Top 5 Reasons Your Walk-In Refrigerator Isn’t Working

Businesses that use commercial refrigeration for perishable food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-controlled products know the importance of safe refrigeration management (see our full guide). Commercial refrigeration is also regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), so business-related refrigeration management is critical. If your commercial refrigeration isn’t working properly, it can pose significant risk; troubleshooting and fast repair are essential.

Before calling your local commercial refrigeration company, check to ensure the circuit breaker is working, the unit is plugged in, powered, and none of the vents are blocked by inventory or debris. Inspect the door seals and the thermostat.

There are numerous reasons why your walk-in refrigerator isn’t working, including problems with:
Circulation fans
Compressor
Defrost timer
Door damage
Electrical overload
Evaporator coils
Frost
Odor
Product imbalance (cluttered or low-volume)
Refrigerant leak
Temperature control board
Thermistor
Thermostat
Vents
Water leak
Wiring

However, the top 5 reasons your walk-in refrigerator is failing are incorrect temperatures, limited or blocked airflow, broken or faulty door gaskets, dirty condenser coils, and issues with condenser and evaporator fans.