Refrigeration failures don’t wait for business hours. Whether it’s late at night, a weekend, or a holiday, a sudden refrigeration problem can threaten your entire inventory — and your bottom line.
If your walk-in cooler, freezer, or commercial refrigeration system stops working after hours, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make the difference between saving your products and losing thousands of dollars in spoiled food.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we offer 24/7 emergency refrigeration service across Nevada. Here’s what to do immediately when your refrigeration system fails — before you make the call for help.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
First, don’t panic. A sudden temperature rise doesn’t always mean your system has completely failed. Start by identifying the issue and checking a few key areas that could reveal an easy fix.
- Check power: Make sure the unit is plugged in securely and no circuit breakers have tripped.
- Verify controls: Inspect the thermostat settings to confirm they haven’t been accidentally changed.
- Inspect doors: Ensure all doors are tightly closed and that the gaskets are sealing properly.
- Listen for sounds: If the fans or compressor are silent, that’s a sign your system isn’t running at all — time to call a professional.
Keep the Doors Closed
Each time the door opens, cold air escapes and temperatures rise faster. Until the problem is resolved, keep the doors closed as much as possible to preserve existing cold air and buy extra time.
If you need to check the contents, limit openings to quick, necessary inspections only.
Move Perishable Items to Backup Cooling
If the temperature is climbing, relocate perishable items to another functioning cooler or freezer immediately. Many restaurants and grocery stores have backup cold storage or portable refrigeration units for this reason.
If you don’t have a secondary system, use ice, ice packs, or insulated coolers as a temporary solution to keep products cold. Keeping food below 41°F is critical to prevent spoilage and food safety violations.
Check for Simple Fixes
Some refrigeration issues are minor and can be quickly resolved without a service call. Before contacting a technician:
- Confirm there’s no obstruction around condenser coils that could block airflow.
- Make sure evaporator fans aren’t blocked by boxes or debris inside the cooler.
- Inspect for ice buildup that may be restricting airflow — if found, turn off the unit briefly to allow a controlled thaw.
If these quick checks don’t solve the issue, it’s time to call in a professional.
Take Note of Warning Signs
Before calling, gather as much information as possible. This will help the technician diagnose the issue faster. Note details such as:
- When you first noticed the temperature issue
- Any strange noises, smells, or leaks
- Whether the compressor or fans are running
- Recent power surges or outages
Sharing this information with your refrigeration repair company can save valuable time once service begins.
Call for 24/7 Emergency Refrigeration Service
If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t restore operation, call for emergency refrigeration service right away. Fast professional response can prevent extensive product loss and long-term system damage.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist Nevada businesses with urgent repairs. Our skilled technicians arrive equipped to handle most issues on-site — from electrical failures to compressor malfunctions.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance to Prevent Future Failures
Once your system is repaired, take steps to prevent another after-hours emergency. Regular preventative maintenance helps ensure your refrigeration systems operate efficiently, catch small problems early, and minimize costly breakdowns.
Buffo’s Refrigeration offers tailored maintenance programs for restaurants, grocery stores, and foodservice operations across Nevada helping you stay ready for every season.
Schedule Service or Emergency Support Today
If your refrigeration system fails after hours, don’t wait. Contact Buffo’s Refrigeration for immediate, professional service. We proudly serve Nevada and surrounding areas with reliable commercial refrigeration repair, maintenance, and 24/7 emergency response.
📞Call Us For A Free Quote 775-782-8204 | Buffos-Refrigeration.com