When food isn’t cold enough, it can be a big inconvenience. However, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot this issue and get your commercial freezer working correctly again.
A faulty thermostat, dirty condenser coils, obstructed airflow, or a fan failure can all cause your freezer to not get cold enough. It’s important to fix these problems as soon as possible to avoid food spoilage or damage to your freezer.
Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can cause your freezer to not get cold enough. You may be able to fix the problem on your own with a thermometer, or you might need a repair specialist.
Thermostats control the temperature of your freezer and fridge by sending power to the compressor and condenser coils. They also tell the refrigerant vapor from your compressor how much energy to use and how long to cool the system.
If the thermostat fails, it will not send power to the refrigerant system, which will make your refrigerator and freezer not get cold. You can test the thermostat to see if it works by turning it from its lowest to the highest setting. You can also check the thermostat with your multimeter, which will let you know if it sends the right amount of electricity to the compressor and condenser coils.
Other causes of a commercial freezer that is not getting cold include dirty condenser coils, a broken evaporator fan motor, or a defrost cycle that is not adjusted properly. Clean the condenser coils regularly to keep them from becoming clogged and decreasing their cooling capacity.
The evaporator fan in your freezer helps to circulate air and remove ice from the coils. It is usually located behind the back cover of your freezer, and the blades should be free from ice buildup.
When the evaporator fan is not operating properly, you can hear a high-pitched sound coming from it. This is a sign that the motor is dying. It is easy to replace, but it is best to call a professional for help if you aren’t familiar with the process.
Another common reason that your freezer is not getting cold enough is a sealed system leak. This is typically a cost-prohibitive repair, but if you can determine which part of the evaporator coils is leaking and where, this problem can be addressed with an expert technician.
It is likely a leak if you see one or more parts of your evaporator coil frosting over. Depending on the size of your freezer, this can either be repaired by a service professional, or you will need to replace your appliance entirely.
Condenser Fan
A commercial freezer uses a fan to help cool the condenser coils that make up the refrigerator’s cooling system. The coils, in turn, help the compressor to cool down the refrigerant that is pushed into them.
The condenser fan is one of the first things to check if your freezer isn’t getting cold enough. If the blades are obstructed by dust or other obstructions, this may cause them to not spin properly and prevent the air from being cooled.
Another thing to check is the thermostat. If your freezer’s thermostat isn’t working correctly, it could cause the condenser fan to not run. The thermostat controls the fan’s speed and can shut it off if it gets too hot.
The fan can be a common problem that can cause a commercial freezer to not get cold enough. If your condenser fan is running but not able to keep the condenser coils cool, it’s probably time to replace it.
You can easily test the condenser fan motor by removing the cover and checking the fan for obstructions. If the blades are not obstructed, they should rotate freely.
If the blades are obstructed, you’ll need to remove them and examine them for damage or other issues. If they’re in good condition, you may be able to just replace the fan.
Depending on the type of condenser fan motor you have, it can be a good idea to schedule an annual lubrication to prevent overheating. This can save you a lot of money in the long run and ensure your appliance functions properly.
In the end, it’s always best to call an HVAC technician if you have any questions or concerns about your commercial appliance. An expert will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it for you.
The condenser fan motor is located inside the bottom cabinet of your freezer. It’s typically connected to the contactor switch that provides the compressor and condenser fan voltage. The capacitor that stores this energy is also located inside the unit. When the capacitor fails, the motor will no longer work.
Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan is part of the cooling system in your refrigerator or freezer that blows air over the cold evaporator coils to help circulate the cold air throughout the appliance. It is usually located behind a protective covering plate in the back of the freezer compartment.
Like the condenser fan, you will need to replace the evaporator fan motor when it stops working. This is a relatively easy task that an appliance repair specialist can do. They will remove the evaporator panel and mounting clip in the freezer, then remove the wire harness and fan blades before replacing the motor.
In most cases, a technician will test the fan by rotating the blades by hand to see if the blades spin freely. They may also run a multimeter to check if the fan works correctly.
When your evaporator fan is not functioning properly, it can cause your commercial freezer to not get cold enough. This is caused by the fan not moving the correct amount of air across the evaporator coils.
Another common reason your evaporator fan is not operating properly is that there is too much ice buildup on the fan blades. This ice prevents your freezer from circulating the air properly and can make it hard for the freezer to keep the right temperature.
A more serious issue that can cause your evaporator fan to stop working is if your evaporator coils are dirty. Dirty condenser coils can reduce your refrigerator’s ability to cool because it makes the refrigerant retain heat rather than release it.
If you have a clean evaporator coil, the evaporator fan should be working just fine. However, if your freezer is still not getting cold, it might be time to replace the fan.
You can find replacement evaporator fans at most home improvement stores or on the internet. They typically cost about $15 and should last about 15 years. If you’re unsure about a particular brand, check the manufacturer’s website for more information. You can also contact your local appliance store for advice on which fan to purchase.
Door Seal
A commercial freezer’s door seal provides a protective barrier to keep cool and warm air in. If the seal is ripped or torn, cold air can escape, and warm air can enter, increasing the temperature inside the freezer. Similarly, if the hinges are loose or broken, the door won’t close properly, and cold air can escape. Also, if there are no freezer door strips, it may struggle to hold its temperature.
A wide variety of materials are available for commercial door gaskets. Common choices are EPDM, TPE, and fluorosilicone. Each has different advantages and disadvantages. Some compounds are more resistant to weather and less expensive than others.
The design and position of the locking system and hinge plates can also affect the performance of a gasket. Locks that are improperly aligned, manufacturing defects, and assembly errors can create zones that lack the necessary compressive force to form a tight seal.
In this case, it’s important to design hinge plates that won’t place excessive pressure on the gasket and will provide consistent compression along the entire frame of the door. Symptoms of an improperly designed hinge plate include flattening the gasket on the hinge side and a gap on the latch side.
Brush seals are a great option for doors needing more flexibility than rubber weatherstripping. They can be installed in surface or mortised applications and are fire rated.
Another way to ensure a strong door seal is to install the threshold before installing the weatherstripping. This will prevent drafts from escaping between the threshold and the bottom door seal.
Whether it’s a metal, aluminum, or vinyl door, a good-quality strip will prevent leaks and reduce energy costs by keeping the air in and out of your building. These strips come in a variety of sizes and are typically made from durable materials that resist mildew and wear and tear.
Consider stopping-mounted gaskets if you’re looking for a stronger, more durable seal. These gaskets are made from a thicker material that completely seals the gap between the door and the frame, maintaining a proper seal. They also allow you to adjust the thickness of the gasket during installation, ensuring the best fit for your application.