Signs Your Commercial Freezer Needs Repair in Hawthorne, FL

Do you run a food or retail business in Hawthorne, FL? If so, one of your priorities should be to take good care of your commercial freezers.

Beyond the health risks that come with improper refrigeration, a failing unit can cost you a lot of money. And if you ignore certain warning signs for long enough, you may end up having to invest in a whole new freezer!

Want to ensure your freezers have a long and productive life? Here are some common indicators that you need commercial freezer repair services!

Water Leaks

Water pooling under your freezer is one of the most common refrigeration repair signs you can see. You’ll want to get to the root of the issue quickly, as standing water presents a safety risk for your staff and customers.

The most common cause of leaks is a damaged drain pan. Most freezers will automatically melt the ice that forms on the evaporator coils. This water then flows into a drain pan under the unit — if it’s damaged, you’ll see leaks.

A clogged drain hole can also cause water leaks. Fixing this is as simple as locating the drain hole and using a basting syringe to fill it with warm water. This will dislodge any ice or other debris and unclog the drain hole.

Excessive Condensation

Condensation in a freezer tends to occur on the rear wall or in the drawers. Some condensation is normal, but excess moisture is not. This often happens if the air inside your freezer can’t absorb the humidity.

You’ll often notice excess condensation if you pack your freezer too tightly. If this happens, the cold air won’t be able to circulate. Excess condensation may also occur due to low thermostat settings or high ambient temps.

Damaged Door Seal

Door seal failure is another common reason for excess condensation. The reason why this gets its own section is that it can cause other issues too. For example, it makes your freezer work harder than it needs to.

Door issues are prevalent with commercial freezers because they see more use than residential units. This is why it’s important to regularly wipe the door seal clean, inspect it for damage, and replace it if needed.

Frost Buildup

Ice and frost buildup is usually an extreme form of excess condensation. If this is an isolated issue, fixing it is simple enough. All you need to do is thaw the freezer by turning it off and leaving it alone for a few hours.

If frost buildup is a regular occurrence, your freezer likely isn’t cooling off properly. Check the door seal and ensure the unit isn’t overstuffed. If the issue persists, contact Hawthorne FL freezer services.

Food Spoilage

Spoiling food is one of the most annoying commercial refrigeration issues. It’s also among the least obvious ones. Some foods (including meat) may not show obvious signs of decay, but their flavor will get worse over time.

Does your food often spoil before its expiration date? If so, it’s likely because your freezer can’t maintain a consistent temperature. Have a professional inspect it as soon as possible to avoid food poisoning issues.

Strange Smells

Strange smells in a freezer are usually the result of microbes like mold and bacteria. Though a freezer slows microbe growth, some can still thrive at the right temperatures. This is particularly common in warm climates like Florida.

Some bad smells may also happen due to freezer burn. This happens to food that’s lost moisture due to being frozen for too long. To get rid of this smell, pour baking soda into a bowl and leave it in the freezer for a few days.

Unusual Noises

Even if your nose isn’t picking up any issues with the freezer, your ears might. A commercial freezer is noisy, but it should only produce humming. If you hear sounds like rattling or squeaking, something may be wrong.

Though some noises have quick fixes, others may point to serious underlying issues. For instance, a knocking sound may mean your fan motor is failing. If you can’t identify the source of the sound, it’s best to call in the pros.

High Energy Bills

A commercial freezer can be an energy hog, even when it’s working properly. If it’s malfunctioning, it will need to work even harder to keep food cool. As a result, your energy bills could see a significant spike.

There are many reasons why your freezer isn’t as efficient as it used to be. This includes broken door seals, bad compressors, electrical issues, and so on. Your freezer may also not be very energy-efficient in general.

Fluctuating Temperatures

When it comes to freezer maintenance tips, keeping the temps consistent is always at the top of the list. If you keep having to adjust the thermostat, there’s likely a mechanical or electrical issue with the freezer.

One particularly common reason for fluctuating temps is a faulty compressor. A damaged compressor can’t dispense refrigerant properly. If this is your issue, you’ll need to replace the compressor or its start relay.

Warm Exterior

Is the back of your freezer warm or hot to the touch? To a certain degree, this is normal. To prevent moisture from forming on the outside of the unit, the compressor creates heat and dissipates it to the sides of the freezer.

If your freezer is continuously hot, though, you’ll need to do some equipment troubleshooting. The most likely culprit is a damaged condenser fan. That said, you may simply need to clean your condenser coils.

Why You Should Hire Commercial Freezer Repair Services

As you can see, there are plenty of warning signs that your freezer is acting up. The one thing all these indicators have in common is that you should deal with them ASAP. Consult this guide to identify your specific issue!

In need of commercial freezer repair services in Hawthorne, FL? Our award-winning team at A Plus Air Conditioning & Refrigeration is ready to help! Schedule a service here or call us at 352-608-5019 for emergency repairs!