If you are running a commercial business, your commercial freezer is one of the most important appliances that your kitchen relies on an everyday basis. Commercial freezers are designed to store and keep food items fresh. In some cases, they are also used to chill the soft drinks in a small amount of time especially when there are a lot of customers to deal with. Like other electronic appliances, commercial freezers run into problems as well. A commercial freezer not turning on can be a frustrating issue. You may be tempted to bring in a commercial appliances repair technician for help, but if you know about the causes, you might be able to troubleshoot it.
We will list potential causes and try to troubleshoot them to get your commercial freezer running back to normal.
Check The Power Supply
If your commercial freezer is not turning on, you will need to begin troubleshooting the issue from the basics first. So, you must check the power supply first. Try plugging the freezer into another power socket to see if it turns on. If it does, it means the problem is with the power socket. You will need to replace it.
If it doesn’t, it means the problem might be with the circuit breaker. Locate the circuit breaker and see if the main switch is in the ‘ON’ position. If it is in the ‘OFF’ position, you will need to switch it. This should resume the power supply and your commercial freezer should start running again.
But, if it shuts down after a while, it means the problem is with the circuit breaker or a blown fuse. The circuit breaker is a type of safety device that helps expensive kitchen appliances from permanent and expensive damage in case of power fluctuation. So, instead of panicking, you should simply toggle the switch or check and replace a blown fuse.
At the same time, you should also check the power supply wire for any cracks or damage. If the commercial freezer happens to be old, the wire can experience some wear and tear over time. This could also disrupt the power supply. So, if you can replace the power supply wire, you should do it to prevent any future complications.
Overpacking
Modern commercial freezers are not only loaded with cooling and freezing features but also safety. Since the aim is to prolong the lifespan of the unit, manufacturers equip their freezers with sensors that shut down the unit when they sense something unusual.
Back in the day, you had commercial freezers that were not bothered with overpacking. As a result, the freezers would work harder than usual to make up for the loss of cool air. They had to maintain the desired temperature and, in that pursuit, the units would consume far more electricity to result in hefty monthly energy bills.
Today, the case is different as modern commercial freezers simply shut down if they are overpacked. If you observe closely, you will see separate compartments inside the unit. Freezers have different storage capacities for different types of food items. This does not mean you should overpack the unit.
Overpacking the unit will appear as a problem to the unit and it might shut down to prevent overheating. So, you will want to make sure you are not overloading it every time to hinder its performance.
Dirty Coils
Another important factor you need to keep in mind while troubleshooting a freezer that does not turn on is dirty coils. Your commercial freezers come with condenser and evaporator coils. These coils help disperse heat produced as a byproduct of cool air.
But, with time these coils can be covered with dirt and dust accumulations. If that is the case, your coils will heat up to the point where the unit will shut down. In worst-case scenarios, the coils will become permanently damaged as well. Unfortunately, this is something business owners simply ignore.
To prevent such a situation from taking place, you should make sure to perform regular inspections and maintenance. You should also train and educate your employees regarding maintenance that should take place at least once a week. Apart from dust and debris, you will need to keep an eye for ice buildup as well, which we will in the next point.
Frost Build-Up
Frost build-up is another issue among commercial freezers that makes it difficult for them to operate normally. Modern commercial freezers automatically engage the defrosting cycle if they detect frost build-up. But, if your commercial freezer is old or the feature simply fails to turn on, you will need to manually defrost the unit.
In most cases, defrosting takes place if the cool air inside is escaping and the outside air is making its way in. You should check the seals and gaskets to ensure there are no leakages. Sometimes, the leakages can be minor and difficult to track.
In such cases, involve commercial refrigerator services Northern VA. They will send an expert who will thoroughly inspect the unit and fix the issue that’s stopping the commercial freezer from turning on.
Dirty Filter
Modern commercial freezers also come with filters that not only filter the air but also water. Although most freezers come with one or two filters, it depends on the model of the unit. The purpose of the filters is to ensure quality and everything remains fresh inside the freezer.
With time, these filters can also become clogged due to dust and debris buildup. This could make the freezer shut down or simply not turn on. You might think that the freezer is permanently damaged or will need to be fixed but sometimes the problem is as simple as the air filter needing cleaning.
Since, commercial kitchens are busy places, oil, dirt, and other factors can make it difficult for the units to function. So, make sure the filters are clean to help the unit run flawlessly.
Faulty Thermostat
In some cases, a faulty thermostat can cause the freezer to not turn on or run warm. You would need an expert who can check and calibrate the thermostat. If it’s faulty, the expert will replace the thermostat.
How To Prevent Commercial Freezer Issues?
Preventing commercial freezer issues is not that difficult. All you need to do is make sure you schedule professional maintenance at least once a year. Professional maintenance not only helps thoroughly clean the unit inside out but also inspects for any repairs and replacements.
Even though your team should also perform inspections and maintenance, they will not be able to go deep inside the unit due to a lack of expertise and tools. That said, an expert will be able to identify potential issues beforehand and fix them before they cause any trouble.
It is simply an investment you make to avoid complications just when you least expect them on busy business days.
Conclusion
Commercial freezers are fairly simple appliances to work with. You might experience some complications but considering the tips mentioned above, you should be able to make it work. If not, consult a commercial freezer repairs Fairfax expert. Plus, it is equally important that you keep a maintenance schedule for the smooth functioning of the unit. This will require putting in some time and effort but your business won’t have to see its bad days in return.
