Commercial Refrigerator Not Cooling? Here’s What Could Be Wrong

When your commercial refrigerator stops cooling, it’s more than just a minor inconvenience — it’s a potential business disaster. Whether you’re running a restaurant, convenience store, grocery, or cafeteria, a malfunctioning refrigerator can lead to food spoilage, health violations, and revenue loss in a matter of hours.

Before panic sets in or you toss out your inventory, take a deep breath. Many cooling issues have common causes — and sometimes, simple fixes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the top reasons your commercial refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, how to identify them, and when it’s time to call in the pros at Texas Star Services.

Why Your Commercial Refrigerator Might Stop Cooling

Refrigeration systems are complex, and several factors can interfere with their cooling ability. Here’s a breakdown of the most common culprits behind poor performance:

1. Dirty Condenser Coils

Your refrigerator’s condenser coils release the heat absorbed inside the unit. But when these coils get covered in dust, grease, or debris (which is common in commercial kitchens), they lose efficiency and the heat doesn’t escape. That means your fridge can’t stay cold.

Signs of dirty condenser coils:

The fridge feels warmer than usual
The motor is constantly running
You hear loud humming or buzzing

Fix:
Unplug the unit and clean the coils with a brush or vacuum. If the grime is baked on, a professional cleaning by Texas Star Services might be your best bet.

2. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

The evaporator fan circulates cold air throughout the refrigerator. If this motor fails, cold air won’t reach all areas — or any at all — leaving you with warm shelves and spoiled goods.

How to check:

Open the fridge and listen. If the motor isn’t running and the fridge is warm, it might be the fan.
Look for frost buildup near the evaporator area, which can freeze the fan blades.

Fix:
Sometimes, a fan motor can be reset. But if it’s burnt out, it will need replacing. A technician from Texas Star Services can diagnose and replace the part quickly to minimize downtime.

3. Low Refrigerant Levels or Leaks

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your cooling system. If your unit is low on refrigerant due to a leak, your refrigerator won’t be able to cool at all.

What to look for:

Fridge not getting cold at all, even with power
Ice buildup around coils
Hissing or bubbling noise (signs of a leak)

Fix:
Refrigerant issues require a licensed technician. Texas Star Services specializes in leak detection, repair, and safe refrigerant recharging.

4. Thermostat Malfunction

If the thermostat isn’t working, your refrigerator might not know when to start or stop cooling. That means it might either over-cool or not cool at all.

Symptoms:

Inconsistent temperatures
Fridge runs too cold or too warm
Thermostat setting changes don’t seem to make a difference

Fix:
Try resetting or adjusting the thermostat. If there’s still no change, you may need a replacement thermostat, which is a quick fix for experienced repair technicians.

5. Blocked Air Vents

Cold air needs to flow freely inside your fridge. When vents are blocked by overpacked shelves, boxes, or even ice, airflow becomes restricted — and temperatures rise.

Check for:

Frost buildup near the vents
Items freezing in one part of the fridge while others are warm
No air movement near the vent openings

Fix:
Rearrange your inventory to keep vents clear and defrost any ice buildup. Regular maintenance from Texas Star Services can help prevent airflow issues in the future.

6. Door Seal (Gasket) Problems

A cracked, torn, or loose door gasket allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter, making it hard for the fridge to maintain a proper temperature.

Signs of a faulty gasket:

Door doesn’t seal tightly
You feel cold air leaking out around the edges
Condensation or frost near the seal

Fix:
Inspect and clean the gasket. If it’s damaged, it’s a quick and affordable part to replace. Texas Star Services carries a wide range of OEM gaskets to fit all major commercial brands.

7. Electrical or Power Supply Issues

Sometimes the issue isn’t the refrigerator itself but the power it receives. A faulty plug, loose wiring, or tripped breaker can cause the unit to shut down or run intermittently.

Check the following:

Is the outlet working?
Are there any frayed cords or visible damage?
Has the circuit breaker tripped?

Fix:
Try plugging in another appliance to test the outlet. If power is inconsistent, call an electrician. If the refrigerator is powered but still not cooling, call a commercial appliance expert like Texas Star Services.

8. Overloaded or Improperly Stocked Fridge

Overfilling your refrigerator blocks airflow, especially when hot items are added without proper cooling time. This overworks the compressor and can cause uneven or inadequate cooling.

Fix:
Avoid cramming the fridge full. Organize it with space around vents and let food cool before placing it inside. For long-term efficiency, consider a walk-in cooler or additional cold storage units.

9. Control Board Failure

The control board is the “brain” of your refrigerator, managing everything from temperature to defrost cycles. When it fails, the unit might stop cooling altogether or act erratically.

Symptoms:

Display panel not responding
Unit won’t turn on or off correctly
Sudden temperature drops or spikes

Fix:
Unfortunately, control boards are not DIY fixes. It’s best to call a technician to run diagnostics. Texas Star Services has experience working with all major commercial brands and can source parts quickly.

How to Prevent Cooling Issues in the Future

Many cooling problems stem from poor maintenance or overuse. Here are some preventative steps to keep your commercial refrigerator running efficiently year-round:

Schedule Regular Maintenance – Work with a trusted company like Texas Star Services to perform scheduled tune-ups.
Clean the Coils Monthly – Especially important in greasy or dusty environments.
Defrost Regularly – Ice buildup is one of the top culprits of airflow issues.
Inspect Door Gaskets – Make sure seals are intact and clean.
Train Staff – Teach employees not to block vents or overload shelves.

When to Call the Professionals

While a few issues can be solved with DIY care, many require an expert’s touch — especially when it comes to refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, or part replacements. The technicians at Texas Star Services are trained to diagnose and repair all types of commercial refrigeration equipment quickly and efficiently.

Whether you’re dealing with a walk-in cooler, under-counter fridge, reach-in unit, or refrigerated display case — Texas Star Services has the tools and experience to restore your business operations without delay.

Why Choose Texas Star Services?

✅ Fast Response Times – We understand how critical refrigeration is to your operations.

✅ Trained Commercial Technicians – No residential guesswork here — just expert care for your business.

✅ Preventive Maintenance Plans – Catch problems before they become disasters.

✅ Transparent Pricing – No surprises, just honest, upfront quotes.

✅ Serving All of Texas – From Dallas to Houston and everywhere in between.

Final Thoughts

A commercial refrigerator not cooling properly isn’t something to ignore. From spoiled food to regulatory fines, the costs of inaction can be steep. By learning the most common causes and recognizing the warning signs, you can address issues early or know exactly when to bring in the pros.

And when that time comes, don’t hesitate to reach out to Texas Star Services — your local experts in keeping commercial kitchens cool, compliant, and running smoothly.

FAQs

Q1: How often should I schedule maintenance for my commercial refrigerator?

Ideally, you should schedule professional maintenance at least twice a year. However, in high-use environments like restaurants or grocery stores, quarterly maintenance is highly recommended. Texas Star Services offers affordable maintenance plans to keep your equipment running at peak performance.

Q2: Is it safe to try fixing a commercial refrigerator myself?

You can handle basic tasks like cleaning coils or rearranging shelves, but anything involving refrigerant, wiring, or component replacements should be handled by professionals. Improper handling could void warranties or cause bigger issues. Call Texas Star Services for a safe and reliable repair.

Q3: What brands does Texas Star Services repair?

Texas Star Services repairs most major commercial refrigeration brands including True, Turbo Air, Traulsen, Hoshizaki, Beverage-Air, Delfield, and many more. If you’re unsure about your unit, give us a call and we’ll confirm compatibility.