It's a busy Friday afternoon at your popular Waukesha restaurant. The kitchen is bustling, preparing for the dinner rush, when your head chef notices the walk-in cooler isn't as cold as usual.
As a restaurant owner, for example, you know that properly functioning refrigeration is important for food safety and your business's success. But how do you know when it's time to call for professional commercial refrigeration service?
Signs of Refrigeration Issues: Changing Temperature
Even minor changes in temperature can have significant consequences. Whether your refrigerator is not cooling as effectively as it used to or the temperature inside the unit is inconsistent, these issues can signal underlying problems that require prompt service.
Temperature fluctuations can stem from various causes, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, inadequate refrigerant levels, or a failing compressor.
These components are vital to maintaining a stable environment for perishable goods. If the temperature in your refrigeration unit is too warm, it could trigger food spoilage, resulting in wasted inventory and potential health risks.
If the temperature is too cold, it might cause freezing in areas where it's not intended, damaging delicate items and affecting the quality of your products.
Maintenance plans can help you catch any issues before they escalate.
Weird Noises
If you start to hear unfamiliar noises, it's crucial to investigate them quickly by calling in Waukesha commercial HVAC services. Possible noises include:
Banging
Clicking
Hissing
Grinding
These noises can be a sign of different underlying issues within your refrigeration system. For example, a loud banging or clanking sound might suggest that a fan blade is loose or that the compressor is faulty.
A clicking noise could point to electrical problems, such as a faulty relay or capacitor, while a hissing sound may be a sign of a refrigerant leak.
Grinding noises often indicate wear and tear on moving parts like the fan motor or compressor. Preventive maintenance for fridges can help you combat any of these issues before you start heading weird noises
Ice Buildup
If you see ice forming on your refrigeration unit's evaporator coils, inside the freezer compartments, or around the door seals, it's time to call for professional refrigeration service.
Ice buildup can result from several issues, like a malfunctioning defrost system, poor door seals, or even a refrigerant leak. When the defrost system isn't working correctly, frost can accumulate on the coils, reducing system efficiency and making it work harder to maintain the desired temperature.
This not only strains the unit but also drives up your energy costs. Damaged or worn-out door seals can let warm, moist air into the unit, leading to ice formation and compromising the refrigeration system's ability to maintain a consistent temperature.
Bad Smells
Bad smells are major signs of refrigeration issues. One of the most common is food spoilage due to improper cooling.
One cause of bad smells is mold or mildew growth, which can occur if there is excess moisture inside the unit, often due to poor ventilation or a malfunctioning defrost system.
Mold produces a musty odor and can contaminate the refrigeration unit's air quality, affecting freshness. A chemical smell might be a sign of a refrigerant leak, which is dangerous.
Leaking
Water leaks are often caused by issues such as clogged or frozen drain lines, malfunctioning condensation systems, or faulty door seals.
A blocked drain line can prevent the proper flow of condensation away from the unit, causing water to back up and pool inside or around the refrigeration system.
This can lead to water damage to the unit itself, nearby flooring, or other equipment. It can also create fertile ground for mold and bacteria.
If you see any water leaks, you'll want to hire Waukesha refrigeration repair as soon as possible.
You might also struggle with refrigerant leaks. A refrigerant leak can cut down cooling efficiency, leading to rising temperatures inside the unit, which can spoil your inventory and cause the system to overwork.
Rising Bills
If you notice that your bills are steadily climbing without using your system more, it could be a sign that it's working harder than it needs to keep up the right temperature. So, you'll want to look into refrigeration and AC tune-up options.
When refrigerant levels drop, the system struggles to cool the interior, forcing the unit to overcompensate by running more often and for longer periods. This not only drives up energy costs but also puts extra strain on the system. That strain can lead to more severe issues like compressor failure.
Another common cause is a decline in the efficiency of key components like the compressor, condenser coils, or fans. Over time, these parts can wear down or get clogged up with dirt and debris, lowering their ability to operate properly.
Door Seal ProblemsÂ
Door seals, also known as gaskets, are designed to create an airtight barrier between the inside of the refrigeration unit and the external environment. When these seals are compromised, cold air can escape, and warm air can enter, disrupting the cooling process.
Over time, door seals can wear out because of use, exposure to temperature fluctuations, or simply because of age.
When seals start to deteriorate, they lose their ability to stick to the door frame, creating gaps where air can leak. These gaps may seem small, but they can have a big impact on refrigeration efficiency.
Alarms and Error Codes
Modern commercial refrigeration units are equipped with alarms and error code systems designed to alert you when something isn't functioning correctly.
An alarm may sound if the temperature inside the unit rises above or falls below the set range, which is a sign of a problem with the thermostat, cooling system, or even a door left ajar.
Error codes often provide more specific information, pointing to issues like a malfunctioning compressor, a refrigerant leak, or problems with the defrost system.
Commercial Refrigeration Service: Hire Today
If you notice any of these signs, call a Waukesha commercial refrigeration service to help ASAP.
Are you ready to get started? Lake Breeze Refrigeration and HVAC is a family-owned business dedicated to helping companies like you get your problems resolved quickly.
Contact us today.
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