So your walk-in freezer isn’t holding temperature? That’s not just frustrating, it’s bad for business. Whether you run a restaurant in Finchley, a grocery store in Enfield, or a school kitchen in Barnet, a malfunctioning freezer can lead to spoiled inventory, health risks, and lost revenue. The good news? You’re not alone, and this guide is here to help you fix the problem, fast.

Let’s walk through why your walk-in freezer might not be holding temperature and what steps you can take to get it running smoothly again.

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Common Causes of Cold Room Temperature Problems

Faulty Thermostat

Think of the thermostat as the brain of your freezer. If it sends the wrong signals, your entire system will be off. When a thermostat misreads the temperature, it may not activate the compressor when needed, leading to rising internal temps. What to look for? The display doesn’t match an external thermometer, or your freezer cycles on and off frequently.

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Ice or Frost Build-Up

You open the door, and instead of seeing clean metal surfaces, you’re met with a frosty mess. Ice build-up usually means warm air has sneaked in or the defrost system is on the fritz. Why it matters? Ice blocks airflow and disrupts cooling efficiency.

Causes:

• Leaving the door open
• Faulty door gaskets
• Broken defrost heater

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Malfunctioning Evaporator Fans

If the evaporator fan stops working, your unit loses the ability to move cold air around. This results in uneven cooling, especially near the doors or back wall. Warning signs? Warm spots in the unit, or Fan not spinning or making unusual noise.

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Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils

Over time, dirt and dust collect on the condenser coils. That might seem harmless, but it reduces the unit’s ability to release heat, making the compressor work double-time. Clean the coils with a soft brush or vacuum every few months.

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Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is essential for cooling. If there’s a leak, pressure drops, and your freezer can’t hold low temps. Leaks are usually invisible but deadly for your compressor over time. Warning signs Hissing sound, Icy coils, Compressor frequently switching on and off.

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Damaged Door Gaskets or Seals

Even a small tear in your cold room door seal can let warm air seep in, creating condensation and frost. Over time, this can spiral into compressor strain and energy waste. Regularly inspect door gaskets for cracks, brittleness, or gaps.

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Overloading and Poor Product Placement

We get it, space is tight. But cramming products right up against the evaporator coil or back wall blocks airflow. This can create hot zones or lead to frozen goods in one area and mushy goods in another. Leave 2–4 inches between walls and stored items.

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Broken or Worn-Out Compressor

If thermostat is the brain of your freezer, your compressor is the heart of the system. If it’s struggling or failing, the whole unit suffers. A buzzing or clanking noise is a red flag that it’s working too hard, or not at all. Get it checked out by a technician before it fails completely.

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What You Can Do to Fix Cold Room

Immediate Troubleshooting Steps

Before calling in help, here’s what you can check:

• Is the thermostat set correctly?
• Are the doors fully sealing?
• Do you hear strange noises?
• Any visible ice or frost?
• Are fans and coils clean?

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Clean and Inspect Key Components

Use mild soap and water (or vinegar for odors) to clean Condenser coils, Evaporator fans, Door gaskets, Drain holes. This prevents major issues from building up silently.

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Rearranging and Organizing Products

Don’t block vents or stack items to the ceiling. Instead, use open shelving and keep aisles clear. This allows cold air to move freely and reduces pressure on the unit.

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Test the Thermostat

Use a reliable thermometer to verify your freezer’s internal temperature. If the reading doesn’t match the thermostat, it might be time for a replacement.

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Seal and Insulate the Unit Properly

Check Door alignment, Gasket integrity, Wall panel connections. If any area feels warmer or lets light through, seal it up!

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When to Call the Pros at D&A Repair

Why DIY Might Not Be Enough? You can clean, inspect, and rearrange but if your compressor’s failing or there’s a refrigerant leak? That’s a job for a certified cold room technician.

At D&A Repair, we understand urgency. We provide fast, honest, and affordable commercial freezer and cold room repair services across London and nearby towns like: Finchley, Hendon, Barnet, Colindale, Wood Green, Muswell Hill, Tottenham, Cheshunt, Potters Bar, Stanmore, and more!

We’re known for reliability, expertise, and service that saves you money and stress.

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

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Preventing Future Freezer Failures

Schedule Regular Maintenance: Our team can spot problems early, clean components, and keep your unit running like clockwork, saving you from expensive breakdowns later.

Train Staff on Best Practices: Remind staff to Always shut doors properly, Don’t overload the unit, Keep items spaced for airflow. Small habits can make a big difference.

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When your walk-in freezer isn’t holding temperature, it’s more than an inconvenience, it’s a direct hit to your bottom line. But with regular care, proper troubleshooting, and expert support from D&A Repair, you can keep things running smoothly and stress-free.

We’re just a call away, whether you’re in Edgware, Golders Green, or Bounds Green, we’ll get your freezer back to business fast.

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FAQs

1. What temperature should my cold room maintain?

Typically, it should stay at -18°C (0°F) or lower to ensure food safety and preserve frozen goods.

2. How often should I service my commercial freezer?

Ideally, every 6 months. Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and breakdowns.

3. Can a freezer run with low refrigerant?

It might run, but not efficiently, and it will strain the compressor, leading to failure.

4. Is it okay to DIY cold room repairs?

You can handle basic cleaning and checks, but leave electrical and refrigerant work to professionals to avoid injury or system damage.

5. Do you serve businesses outside London?

Yes! We proudly serve areas like Cheshunt, Borehamwood, and Potters Bar. Contact us for full service area info.