A sudden refrigeration failure is one of the most stressful situations a restaurant or grocery store can face. When your commercial refrigerator stops working, every minute counts. Rising temperatures can lead to food spoilage, safety risks, and lost revenue especially in Nevada’s warm summers or during busy service hours.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we specialize in helping businesses minimize downtime with fast, reliable service. Here’s what to do immediately if your commercial refrigerator suddenly stops working.
1. Stay Calm and Check the Basics
Before assuming the worst, start with a few quick checks:
- Power supply: Make sure the unit is plugged in and that no breakers have tripped.
- Temperature settings: Verify that the thermostat hasn’t been accidentally adjusted.
- Door seals: Check that doors are fully closed and gaskets are sealing properly.
- Airflow: Ensure fans aren’t blocked and that vents and coils are clear of debris.
Sometimes, a simple fix like resetting a breaker or closing a door properly can restore function.
2. Move Perishable Items to Backup Storage
If the cooler is warming up, relocate perishable food to another functioning refrigerator or a walk-in cooler as quickly as possible. Keeping food cold is essential to prevent spoilage and maintain food safety.
If no backup unit is available, use ice, ice packs, or temporary coolers to maintain safe holding temperatures while waiting for service.
3. Avoid Opening the Door Repeatedly
Each time you open the refrigerator door, cold air escapes, and temperatures rise even faster. Keep doors closed as much as possible to preserve the remaining cold air inside until help arrives.
4. Check for Obvious Warning Signs
Look for any signs that could help diagnose the problem:
- Unusual noises or silence from the compressor or fans
- Condensation or water pooling around the base
- Ice buildup on coils or walls
- Burnt smells or flickering lights
Take note of these symptoms and share them with your technician — this information helps speed up the repair process.
5. Call a Professional Refrigeration Repair Company
If your system isn’t cooling and the basic checks don’t solve the problem, contact a commercial refrigeration repair company immediately.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, our expert technicians are equipped to handle emergency calls across Nevada. We diagnose and repair walk-in coolers, freezers, and commercial refrigeration systems quickly — minimizing downtime and product loss.
6. Don’t Try DIY Repairs
Commercial refrigeration systems are complex. Attempting to fix electrical components, refrigerant issues, or compressors without proper training can cause more damage and violate safety regulations.
Always leave repairs to certified professionals to ensure your system is serviced safely and correctly.
7. Schedule Preventative Maintenance After Repairs
Once your system is back up and running, schedule preventative maintenance to help prevent another unexpected failure. Regular maintenance checks keep your equipment clean, efficient, and less prone to emergency breakdowns.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, our maintenance programs include coil cleaning, refrigerant checks, temperature calibration, and full system inspections — all designed to keep your business running smoothly year-round.
Partner With Buffo’s Refrigeration for Reliable Service
When refrigeration fails, you need a fast, dependable partner who understands the urgency. Buffo’s Refrigeration provides 24/7 emergency service, expert diagnostics, and ongoing maintenance for commercial refrigeration systems across Nevada.
Whether you run a restaurant, grocery store, or foodservice facility, we’ll help you get your system back online quickly — and prevent future downtime.
Schedule Service Today
Don’t let a refrigeration breakdown disrupt your business. Contact Buffo’s Refrigeration today to schedule a service visit or request a free consultation. We proudly serve Nevada and surrounding areas with fast, reliable, and expert commercial refrigeration repair and maintenance.
📞Call Us For A Free Quote 775-782-8204 | Buffos-Refrigeration.com