Commercial refrigeration systems are the heartbeat of foodservice operations, grocery stores, warehouses, and many other businesses across Minnesota and the surrounding Midwest. When your walk-in cooler, freezer, or display case isn’t working correctly, it can lead to costly product loss, food safety violations, and operational downtime.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we’ve seen it all — from ice build-up in freezers to failing compressors in the middle of a Minnesota heatwave. Below, we break down the most common commercial refrigeration problems, what causes them, and how you can prevent these issues with proactive maintenance and professional service.
Temperature Fluctuations or Inconsistent Cooling
Problem: Your walk-in cooler or freezer isn’t holding the correct temperature — or worse, it fluctuates throughout the day. This can compromise food safety and lead to spoilage.
Common Causes:
- Faulty thermostats or temperature sensors
- Dirty or clogged condenser coils
- Low refrigerant levels
- Poor door seals or frequent door openings
Prevention:
- Schedule routine commercial refrigeration maintenance to clean coils and check refrigerant levels
- Replace worn gaskets and ensure doors close properly
- Install monitoring systems for temperature tracking and alerts
Ice Buildup in Freezers or Around Evaporator Coils
Problem: Ice accumulating on evaporator coils or inside your freezer can reduce cooling efficiency and airflow, straining your system
Common Causes:
- Faulty defrost systems
- Leaky door seals allowing warm, moist air inside
- Improper air circulation
Prevention:
- Regularly inspect and service the defrost system
- Replace damaged seals and ensure doors close tightly
- Schedule professional freezer maintenance to clean and inspect coils
Compressor or Motor Failure
Problem: The system isn’t running at all, or the compressor is constantly cycling on and off. These are signs of deeper mechanical or electrical issues
Common Causes:
- Electrical problems
- Overheating due to dirty coils or blocked airflow
- System strain from low refrigerant or improper pressure
Prevention:
- Have a refrigeration repair company like Buffo’s inspect electrical components regularly
- Keep condenser coils clean and clear of debris
- Join a preventative maintenance program to catch issues before they become critical
Leaking Refrigerant
Problem: Your system isn’t cooling properly, and you notice higher energy bills or hissing noises near the unit
Common Causes:
- Worn seals or gaskets
- Damaged copper lines
- Corrosion inside the system
Prevention:
- Include refrigerant pressure checks during routine service
- Contact us immediately for emergency refrigeration repair if a leak is suspected — refrigerant leaks can be harmful and illegal if not handled correctly
Unusual Noises or Vibrations
Problem: Loud buzzing, knocking, or vibrating sounds coming from your refrigeration unit may indicate loose components or impending failure
Common Causes:
- Loose fan blades or motor mounts
- Worn bearings or belts
- Debris stuck in the fan or motor
Prevention:
- Don’t ignore unusual sounds — early inspection can prevent costly breakdowns
- Schedule commercial refrigeration service to identify and fix the issue promptly
How to Prevent Most Refrigeration Failures
A reliable commercial refrigeration system starts with preventative maintenance. Here’s how Buffo’s Refrigeration helps Minnesota businesses stay ahead of costly repairs
Our Preventative Maintenance Services Include:
- Coil cleaning and airflow checks
- Refrigerant level and pressure checks
- Electrical and mechanical inspections
- Thermostat calibration
- Gasket and door seal checks
- System performance reporting
Investing in regular service is the best way to extend equipment life, reduce energy costs, and prevent product loss
FAQs
Why is my walk-in cooler not holding temperature?
This could be due to thermostat issues, dirty coils, refrigerant leaks, or a failing compressor. A professional inspection is the best way to identify the cause
How often should commercial refrigeration be serviced?
We recommend servicing your systems at least twice a year, and quarterly for high-use environments like restaurants and grocery stores
What should I do if my refrigeration system stops working?
Contact Buffo’s Refrigeration immediately for emergency refrigeration repair. Our fast response minimizes downtime and protects your inventory
Trust Buffo’s Refrigeration — Minnesota’s Commercial Refrigeration Experts
When your business depends on dependable refrigeration, trust the experienced technicians at Buffo’s Refrigeration. We specialize in:
- Commercial refrigeration installation, repair, and maintenance
- Walk-in cooler and freezer service
- Emergency response across Minnesota and the Midwest
- HVAC services for commercial spaces
- Customized preventative maintenance programs
Schedule Service Today
Don’t wait for a refrigeration breakdown to disrupt your business. Contact Buffo’s Refrigeration today to schedule a service visit or request a free consultation. We proudly serve Minnesota and surrounding areas with fast, reliable, and expert commercial refrigeration solutions
📞Call Us For A Free Quote 775-782-8204 | Buffos-Refrigeration.com