When your commercial refrigeration system triggers a high-pressure alarm, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t working properly. While the alarm helps protect your equipment from damage, it also means your system is under stress and ignoring it could lead to costly repairs or downtime.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we frequently help Nevada businesses troubleshoot and correct high-pressure refrigeration alarms. Understanding what causes these alarms and how to respond can save time, energy, and money.
What a High-Pressure Alarm Means
A high-pressure alarm indicates that the pressure on the discharge side of your refrigeration system—where the compressor pushes refrigerant through the condenser—has exceeded safe operating limits.
When pressure rises too high, the system shuts down to prevent damage to components like the compressor or condenser coils. This automatic protection is essential, but it also signals that something is restricting heat transfer or airflow.
Common Causes of High-Pressure Alarms
Dirty Condenser Coils
One of the most common causes of high pressure is dirty condenser coils. Dust, grease, and debris prevent heat from escaping, causing pressure to build within the system. Cleaning the coils regularly ensures efficient operation and helps prevent future alarms.
Blocked or Failing Condenser Fan
If the condenser fan isn’t working correctly, hot air can’t move away from the condenser coils. This quickly increases system pressure. Listen for unusual fan noises, check for obstructions, and make sure the fan is spinning freely.
High Ambient Temperatures
In the summer, Nevada kitchens, warehouses, and grocery stores can get hot. When the surrounding air is too warm, it’s harder for the condenser to release heat. Improving ventilation or adding fans near the condenser unit can help manage high ambient temperatures.
Overcharged Refrigerant
Too much refrigerant in the system increases pressure and reduces cooling efficiency. A professional technician can measure refrigerant levels, remove excess charge, and ensure your system operates safely.
Air or Non-Condensables in the System
Sometimes, trapped air or gases that don’t condense—known as non-condensables—enter the refrigeration system. These increase system pressure and can cause alarms. A certified technician can remove these contaminants and restore normal operation.
Restricted Refrigerant Flow
Clogged filter driers, expansion valves, or refrigerant lines can restrict flow and increase pressure. Over time, debris or moisture can collect inside the system and limit refrigerant movement, creating dangerous pressure buildup.
Why High-Pressure Alarms Shouldn’t Be Ignored
When a high-pressure alarm activates, your system is protecting itself from serious damage. However, repeatedly resetting the alarm without addressing the cause can lead to compressor failure, refrigerant leaks, or complete system shutdown.
The compressor is one of the most expensive parts to replace, so taking quick action when the alarm sounds is essential for both safety and cost control.
What to Do When You See a High-Pressure Alarm
If your system triggers a high-pressure alarm:
- Turn off the refrigeration unit to prevent damage.
- Inspect the condenser area for dirt, debris, or blocked airflow.
- Check that fans are running properly and not obstructed.
- Avoid resetting the alarm repeatedly without finding the cause.
- Contact a commercial refrigeration technician to diagnose and repair the issue safely.
Trained technicians, like those at Buffo’s Refrigeration, can check system pressures, test components, and clean or repair parts to restore proper function quickly.
Preventing High-Pressure Alarms
Routine preventative maintenance is the best way to prevent high-pressure issues. During scheduled service, technicians clean coils, inspect fans, test pressure controls, and verify refrigerant levels.
Preventive care ensures your refrigeration system operates efficiently, especially during Nevada’s seasonal temperature swings. It also helps you avoid unexpected shutdowns during busy times.
Partner with Buffo’s Refrigeration for Expert Service
For more than 20 years, Buffo’s Refrigeration has helped businesses across Nevada, efficient refrigeration systems. Our technicians specialize in walk-in cooler repair, walk-in freezer service, commercial refrigeration maintenance, and emergency refrigeration repair for restaurants, grocery stores, and warehouses.
Schedule Service Today
If your refrigeration system is showing a high-pressure alarm, don’t ignore it. Contact Buffo’s Refrigeration today for professional diagnosis and repair. We proudly serve Nevada and nearby areas with fast, dependable commercial refrigeration service.
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