Signs Your Commercial Refrigerator Needs Repair

A commercial refrigerator is an essential appliance if you're running a food or retail business. Over time, your commercial refrigerator can malfunction due to constant use, over packing, power surges, and failure to perform regular planned maintenance. 

Some issues you might notice include water puddles inside or under your refrigerator, doors not shutting completely, or higher energy bills. Regular maintenance can help to fix these problems and keep your refrigerator running seamlessly and consistently.

So, how do you know your commercial refrigerator needs repair? Read on to discover four signs you need to have your refrigerator properly diagnosed by a verified technician. 



If your refrigerator door is warm to the touch or warm air comes out of the refrigerator, there could be an issue. Without proper cooling, your food will spoil and could expose your customers to foodborne illnesses. Cold air circulates inside the refrigerator to maintain temperatures then the air passes out the vents. But if the vents are blocked, airflow inside your refrigerator is obstructed. 

Also, your refrigerator may fail to cool because your compressor is faulty. A compressor in a commercial refrigerator is designed to dispense refrigerant through the coils. Depending on the damage, your technician may recommend you replace the compressor start relay or the entire compressor. 

If you notice such temperature issues with your commercial refrigerator, contact a technician to determine the underlying problem and provide the necessary solution.



If you ignore the water pooling inside or under your commercial refrigerator, you'll notice higher energy bills as the unit overworks and may eventually stop working. Besides, water puddles present a risk for slip and fall accidents for kitchen staff and customers.

A common cause of leaks in a refrigerator is a damaged drain pan. Most commercial refrigerators are designed to automatically melt any frost or ice that forms on the evaporator coils. When the ice melts, water flows into the drain pan — a tray underneath a refrigeration unit. But if the pan is misaligned or damaged, water spills over the edges. 

Sometimes, a clogged drain hose can cause water leaks. If there is buildup of ice or food particles, water leaks out when the ice melts. Also, water is dripping out through corroded parts of your commercial refrigerator. Delicate parts, such as the condenser and evaporator coils can corrode and crack over time due to harsh chemicals. 

To prevent increased energy bills, extensive damage and accidents, seek professional help if you notice signs of water leaks on your refrigerator. 



Commercial refrigerators often have door problems because they are opened and closed more than residential units. One reason your commercial refrigerator door won't shut completely is a worn out door seal. A refrigerator door with a faulty door seal needs to be fixed quickly because the cooler uses more energy than it should and may be very noisy. Also, warm air gets in and food items may start to spoil. 

Other reasons keeping your refrigerator door from completely shutting include worn out hinges, dirty seals, or the refrigerator isn't level. To avoid dealing with spoiled inventory, have a reliable technician check the issue with your door gasket and hinges as soon as possible. 



Refrigerators produce a normal humming noise when properly functioning. Common unusual noises your refrigerator could make include squeaking, knocking, rattling, dripping, clattering, or buzzing. 

These sounds may result from a dirty condenser coil or damaged condenser fan, or a malfunctioning evaporator or circulation fan. 

While some of these noises could be resolved with quick fixes like cleaning the debris trapped in the fan, others may indicate serious underlying issues. For instance, a knocking sound shows your fan motor is malfunctioning or the compressor isn't working. Thus, if you notice an unusual sound from your refrigerator, find a reputable repair service to determine the cause of the noise and make the necessary repairs.

A commercial refrigerator helps to preserve and keep your perishable items fresh to avoid loss or health issues. Thus, at all times, you need a properly functioning unit to keep your business running smoothly. Contact us at Hawkins Commercial Appliance for repair services on refrigeration and cooking equipment.