Your commercial coolers and refrigerators are some of the most critical pieces of equipment in your business—until something goes wrong. A malfunctioning fridge can lead to spoiled inventory, lost revenue, and even health code violations. Whether you run a restaurant, grocery store, or medical facility in Alberta, staying ahead of refrigeration issues is essential for food safety, compliance, and energy efficiency.
Recognizing the warning signs early can help you prevent costly breakdowns. Here are the most common commercial refrigeration problems to watch for—and what to do about them.
1. Inconsistent Temperatures
If your fridge isn’t maintaining a consistent temperature, food may spoil faster, and your business could fall out of compliance with Alberta Health Services (AHS) food safety regulations. The ramifications of a failing can quickly cost more than a repair, possible causes include:
- Malfunctioning thermostats
- Refrigerant leaks
- Blocked airflow
- Failing compressors
- Frozen Coils
Pro Tip: Monitor and log your refrigerator’s internal temperature regularly. If you notice fluctuations, schedule an inspection immediately.
2. Excessive Frost or Ice Buildup
Too much frost in your walk-in fridge or reach-in cooler could mean poor airflow, faulty defrost cycles, or a malfunctioning evaporator coil. Excess ice buildup can lead to:
- Higher energy bills
- Restricted airflow, causing uneven cooling
- Potential damage to internal components
- Freezer burnt products
Fix: Ensure doors are closing properly and inspect door gaskets for wear. If frost keeps accumulating, professional servicing may be required.
3. Unusual Noises
Your commercial fridge should run quietly. Just like your car, if you hear loud bangs, grinding or rattling, it is usually a sign of nothing good. If you hear strange noises from your cooler, it may be a sign of:
- A failing fan motor
- Failing compressor
- Loose or worn-out components
- Refrigerant system problems
When to Act: Strange noises often signal impending failure. Get a technician to diagnose and fix the issue before it worsens.
4. Water Leaks or Excess Moisture
Puddles around your fridge or excessive condensation inside could indicate a clogged drain line, damaged door gaskets, or a failing condensate pump. Left unchecked, this can lead to:
- Mold growth
- Water damage to floors and equipment
- Increased risk of food contamination
Prevention Tip: Regularly check drain lines for blockages and ensure doors form a tight seal.
5. Doors Not Sealing Properly
Worn-out gaskets or misaligned doors allow warm air in, forcing your refrigerator to work harder and consume more energy. This issue may stem from:
- Damaged door seals
- Improperly adjusted hinges
- Warped door frames
Energy Savings: Replacing faulty seals improves efficiency and reduces energy costs. Inspect and replace them as needed.
6. Refrigerator Running Constantly
If your fridge seems to never shut off, even when it is really cold outside it could be due to:
- Dirty condenser coils
- Poor airflow around the unit
- Refrigerant leaks
- Failing compressor
- Malfunctioning temperature controls
Quick Fix: Clean condenser coils every three months to improve efficiency and prevent overheating.
7. Foul Odors
Bad smells coming from your fridge could be due to mold, bacterial growth, or refrigerant leaks. Regularly cleaning shelving, gaskets, and drain pans can help prevent odor buildup.
Urgent Warning: A chemical smell may indicate a refrigerant leak, which requires immediate professional attention.
If there is an emergency, please call us at +1 (403) 342-1155.
8. Higher Energy Bills
A sudden increase in your energy costs could signal that your refrigerator is losing efficiency. Potential causes include:
- Aging equipment
- Failing components
- Poor insulation or door seal leaks
Optimize Efficiency: Schedule routine maintenance to catch issues early and reduce energy waste.
Why Timely Repairs Matter in Alberta
In Alberta, your coolers & refrigerators hold thousands in product and keep your business making money. When they start showing signs of failure or need repairs, it’s better to resolve it before spoilt milk is the last thing on your mind. Especially with the stringent AHS regulations on food storage temperature and maintenance requirements, any of these fines or penalties are bad for business. With McMullen’s, we provide 24/7 Emergency service and routine maintenance/inspection programs to give your business peace of mind before refrigeration issues result in:
- Health code violations and potential fines
- Loss of expensive perishable inventory
- Higher energy costs due to inefficient cooling
