When you run a business that deals with food, the condition of your commercial freezer should be your number one priority.
Not only are there health risks involved with improper refrigeration, but a failing unit can cost you money when it comes to spoiled food and soaring energy bills.
Plus, commercial freezer units are not cheap and the last thing you want to do is face the cost of having the entire thing replaced.
So, what can you do instead?
Commercial freezers can have a long and productive life if they are properly maintained and repaired when needed.
By knowing the signs that your commercial freezer needs repair, you’ll be able to address the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
1. There is Excessive Frost and Ice Buildup
Frost and ice buildup in commercial freezers are common and, in most cases, you can thaw the freezer and fix the problem.
However, if your freezer seems to have constant frost buildup, it may be time for a repair.
Frost buildup is a sign that the system isn’t cooling properly but with the help of a professional technician, this issue can be easily repaired.
2. The Doors Are Damaged or Worn
In order to maintain the proper temperature inside your commercial freezer, the doors must properly close and seal.
If they don’t, air will leak from the freezer and cause the internal temperature to increase. This can affect the temperature of your food and potentially lead to food spoilage or health issues.
Don’t take the risk and have damaged or worn doors repaired immediately.
3. Water is Leaking From the Unit
If your commercial freezer is leaking, you’ll notice wet spots on the floor surrounding the unit. You may also notice that the room is more humid than normal.
Leaks are usually caused by old or damaged seals but sometimes they can happen if the unit was improperly installed.
This is an issue you want to have repaired immediately since standing water can create all kinds of safety risks including slips, falls, mold, and mildew.
4. Too Much Condensation
Another sign of an old or cracked seal is too much condensation when you open your freezer.
Damaged seals do not adequately keep cold air in and warm air out – which can lead to food spoilage and bacteria growth.
This is why it’s important to have your seals repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
5. The Freezer’s Temperature is Inconsistent
You’ll know your commercial freezer is not maintaining a consistent temperature when you find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat.
Inconsistent temperatures can lead to food thawing and spoiling as well as an increase in electricity usage.
This can be either an electrical or mechanical issue so you’ll want a technician to properly diagnose and repair it.
6. You Are Noticing Strange Smells
Strange smells are a sure sign that your commercial freezer needs to be repaired.
Weird and foul odors can be caused by all kinds of issues such as mold, mildew, spoiled food, bacteria buildup, and freezer burn.
Don’t take these strange scents lightly. Have your freezer inspected and repaired.
7. There Are Loud Sounds Coming From the Freezer
Perhaps your nose isn’t picking up on any issues, but your ears might. Although commercial freezers are notoriously noisy, you’ll likely notice any unfamiliar or loud sounds coming from your unit.
If you are hearing unusual clicking or banging sounds, it could mean that the motor or condenser is failing. If they do, your unit will shut down and cause food preservation issues.
8. Your Food is Spoiling Before the Expiration Date
Sometimes there may not be any obvious signs that your commercial freezer is in need of repair so it’s important to keep a close eye on your food’s expiration dates.
If you notice that your food is spoiling more frequently than normal, or going bad before the expiry date, your freezer is likely not cooling effectively.
Food poisoning is not worth the risk. Have your commercial freezer repaired immediately.
9. You’ve Noticed an Increase in Your Energy Bill
Another covert sign that your commercial freezer isn’t working properly could be an increase in your business’s energy costs. Any number of issues can cause your unit to stop working efficiently and negatively impact your energy bill.
As your commercial freezer warms up, it has to reboot in order to cool down – which uses more energy.
This can also mean that the internal temperatures inside the freezer are inconsistent which can lead to greater issues such as food spoilage and food poisoning.
10. The Back of the Freezer Feels Hot
Commercial freezers use motors to maintain a cold temperature. The motor will get warm which means that it is working.
However, if you reach your hand around to the back of the freezer and it feels hot, the motor is overheating. It’s critical to have this repaired as soon as possible to prevent having to replace the entire unit.
Preventative Maintenance for Peace of Mind
When you’re running a business that involves food, having a reliable supplier to service your commercial freezer is critical.
If your freezer leaks or fails, you could face a huge cost in lost business and spoiled inventory.
You now know what signs to look out for when it comes to having your commercial freezer repaired – but what if we could do you one better?
Our team at Advantage Refrigeration is caring, qualified, efficient, and knowledgeable when it comes to repairing your commercial freezer so that you can continue your business as usual.
We offer expert maintenance and service along with a Maintenance Program that will ensure peace of mind and peak performance.
By scheduling ongoing preventative maintenance with Advantage Refrigeration, our team can regularly inspect and repair your commercial freezer to prevent issues and downtime.
Ready to learn more? Give us a call at 780-438-2014 or contact us through our website for more information!
