Not every cooling issue with commercial refrigerators is a disaster, and many of the most common causes are surprisingly simple to fix. In fact, the most probable reason a commercial refrigerator stops cooling is airflow-related, and most times, the solution is just to clean a component or adjust usage habits.
That said, there are situations where a commercial refrigerator not cooling signals a serious mechanical problem. The key is learning how to tell the difference between a quick fix and a true breakdown. Knowing what to look for can save you time, money, and unnecessary panic, and help you act fast when it really matters.
Top 5 Reasons a Commercial Refrigerator Is Not Cooling
1. The Condenser Coils are Dirty
If your commercial refrigerator is running constantly, feels warm on the outside, or struggles to maintain temperature even though the compressor is on, the condenser coils are likely dirty. This is the most common reason why a commercial refrigerator stops cooling, and it is especially common in restaurants, bakeries, and kitchens.
Commercial refrigerator condenser coils get dirty because the refrigerators pull in a lot of air, along with dust, grease, and debris. Over time, this buildup coats the condenser coils, preventing them from releasing heat efficiently.
How to Solve It
Learn how to clean commercial refrigerator condenser coils. This is simpler than you’d think, and all you need is a soft brush or vacuum. In high-use environments, this should be done every 1–3 months.
2. Airflow in the Commercial Refrigerator is Blocked or Restricted
If some areas of your commercial refrigerator are cooling, but others are not, or the products near the vents are freezing while the items elsewhere in the unit are not even staying cold, it is likely because the airflow is blocked or restricted.
This problem usually arises because the shelves are overloaded, blocking air vents. In some cases, it is poor product placement, which prevents cold air from circulating properly.
How to solve it
The best way to solve this is to learn how to organize a commercial refrigerator. Then you can reorganize contents to allow space around vents, avoid overloading, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended storage layout.
3. Faulty Door Gaskets or Doors Not Sealing
If your commercial refrigerator is not cooling, and at the same time, there is condensation around the door, and the door is not closing tightly, the door gaskets are likely faulty or the doors are not sealing properly.
Door gaskets wear out over time, especially since commercial refrigerators are frequently opened and closed. Even small gaps allow warm air inside, forcing the unit to work harder, and sometimes fail to cool altogether. This is a problem more common in commercial refrigerators due to their heavy daily use.
How to solve it
Inspect gaskets for cracks or looseness and replace them if needed. Also, ensure doors are aligned correctly.
4. Thermostat or Temperature Control Issues
If your commercial fridge is running, but temperatures don’t match the set point, or don’t change when adjusted, it is likely because of thermostat or temperature control issues.
This is a less common problem, but it cannot be ruled out. The truth is, commercial refrigerator thermostats can fail, become miscalibrated, or be accidentally adjusted during cleaning or restocking.
How to Solve It
Check settings first. If adjustments don’t help, the thermostat may need recalibration or replacement. Call in professional repair services
5. Compressor or Refrigerant Problems
If your commercial refrigerator is not cooling at all, and keeps making unusual noises, or shutting down intermittently, it is likely a compressor or refrigerant problem.
With heavy use, commercial refrigerator compressors wear out over time, and refrigerant leaks or pressure issues may start preventing proper cooling. These are true mechanical failures: the most serious cause of a commercial refrigerator not cooling, and also probably the most expensive to fix. These problems require professional diagnosis and repair.
When buying a commercial refrigerator, do some prior research and understand the different types of refrigerants for commercial refrigerators. Understanding this, as well as some basics on commercial refrigerator cooling systems work, helps you identify the best commercial refrigeartors for long-term use.
Commercial Refrigerator Not Cooling: When to Call a Technician
If your commercial refrigerator is not cooling due to airflow problems, you may be able to find online guides and fix the issue by yourself. But if it is a mechanical failure, it is best to call in a professional technician.
In any of the following cases, call a technician immediately:
- Compressor failure
- Refrigerant leaks
- Electrical problems
- Persistent temperature issues after basic fixes
These problems require specialized tools, certifications, and experience. Attempting DIY repairs can void your warranty, worsen the damage, or even create safety hazards.
Other situations where calling a professional is the smarter choice include: when the unit repeatedly fails after repairs, temperature fluctuations threaten food safety compliance, or error codes or alarms persist. It is best for a trained technician to accurately diagnose the root cause, ensure regulatory compliance, and prevent repeat failures.
When to Buy a New Commercial Refrigerator Instead of Repairing
Sometimes, repairing a commercial refrigerator that isn't cooling simply isn’t the best option. It is usually better to replace the commercial refrigerator if:
- It is 10+ years old
- Repair costs exceed 50% of the replacement cost
- The cooling problems keep recurring
- The replacement parts are discontinued or hard to find
- Energy efficiency is significantly outdated
A new commercial refrigerator would deliver better temperature stability, lower energy costs, and improved reliability, making it a smarter long-term investment.
Why Certification Matters When Buying a New Commercial Refrigerator
If you are looking to purchase a new commercial refrigerator that won't stop cooling abruptly or run into mechanical failures, then certification is not optional: it is essential.
Why ETL and UL Certifications Matter
- ETL (Intertek) and UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certifications confirm that a unit meets strict safety and performance standards.
- Certified units are tested for electrical safety, temperature reliability, and durability under commercial conditions.
- Many health departments, insurers, and inspectors require certified equipment.
Buying a certified commercial refrigerator helps ensure consistent cooling performance, reduced fire and electrical risks, compliance with local and national regulations, and long-term reliability and peace of mind. In short, certification protects your business, your inventory, and your investment.
Wilprep ETL Certified Commercial Refrigerators: Best for Long-Term Service.
Wilprep’s commercial refrigerators are certified for safety and quality by ETL, ETL Sanitation, and DOE.
All Wilprep commercial reach-in refrigerators have been tested by Intertek and meet the applicable requirements of Energy Star and CEC. Check out our commercial refrigerators, and make a reliable choice for your business!
Final Thoughts on Commercial Refrigerators Not Cooling
A commercial refrigerator not cooling doesn’t always mean catastrophe, but it does demand attention. Knowing the most common causes, how to identify them, and when to escalate the issue puts you in control.
And when it’s time to replace a unit, choosing a certified, high-quality commercial refrigerator ensures you won’t be dealing with the same problem again anytime soon.
