If you’ve ever opened a walk-in freezer and found ice melting, pools of water, or frost turning into slush, it’s a sign that something in your refrigeration system isn’t working the way it should. A properly functioning freezer should maintain a consistent temperature at or below 0°F and manage moisture so ice stays solid and frost doesn’t build up unnecessarily.
At Buffo’s Refrigeration, we see several common causes of this issue and more importantly, we help businesses fix them quickly to protect inventory, maintain food safety, and reduce energy costs.
Your Freezer Isn’t Staying Cold Enough
The most obvious reason ice is melting is that the freezer temperature is too warm. Even a slight rise above freezing can soften ice or cause frost to melt into water.
Possible causes include:
- Thermostat set incorrectly or thermostat malfunction
- Refrigeration system losing cooling capacity
- Frequent door openings letting warm air in
If the thermostat seems right but temperatures still fluctuate, a professional diagnosis can pinpoint whether it’s a control issue or a refrigeration component problem.
Air Leakage Through Door Seals
Warm, humid air entering the freezer can melt ice and cause condensation. This usually happens when the door gasket (seal) is worn, cracked, loose, or dirty.
Signs of air leakage include:
- Frost buildup around the door frame
- Water pooling at the entrance
- Visible gaps when the door is closed
Regularly inspect and clean door gaskets. If they’re brittle or damaged, replacing them helps maintain a tight seal that keeps cold in and warm, moist air out.
Door Held Open Too Long
Every time a freezer door stays open, warm air rushes in. The refrigeration system then has to work harder to remove that heat. If the door is frequently left open during busy service times or deliveries, ice can start to melt before the system recovers.
Tips to prevent this:
- Train staff to close doors promptly
- Install automatic door closers or strip curtains
- Avoid leaving doors propped open
Defrost System Issues
Walk-in freezers have defrost systems designed to periodically melt away frost buildup from coils. If this system malfunctions, it can run too often or at the wrong times, causing ice inside the freezer to melt unexpectedly.
Signs of a defrost problem include:
- Water pooling on the floor
- Ice melting right after a defrost cycle
- Frost layering unevenly on coils
A technician can test the defrost heater, timer, or defrost control board to ensure proper operation.
Poor Airflow Around Coils
The evaporator coils remove heat from the freezer. If airflow around them is blocked by ice buildup, dirt, or blockages, the freezer can struggle to stay cold.
This can happen when:
- Shelving or inventory is placed too close to vents
- Coils are dirty or iced over
- Fans are malfunctioning
Routine cleaning and proper storage layout help maintain airflow and consistent temperatures.
Frequent Power Interruptions
If your freezer loses power frequently, even for short periods, the temperature can rise enough to melt ice. This can be caused by tripped breakers, loose electrical connections, or unstable power supply.
If power interruptions are common, a professional can help identify electrical issues and recommend solutions like surge protection.
Older Equipment or Low Refrigerant
As freezers age, performance can degrade. Leaks in the refrigerant system or worn components can reduce cooling efficiency and allow temperatures to creep up.
A certified technician can check refrigerant levels, inspect for leaks, and determine whether repairs or component replacements are needed.
What You Can Do Now
- Check the thermostat setting and make sure it’s at the recommended freezer temperature (0°F or below).
- Inspect door gaskets for wear and cleanliness.
- Train staff to minimize the time doors are open.
- Keep vents and coils clear of obstructions.
- Schedule professional maintenance if temperatures remain inconsistent.
Schedule Service Today
Don’t let a walk-in freezer that’s “melting” ice turn into spoiled inventory or costly downtime. Contact Buffo’s Refrigeration to diagnose and fix the problem fast. We provide expert commercial refrigeration service for Nevada and surrounding areas.
📞Call Us For A Free Quote 775-782-8204 | Buffos-Refrigeration.com