Orlando commercial refrigeration units can be expensive to own and operate. One way to save some of that money is by learning how to troubleshoot common problems. Sometimes doing so may lead to discovering it’s a problem that you can solve yourself, saving the expense of a service call. If on the other hand you know you have a problem that you cannot fix yourself, call the experts at All Temp AC and Refrigeration. We can fix any problems you might have and offer tips on how to minimize breakdowns. Here are some tips for troubleshooting your own systems, all based on a simple questions:
Is the unit totally dead? If there is no power, the odds are good that the problem lies with the power source. First, did someone flip the on/off switch? If not, try pulling the plug and plugging in something else in the same socket. If the socket is good, it’s likely the problem is with the unit’s internal components—that means you need to make a service call to fix your Orlando commercial refrigeration unit.
Is the unit freezing up? If so, it’s usually a sign that something is up with your evaporator. Check to make sure the fan is running (i.e. rotating properly) and if it’s not, melt the ice using a hair dryer. Also be sure the coil is free of dust and that the drain line isn’t plugged (if it is, blow it clear with a straw). On the other hand, if only the beginning section of the evaporator pipe is freezing, it’s likely there is an internal mechanical problem, which means you’ll need to make a service call.
Do you suspect it might be a compressor problem? Other than checking to make sure the coils are clean, diagnosing compressor problems are usually only for those willing to buy some tools and learn a little about compressors. Otherwise it’s best to leave it to the professionals. For those willing to do it themselves, first check to see if the compressor is doing anything at all. If not, that’s about all you can do. If it’s making an mmm-tink sound on the other hand, you can try disconnecting the terminals and checking for resistance (you’ll need a test meter). If there is no resistance, you’ll have to make that service call. If it seems fine, but the compressor seems hot, let it cool and test again. If things seem fine, it’s likely you need to replace the starter components, or have them replaced by a professional. If the mmm-tink noise continues though, you’re likely looking at replacing the compressor. Other problems can involve the fan—if it’s not turning, it might need a motor replacement.
Is the unit cooling but not maintaining the correct refrigerator temperature? First make sure all the gauges are in the normal range. Then make sure the gaskets are in good condition and sealing well. If you’ve turned the temperature control to its coldest setting and the controller turns off the compressor before the desired temperature is reached, it’s likely you have a compressor problem. See above.
The tips listed above are simple checks you can make to try to zero in on a problem—if none of them lead to a solution, call the Orlando commercial refrigeration professionals at All Temp AC and Refrigeration. We’ll fix your cooling unit and offer tips on how to prevent problems from happening in the future.
