Why Is My Commercial Refrigerator Freezing?

Why Is My Commercial Refrigerator Freezing?

 

Reason 1: Improper Temperature Setting

 

The temperature of a commercial refrigerator should generally be set below 4°C (40°F) to avoid freezing caused by over-freezing. If the temperature is set too low, it may cause excessive condensation, which may form ice inside the refrigerator. It is recommended to check whether the thermostat is working properly and make sure that the temperature is set within the appropriate range.

 

Reason 2: Evaporator Coil Issues

 

The evaporator coil is an important component in a commercial refrigerator, responsible for absorbing condensation and freezing it. If condensation contacts an overcooled coil, it may freeze quickly and form an insulating layer, resulting in reduced efficiency. This situation requires regular inspection and cleaning of the evaporator coil to prevent dust accumulation or freezing and ensure its normal operation.

 

Reason 3: Door Seal Problems

 

If the refrigerator’s door seal is damaged or not sealed, warm air will enter the interior of the refrigerator, causing the temperature to rise, forcing the refrigerator to overwork to maintain a low temperature, which may cause ice. In addition, frequently opening the refrigerator door may also cause internal temperature fluctuations, increasing the risk of ice. The door seal should be checked regularly and replaced in time if damaged.

 

Reason 4: Compressor Problems

 

The compressor is the core component of a commercial refrigerator and is responsible for circulating the refrigerant. If the compressor fails, it may cause poor refrigerant flow, which may cause ice to form inside the refrigerator. For example, a damaged compressor, refrigerant leakage, or fan failure may cause similar problems. If you encounter this problem, it is recommended to contact a professional maintenance personnel for inspection and repair.

 

Reason 5: Condenser Problems

 

The condenser is responsible for dissipating heat. If the condenser is blocked by dirt or debris, it will affect its heat dissipation ability, resulting in a low temperature inside the refrigerator, which will cause ice problems. Regular cleaning of the condenser is an effective way to prevent such problems.

 

Reason 6: Evaporator Fan Problems

 

The evaporator fan is responsible for evenly distributing cold air to the inside of the refrigerator. If the fan fails, it may cause the cold air to be unevenly distributed, resulting in overcooling in some areas, causing ice.

 

Reason 7: Defrosting Problems

 

If the defrosting system of a commercial refrigerator does not work properly, it may cause the condensed water to fail to melt in time, resulting in frost forming inside the refrigerator. Regular inspection and maintenance of the defrosting system is necessary.

 

Reason 8: Environmental Factors

 

The placement of a commercial refrigerator may also affect its performance. For example, placing the refrigerator close to a wall or in a poorly ventilated area may affect air circulation and cause icing problems.

 

Consequences of Commercial Refrigerator Freezing

 

Decreased Food Quality: Improper temperature settings can lead to freezer burn, causing brown or gray spots on food surfaces, texture changes, loss of flavor, and reduced nutritional value due to moisture loss.

Food Waste: Improper freezing can cause food to spoil, leading to food waste. Restaurants, for example, might discard entire batches of meat or vegetables due to quality deterioration, resulting in economic losses and environmental impact.

Reduced Equipment Efficiency: Overuse of freezing equipment can lead to performance degradation, such as compressor overload or evaporator frosting, which may further lead to equipment failure and increased energy consumption.

Energy Waste :Abnormal operation of freezing equipment can result in energy wastage. For instance, inefficient equipment may take longer to reach ideal temperatures, thus increasing energy consumption. Equipment failures can also lead to higher maintenance and operational costs.

Food Safety Risks: Unstable temperatures in refrigeration equipment can lead to improper food storage temperatures, posing food safety risks. Microorganisms may remain active in inappropriate temperatures, leading to food spoilage or contamination.

 

How to Prevent Commercial Refrigerator Freezing?

 

Proper Temperature Settings

 

The temperature of the refrigerator compartment of a commercial refrigerator should be set between 2℃ and 6℃, and the temperature of the freezer compartment should be below -18℃ to ensure the preservation of food and avoid freezing caused by excessive temperature. If the temperature is set too low, it may cause internal moisture to evaporate and increase the risk of freezing, so it is necessary to adjust the temperature reasonably according to actual needs.

 

Regular Cleaning and Defrosting

 

Regularly cleaning the interior of the refrigerator and the drain holes is an important measure to prevent freezing. It is recommended to defrost regularly every three months or according to the use of the refrigerator, and clean the frost layer and accumulated water inside the refrigerator to maintain a good refrigeration effect. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe the inside of the refrigerator, and be careful not to use sharp objects to scrape off the ice layer to avoid damaging the surface of the refrigerator.

 

Maintain Seal Integrity

 

Check and make sure the refrigerator door seal is intact. If the seal is aged or damaged, cold air will leak, causing the temperature inside the refrigerator to rise, which will cause freezing. It is recommended to replace the seal regularly to ensure that it is well sealed.

 

Avoid Frequent Opening and Closing of the Refrigerator Door

 

Frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator door will introduce hot air from the outside, affecting the temperature balance inside the refrigerator. Minimizing the number of times the door is opened and rationally planning the time for taking and putting food can effectively reduce the phenomenon of freezing.

 

Proper Food Storage

 

Food should avoid excessive stacking and maintain appropriate intervals to allow air circulation to prevent the air conditioning from being unable to circulate, thereby reducing the possibility of freezing. At the same time, foods with high water content (such as vegetables and fruits) should be wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in plastic containers to reduce water evaporation and the risk of freezing.

 

Ensure Dry Environment

 

Commercial refrigerators should be placed in a dry and ventilated place to avoid a humid environment that exacerbates the phenomenon of freezing. In the rainy season or in a high humidity environment, dehumidifiers can be used to reduce air humidity to reduce the risk of freezing.

 

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

 

Regularly check the drain holes, condensers, fans and other components of the refrigerator to ensure their normal operation. If the drain holes are found to be blocked or the condenser is dusty, they should be cleaned in time to ensure the refrigeration effect.

 

Use Auxiliary Equipment

 

For commercial refrigerators that need to run for a long time, you can consider installing a temperature controller or defrost to automatically adjust the temperature and defrost, reducing the frequency and difficulty of manual operation.

 

Avoid Placing Hot Foods

 

Hot food directly into the refrigerator will cause the internal temperature to rise rapidly, thereby accelerating freezing. It is recommended to cool hot food to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.