you should check the door gasket and hinges. If the commercial freezer happens to be old, chances are the hinges and door gasket need replacement. These components are mostly made of plastic and will wear out with time.
Most importantly, cracked or damaged gaskets will allow cool air to escape and warm air to enter. At the same time, check to see if the doors close properly. If the hinges are weak, the door will remain slightly open. This will allow hot air to enter.
Thermostat
If everything seems fine, you should check the thermostat as a last resort. A thermostat serves as the brain of the freezer. If it is malfunctioning, it will not be able to communicate properly with the ECU, leading to high temperatures.
In addition to that, freezer crowding is also a major contributor to such problems. If the temperature gauge is blocked by the inventory, it will not be able to read the temperatures correctly. And if that is not the case, then the thermometer is malfunctioning. Try replacing the batteries or the thermometer itself.
Low Temperatures
Although freezers are designed to produce cool air to store food items, being too cold can be a problem as well. If you observe ice buildup in different areas of the freezer, it means there is something unusual going on.
Modern commercial freezers come with an automatic defrost feature. As soon as the freezer detects ice buildup, it automatically initiates the defrost mode. Make sure the evaporator coils are not covered with ice. If that is the case, it means the freezer is not defrosting and there is an issue with the defrost timer.
Unfortunately, you cannot repair the timer, and will need replacement. You should get in touch with a commercial appliances repair Northern VA expert who is skilled in repairing commercial freezers. Have the freezer inspected by the expert. They will check the whole freezer and suggest the parts that need repair or replacement.
Compressor Problems
Compressors are rigid and tough freezer components that will stand the test of time. However, not without proper maintenance. A compressor is the heart of the freezer and helps produces cool air. Not only that, these components aren’t cheap either. A compressor could cost thousands of dollars if it happens to malfunction.
So, if you notice that your freezer is constantly tripping or hear unusual noises, you will need to check the compressor. If the compressor is faulty, the freezer will not be able to maintain the temperature. It could also be that the refrigerant level is low.
Keep in mind that the functioning and lifespan of the compressor are dependent on the refrigerant level. If the refrigerant level happens to be low, the compressor will work harder than usual to make up for the loss. As a result, it will heat up and eventually give up.
How Can I Prevent Commercial Freezer Problems?
The best way to prevent commercial freezer problems and to keep it running effortlessly is to provide regular maintenance. Make sure a professional always performs regular maintenance.
You might come across many services being offered at a price lower than the market rate but that does not prove to be a smart decision each time. If you end up handing the task over to an amateur, do not be surprised if your freezer keeps breaking down in the future.
In the meantime, train your employees to inspect and clean the filters along with other important components to prevent breakdowns during rush hours.
Conclusion
In the end, troubleshooting your commercial freezer can surely be tricky sometimes. However, the tips mentioned above will surely keep it going without hurting your business. Simply ensure regular maintenance from a commercial freezer repairs Alexandria professional and be on the lookout for any unusual signs and symptoms so you can consult experts timely.
