If you manage a restaurant, grocery store, or foodservice operation in Nevada, your walk-in cooler is one of the most critical pieces of equipment in your business. When it stops staying cold, it can quickly lead to food spoilage, safety violations, and expensive downtime.
Understanding why your walk-in cooler isn’t holding temperature can help you act fast — and prevent a total breakdown. The experts at Buffo’s Refrigeration share the most common causes of temperature issues and what you can do to fix them.
Dirty Condenser or Evaporator Coils
One of the most frequent reasons a cooler won’t stay cold is dirty coils. Over time, dust and grease build up on the condenser or evaporator coils, making it difficult for your system to release heat. This forces your compressor to work harder, leading to temperature fluctuations and higher energy bills.
Solution: Schedule regular commercial refrigeration maintenance to have your coils professionally cleaned and inspected. Clean coils improve cooling efficiency and help your system run longer.
Refrigerant Leaks
A refrigerant leak can cause your walk-in cooler to lose cooling power quickly. Without enough refrigerant, the system can’t absorb and transfer heat effectively, leading to warm spots and rising internal temperatures.
Warning signs:
- Hissing sounds near the system
- Ice buildup on the evaporator coil
- Gradually increasing cooler temperature
Solution: Only a licensed refrigeration repair company can locate and fix refrigerant leaks safely. This is not a DIY job — improper handling of refrigerant can damage your equipment or violate EPA regulations.
Failing or Dirty Evaporator Fan Motor
Your evaporator fan circulates cold air throughout the cooler. If it’s not running properly, you’ll notice uneven temperatures or warm areas inside the unit.
Solution: Have a commercial refrigeration service technician check the fan motor, blades, and wiring. Replacing a worn fan is far cheaper than repairing a failed compressor caused by overheating.
Poor Door Seals or Gaskets
When door gaskets crack or wear out, cold air escapes and warm air enters, making it harder for your cooler to stay at the proper temperature. Over time, this causes condensation, frost buildup, and energy loss.
Solution: Inspect your door gaskets regularly for cracks or gaps. Replacing them is a simple, cost-effective way to maintain proper cooling and reduce energy costs.
Malfunctioning Thermostat or Sensors
If your thermostat or temperature sensors are malfunctioning, your cooler might cycle on and off at the wrong times — causing inconsistent cooling.
Solution: Have a professional technician test and recalibrate your controls. Upgrading to a modern digital thermostat can also help you monitor temperature more accurately.
Overloading or Poor Air Circulation
When a walk-in cooler is overloaded or items block airflow around the evaporator coil, cold air can’t circulate properly. This results in warm zones and uneven cooling.
Solution: Keep products organized and leave space between shelves and walls to allow for good air movement. Never stack items directly against the cooling fans or vents.
Preventative Maintenance Keeps Your Cooler Running Cold
In Nevada’s demanding foodservice environments, your refrigeration systems work hard year-round. The best way to avoid temperature problems is with preventative maintenance from an experienced commercial refrigeration company.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we provide complete walk-in cooler service, refrigeration repair, and maintenance programs to keep your systems efficient, reliable, and compliant with food safety standards.
FAQ: Common Walk-In Cooler Questions
Why is my walk-in cooler not staying cold enough?
Common causes include refrigerant leaks, dirty coils, fan failures, or air leaks from worn door gaskets.
Can I fix a walk-in cooler myself?
You can check for blocked airflow and clean visible dirt from coils, but most issues — especially refrigerant or electrical problems — should be handled by a certified refrigeration repair company.
How often should I schedule maintenance?
We recommend professional commercial refrigeration maintenance every 3–6 months to ensure optimal performance and prevent breakdowns.
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 Nevada and surrounding areas with fast, reliable, and expert commercial refrigeration solutions.
📞Call Us For A Free Quote 775-782-8204 | Buffos-Refrigeration.com