If you’re running a restaurant, café, supermarket, or any food service business, Commercial Refrigerator Problems are one of the fastest ways to throw your entire operation into chaos. When your cooling system fails, food spoils, sales drop, and stress levels skyrocket. It’s more than just a technical hiccup—it’s a direct hit to your bottom line.

But here’s the good news: most commercial refrigerator problems can be fixed quickly and affordably—especially when you catch them early and know who to call. Let’s walk you through the most common commercial fridge issues, how to spot them, and how D&A Repair can help you get back on track—fast.

Downtime Means Lost Revenue – Imagine this: your walk-in fridge suddenly stops cooling properly on a Friday afternoon—right before a fully booked weekend. Panic sets in. Now you’re scrambling to move perishables, call around for emergency repair, and explain delays to your customers. A single refrigeration failure can cost a small business hundreds or even thousands of pounds. And most of the time, it’s completely avoidable.

What Our Customers Are Worried About? We’ve worked with hundreds of business owners across Finchley, Barnet, and surrounding areas. They all ask the same questions:

• “How fast can you get here?”

• “How much will this cost?”

• “Can I trust you not to upsell me stuff I don’t need?”

The answer? Fast. Fair. Trustworthy. That’s what D&A Repair is all about.

Knowing what can go wrong helps you catch it early, cut repair costs, and avoid unexpected downtime.

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1. Temperature Control Problems

What Causes It? This is hands-down the #1 issue in Commercial Refrigerator Problems. Your fridge isn’t holding the right temperature? Could be:

• A faulty thermostat

• A refrigerant leak

• Blocked air vents

• A dirty condenser coil

• Or even improper unit placement

Signs to Look Out For:

• Uneven cooling (some items too warm, others too cold)

• Food spoiling faster than usual

• Freezer burn or frost on products

• Digital display showing incorrect temps

Pro Tip: Use a backup thermometer inside the fridge to double-check the accuracy.

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2. Compressor Failures

Why Compressors Are the Heart of the System? Think of the compressor as the “engine” of your fridge. When it goes bad, cooling stops. Simple as that.

Warning Signs of Trouble:

• Loud humming, clicking, or buzzing

• Warm internal temperature despite settings

• Skyrocketing energy bills

• Frequent on/off cycling

A faulty compressor usually means it’s time to call a certified commercial refrigeration technician—like us at D&A Repair.

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3. Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is what actually cools the air inside your fridge. When there’s a leak, your unit can’t cool properly—plus, it’s bad for the environment.

How to Know If You Have a Leak:

• A hissing noise

• Ice buildup on coils

• Weak airflow

• Inconsistent temperature control

Leaks must be handled by professionals with certification in refrigerant recovery. Never DIY this one.

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4. Ice or Frost Buildup

When Ice is More Than Just a Chill Problem? Sure, it’s a fridge. A little frost might seem normal. But too much ice is usually a red flag:

• Door gasket failure

• Broken defrost timer

• Poor airflow

• High humidity in the kitchen

Proper Defrosting Techniques! Never chip ice with a knife—it can damage coils or puncture lines. Defrost manually and call for a diagnostic if it keeps happening.

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5. Door Seal & Hinge Problems

If the door doesn’t close tightly, cold air escapes and the compressor works overtime. Check for:

• Cracked or brittle rubber seals

• Misaligned doors

• Dirt or food debris preventing full closure

A quick seal replacement can save your compressor and cut your energy bills.

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6. Fan Motor and Evaporator Issues

Fan motors circulate cold air. If they’re broken or blocked, cooling becomes uneven and frost builds up. Common signs:

• Rattling or squealing sounds

• One side of the fridge colder than the other

• Ice on the evaporator coils

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7. Dirty or Frozen Coils (Evaporator & Condenser)

Dust, grease, or frost can block the coils, making your fridge work harder and less efficiently.

• Clean coils every 3–6 months

• Look for frost on evaporator coils—could signal airflow issues or defrost system failure

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8. Lighting Failures

Not a cooling issue, but still a headache—especially in display fridges. Always:

• Use manufacturer-approved bulbs

• Avoid bulbs with higher wattage—they can damage the socket

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9. Electrical & Power Supply Faults

If your unit doesn’t turn on:

• Check the outlet, fuse, and power cord

• Avoid extension cords

• Never ignore flickering displays or tripped breakers

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10. Placement and Ventilation Mistakes

Your fridge needs to breathe! If it’s jammed against the wall, heat builds up. Leave space around the unit for airflow.

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11. Post-Transport Installation Problems

Moved your fridge recently? It might be:

• Unlevelled (causes vibration and inefficient cooling)

• Internally dislodged components Always check balance and connections after any relocation.

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12. Ambient Temperature and Humidity Impact

Hot kitchens = fridge struggles. High humidity? Expect frost and condensation. Ensure good ventilation and stable room temperature.

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Routines to prevent Commercial Refrigerator Problems

Prevent breakdowns by:

• Cleaning coils regularly

• Checking and replacing door seals

• Testing thermostat accuracy

• Clearing blocked drain lines

• Listening for odd sounds or frequent cycling

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Save on Repairs by Catching Issues Early

Early action = less money spent later. You wouldn’t ignore a flat tyre—don’t ignore a buzzing fridge.

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What You Can Safely Do Yourself

• Clean condenser coils

• Replace bulbs and door gaskets

• Check for airflow obstructions

• Use a thermometer to monitor temps

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When to Call the Pros

• Compressor or fan issues

• Refrigerant leaks

• Electrical malfunctions

• Persistent frost or temperature issues

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Why Trust D&A Repair?

We’re local, fast, and honest. We don’t sell you stuff you don’t need. Just straight-up repairs and great service.

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Service Areas We Cover

We proudly serve: Finchley, Finchley Central, North Finchley, East Finchley, Woodside Park, Friern Barnet, Totteridge, Whetstone, New Southgate, Muswell Hill, Bounds Green, Barnet, New Barnet, Cockfosters, High Barnet, Potters Bar, Mill Hill, Hendon, Colindale, Edgware, Kingsbury, Stanmore, Borehamwood, Elstree, Bushey, Cuffley, Waltham Cross, Cheshunt, Golders Green, Brent Cross, Wood Green, Hornsey, Edmonton, Tottenham, Enfield—and beyond.

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Why Businesses Trust Us

• 5-star rated local technicians

• Certified, insured, and experienced

• Transparent pricing—no hidden fees

• Emergency service available 7 days a week

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Our Guarantee

If we fix it—it stays fixed. Or we make it right. Simple as that.

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Let’s Fix It Before It Gets Worse

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – One strange sound today can turn into a total breakdown tomorrow. Don’t take chances with your stock, sales, and sanity.

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Book a Repair or Ask a Question

 Phone: 07925535556 – 02080907132
 Email: info@darepair.co.uk
 Book Online: Visit our website

We’re here to help. Fast.

 

Commercial refrigeration issues are stressful—but they don’t have to be a disaster. With a bit of know-how and a trusted technician on your side, you can solve most Commercial Refrigerator problems before they become serious.

From dodgy thermostats to failing compressors, remember: They can be fixed! And D&A Repair is ready to do just that—reliably, quickly, and affordably.

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FAQs

1. What’s the lifespan of a commercial refrigerator?

Typically, 10–15 years with proper maintenance. Regular servicing helps extend the lifespan.

2. Can I keep running my fridge with a faulty fan?

Not a good idea. It can lead to uneven cooling, spoiled food, and more serious breakdowns.

3. Is frost always a sign of a problem?

A little frost is okay. Excessive buildup? That’s a red flag—likely airflow, defrost cycle, or seal issue.

4. How often should I schedule preventive maintenance?

At least twice a year. More often if you’re in a high-use or humid environment.

5. Do you service areas outside of North London?

Yes! We cover surrounding towns too. Just give us a call to check if we’re in your area.