Ice Machine & Commercial Fridge Service – Or Is It a Repair You Need?

At ACRO Refrigeration, we often receive calls from business owners asking for an “ice machine service” or “commercial fridge service”—but what they really need is a repair. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there’s an important difference. Knowing which one you need can save you time, money, and prevent further equipment damage.

What’s the Difference Between a Service and a Repair?

• Service usually refers to preventative maintenance – cleaning, inspection, filter changes, performance checks, and adjustments to keep your equipment running smoothly.

• Repair means fixing a fault or breakdown – such as a fridge not cooling, an ice machine not making ice, or a system leaking refrigerant.

If your equipment has stopped working, is leaking, noisy, or showing warning lights, you need a repair, not just a routine service.

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Common Ice Machine & Fridge Breakdown Issues We Repair

Our licensed technicians repair all major brands and types of commercial refrigeration and ice machines. Common repair calls include:

• Ice machines not making ice

• Fridges not maintaining temperature

• Blocked drains or water leaks

• Noisy compressors or fans

• Electrical faults or control board errors

• Foul smells due to poor airflow or mold

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Fast, Professional Commercial Equipment Repairs

When your equipment fails, you can’t afford to wait. That’s why we offer:

• 24/7 emergency breakdown repairs

• Same-day response in most cases

• Fully-stocked vans for faster fixes

• Qualified refrigeration mechanics with commercial expertise

Our team services restaurants, cafes, hospitals, aged care facilities, hotels, convenience stores, and more across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

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Need a Repair? Just Ask for “Service”—We’ll Know What You Mean

We understand that many customers say “I need my fridge serviced” when they really mean “It’s broken—help!”. Don’t worry. Just tell us what’s wrong, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Whether you need an urgent repair or a routine maintenance service, we’ve got you covered.

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Book Your Ice Machine or Fridge Service Today

Don’t risk stock loss, safety issues, or lost trade.

📞 Call ACRO Refrigeration now on 1300 227 600
💻 Or book online

We’ll get your cold equipment back up and running—fast.

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Related Services

• Emergency Commercial Fridge Repairs – 24/7

• Preventative Maintenance Plans

Freezer Room Icing Up? Here’s Why & How to Stop It

ACRO call-out data shows 65 % of freezer breakdowns start with unseen ice build-up.
Fix it early to avoid slips, stock loss and compressor failures.

1. Door Left Ajar or Faulty Closers

Humid air floods in. Fit self-closing hinges or install a door-ajar alarm.

2. Worn Heater Cables in Door Frame

Condensation freezes on the sill. Replace heaters before they short.

3. Failed Defrost Timer or Heater

Ice cakes the evaporator coil. Test timer contacts; verify heater amperage.

4. High Humidity Stock Loading

Loading warm kegs or produce causes interior snow. Use a blast chiller pre-stage if possible.

5. Blocked Drain Line

Water from defrost can’t escape, re-freezes on floor. Clear drain and add heat-trace.

6. Panel Gaps or Roof Cap Leaks

Water vapour migrates through cracks—seal with food-grade foam and aluminium flashing.

Safety tip: Ice on floors drives slip claims. Ues heated anti-slip mats for high-traffic freezers.

📞 Call 24/7 – 1300 227 600

FAQ

How often should a freezer defrost?

Typically 4–6 cycles per day, but heavy-load sites may need more.

Can I chip ice off manually?

Risky—damages coil fins and voids warranty; call a qualified tech.

📞 Ready to Get Back Online?

If your refrigeration has failed, don’t wait.
Call 1300 227 600 now or book urgent service online.

👉 Book Emergency Repairs Now
👉 Learn More About Our Preventative Maintenance Plans

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Related Services

• Emergency Commercial Fridge Repairs: Your Top Questions Answered

• Commercial Refrigeration Repairs – Gold Coast

• Cold Room Installation & Custom Builds

• Preventative Maintenance & Asset Reporting

• Quick and Efficient Commercial Fridge and Freezer Seal Replacement for All Models

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

Enjoyed this article?

Browse more helpful insights and case studies on our Refrigeration Blog

 

Cold Room Not Holding Temperature? 5 Causes & Quick Fixes

A walk-in running at 8 °C can spoil thousands in stock and trigger HACCP breaches. Before you panic, run through these five checks—then call
1300 227 600 if temps stay high.

1. Blocked Evaporator Coil

Ice blankets airflow and the temperature climbs. Defrost manually, check heaters and fans.

2. Door Gasket Gaps or Damaged Sweeps

Warm air leaks overload the compressor. Inspect seals; replace damaged gaskets within 24 hours.

3. High Ambient Airflow Across the Condenser

Back-of-house temperatures over 32 °C reduce cooling capacity 12 %. Improve ventilation or relocate the unit.

4. Faulty Expansion Valve or Refrigerant Loss

Sweating suction line + high super-heat means a pro needs to test for leaks and balance charge.

5. Poor Stock Loading Practices

Boxes against vents choke circulation. Maintain a 100 mm gap around the evaporator.

📞 Call 24/7 – 1300 227 600

FAQ

How cold should a walk-in be?

Ideally 0–4 °C for chilled storage, per Food Standards Code 3.2.2A.

Will a gas top-up fix the problem?

Only if leakage caused low charge. Otherwise it masks the real fault and voids warranty.

Do you carry parts on the van?

Yes—fans, heaters, TX valves and R404A/R452A gas to fix 87 % of jobs first visit.

Need a Cold Room Repaired Fast?

If you’re facing a refrigeration emergency in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, call ACRO 24/7. We’ll be there fast—and we’ll come ready to fix it.

👉 Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast’s Fastest Cold Room Repair:

• 📆 Book a Service Visit Now
• 📞 1300 227 600
• 📩 Get a Free Maintenance Quote

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Related Articles

• Emergency Commercial Fridge Repairs: Your Top Questions Answered
• How to Minimise Stock Loss While Waiting for Emergency Repairs

Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

Enjoyed this article?

Browse more helpful insights and case studies on our Refrigeration Blog

 

Your Fridge Is Warm—Act Fast

A commercial fridge at 8 °C can spoil thousands in stock within hours. Before you reach for the phone, run through these five rapid checks—they solve about 30 % of “no-cool” call-outs we see across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Need help right now? Tap to call 1300 227 600 for 24/7 emergency repairs.

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1. Confirm Power and Breakers

1. Check the fridge’s power switch and indicator lights.

2. Inspect the GPO—no scorch marks or loose plugs.

3. Open your switchboard; reset any tripped breaker.

Still dead? You may have a failed start-relay or compressor—time to book a tech.

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2. Inspect Door Seals and Obstructions

• Look for cracks or splits in the gasket.

• Make sure no container or box is preventing full closure.

• Try the dollar-note test: close a note in the door; if it slips out easily, the seal has failed.

Quick fix: Remove obstructions and wipe seals. Replace damaged gaskets within 24 hrs to prevent compressor overload.

(Internal link suggestion: “Need a new gasket? See our Same-Day Seal Replacement service.”)

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3. Clean the Condenser Coil

Dust-clogged coils = poor heat rejection.

1. Unplug the unit.

2. Brush or vacuum fins top-to-bottom.

3. Re-power, wait 10 minutes, re-check temperature.

Tip: Schedule a coil clean every three months—energy use drops 10-18 %.

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4. Check Evaporator Fan & Airflow

• Listen for fan noise; silence = failed motor or ice blockage.

• Inspect for ice on the coil—a sign the defrost heater isn’t working.

• Ensure product isn’t stacked against internal vents.

DIY fix: Defrost overnight if safe. Persistent ice? Call a professional—refrigerant or defrost timer could be at fault.

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5. Verify Temperature Settings & Controller

• Confirm set-point (typically 2 °C–4 °C).

• Check probe placement—must hang freely in return-air stream.

• Look for error codes (E1, CL, etc.) on digital controllers; reference the OEM manual.

If codes persist after a reset, the controller or probe may have failed.

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When to Call a Technician

Call us if:

• Internal temp stays above 5 °C after all five checks

• Compressor is hot or trips breaker again

• Ice returns within 12 hours after manual defrost

• Digital controller shows repeated errors

ACRO’s 24/7 team arrives in under two hours across SE Queensland—with parts for fans, probes, relays and R404A/R452A gas.

Call 1300 227 600   Book Emergency Repair

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FAQ

Will a dirty condenser void my warranty?
Yes—most OEMs require documented maintenance to honour compressor claims.

Do you carry parts on the van?
Our vans stock common fan motors, door switches, digital controllers and refrigerant to fix 87 % of jobs on the first visit.

Areas We Cover – 24/7 Commercial Refrigeration Emergency Response

ACRO Refrigeration provides emergency commercial refrigeration repairs across:

• Brisbane Metro – CBD, Northside, Southside, East & West suburbs

• Gold Coast – All areas from Coolangatta to Yatala, including coastal and hinterland zones

• Sunshine Coast – From Caloundra to Noosa and surrounding business precincts

• Logan & Beenleigh Corridor

• Ipswich & Western Suburbs

• Redlands & Bayside

• Greater Brisbane Industrial Zones

Our local teams are strategically positioned to ensure fast response times, day or night.

Not sure if we cover your location?
📞 Call 1300 227 600 — we’re happy to confirm and dispatch a technician fast.

5 Smart Tips for Maximizing Commercial Refrigeration Efficiency (+ 1 Bonus!)

Owning commercial refrigeration units can feel like a double-edged sword in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. On one hand, they’re the heartbeat of your business, keeping products fresh and safe. On the other, they’re a source of stress—energy bills, breakdowns, and the constant fear of failure.

That’s why maintaining refrigeration efficiency isn’t just smart—it’s crucial to your bottom line. Here are my top 5 tips (plus a bonus) to help you cut costs, extend lifespan, and breathe easier.

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1. Clean and Inspect Condenser Coils Regularly

They’re easy to forget but critical to performance. Dirty condenser coils cause your unit to overwork, increasing energy use and risk of failure.

How to clean them:

• Shut off the power
• Access coils (typically behind or beneath the unit)
• Brush off dust and debris
• Vacuum any loose particles
• Wipe down with a damp cloth

📅 Clean every 3 months. This simple step pays dividends in lower energy bills and longer equipment life.

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2. Maintain Door Seals and Gaskets

Damaged gaskets = escaped cold air = wasted energy and overworked compressors.

Quick check:

• Look for visible cracks or tears
• Try the “dollar bill test”: close the door on a dollar bill. If it slides out easily, the seal needs replacing
• Clean with warm water and mild detergent to prevent dirt build-up

🛠 Replacing worn gaskets is far cheaper than losing stock or spiking your power bill.

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3. Monitor and Maintain Proper Temperature Settings

Not too cold, not too warm—your unit should sit in the ideal temperature range for food safety and efficiency.

Pro tips:

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended settings
• Use internal thermometers to check for even cooling
• Monitor temperatures daily for sudden shifts

🎯 Staying in the sweet spot avoids spoilage and keeps energy use in check.

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4. Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance

Even the best-kept units need a trained eye. A licensed technician can catch small issues before they turn into major failures.

Benefits of a regular service plan:

• Early problem detection
• Better performance
• Fewer emergency repairs
• Longer equipment life

📅 We recommend scheduling maintenance at least twice a year. Think of it like insurance for your fridge—and your business.

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5. Keep the Area Around the Unit Clean and Clear

Your refrigeration unit needs space to “breathe.” If airflow is blocked, it strains the system and drives up energy costs.

Simple tips:

• Leave a few inches of space between the unit and walls
• Avoid stacking boxes or equipment nearby
• Regularly dust and clean vents

🧼 A clear space = better airflow = higher efficiency.

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Bonus Tip: Track Energy Consumption

A spike in energy use could be your first warning sign of trouble.

What to do:

• Use an energy monitoring device like Kill A Watt
• Set a monthly baseline
• Investigate any unusual spikes

📊 Catching inefficiencies early can prevent equipment failures and reduce operating costs.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Maintaining your commercial refrigeration units doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little consistency and care, you can reduce downtime, cut energy costs, and extend your system’s lifespan.

And when in doubt? Call in the pros. At ACRO Refrigeration, our expert technicians are just a phone call away, ready to help you get the most from your equipment—so you can focus on running your business.

📞 Need help with commercial fridge maintenance or repairs? Contact ACRO Refrigeration today.

Because a reliable refrigerator shouldn’t be a gamble—it should be a given.

🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

📰 Enjoyed this article?

Browse more helpful insights and case studies on our Refrigeration Blog

7 Signs Your Fridge Door Seal Needs Replacing

Your commercial fridge works around the clock. But if the door seal (gasket) breaks down, you’ll burn extra power, invite mould, and risk food-safety breaches. Here are seven clear signs your fridge door seal needs replacing—plus a 60-second test you can do right now.

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Sign 1. Visible Cracks or Splits

Run your fingers along the gasket. Even small cracks let warm air sneak in, forcing the compressor to work overtime.

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Sign 2. The Dollar-Note Test Fails

Shut a banknote half-in, half-out of the door. If you can pull it free without resistance, the seal isn’t gripping.

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Sign 3. Condensation or Frost Buildup Inside

Excess moisture on shelves or frost near the door path usually means warm, humid air is leaking through a weak seal.

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Sign 4. Door Won’t Self-Close Smoothly

A swollen or warped gasket pushes the door out of alignment. You’ll notice the door hanging slightly open or not latching.

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Sign 5. Rising Energy Bills

A failing seal can add 20–30 percent to your fridge’s power draw. Check your last two power invoices—an unexplained jump could point to gasket failure.

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Sign 6. Mould or Mildew Around the Seal

Black spots mean the soft vinyl is harbouring moisture. That mould can migrate to stored food or blowing fans.

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Sign 7. Temperature Alarms or Food-Safety Breaches

If your data logger or HACCP sheet shows repeated temperature spikes, a leaking seal is often the culprit—especially in high-traffic kitchens.

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Quick 60-Second DIY Check

1. Visual sweep: Look for cracks, tears or hardened corners.

2. Dollar-note test on three spots (top, middle, bottom).

3. Listen: Close the door—no “whoosh” sound usually means no airtight seal.

If you fail any step, book a replacement before energy loss and spoilage cost you more.

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Why Replace Rather Than Repair?

• New seals cut power use instantly.
• Repairs are short-lived; vinyl can’t be glued cleanly.
• Replacement takes under 20 minutes with the right profile.

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Stop Cold-Air Leaks Today

Book before 10 am for same-day service across SE Queensland.

📞 Call us now: 1300 227 600
✉️ Email: workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au
🌐 Book online 

What Causes Commercial Fridge Breakdowns?

7 Common Issues and How to Prevent Them

A failing commercial fridge can mean thousands in lost stock and business disruption — especially during peak trading hours. Understanding what causes commercial fridge breakdowns can help you prevent them before they become a major issue.

Here are the 7 most common reasons your fridge might fail — and how to avoid them.

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1. Dirty Condenser Coils

Dust and grease build-up on condenser coils restrict heat exchange, making your fridge work harder and hotter. This is a leading cause of compressor burnout.

✅ Prevention Tip: Schedule regular coil cleaning — especially in kitchens or dusty environments.

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2. Faulty Door Seals

Worn or split door seals let warm air in, forcing your system to run longer to maintain temperature. This not only increases energy use but also stresses your components.

✅ Prevention Tip: Inspect door gaskets monthly. Replace if cracked, loose, or mouldy.

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3. Blocked or Icy Evaporator Coils

If the evaporator coils are blocked or icing up, your fridge can’t cool effectively. This often happens due to poor airflow, open doors, or defrost timer issues.

✅ Prevention Tip: Make sure fans are working, defrost cycles are running, and airflow isn’t blocked by overloaded shelving.

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4. Refrigerant Leaks

Low refrigerant levels cause gradual temperature rise and eventual failure. Leaks often go unnoticed until critical components are damaged.

✅ Prevention Tip: Have your system pressure tested during regular maintenance to catch slow leaks early.

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5. Thermostat or Sensor Failure

A faulty thermostat or sensor may cause overcooling, undercooling, or failure to cycle — often leading to food spoilage or compressor stress.

✅ Prevention Tip: Calibrate or replace thermostats as part of scheduled servicing.

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6. Power Supply Issues

Fridges on unstable circuits or without surge protection can suffer control board failures or intermittent operation.

✅ Prevention Tip: Install voltage protection and check that your system is on a dedicated, stable power line.

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7. Poor or Irregular Maintenance

Neglecting routine servicing is the most common long-term cause of breakdowns. Small issues turn into major failures, often at the worst possible time.

✅ Prevention Tip: Book a preventative maintenance agreement (PMA) with a trusted technician. It pays for itself in avoided breakdowns.

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Commercial Fridge Breakdowns Are Avoidable

At ACRO Refrigeration, we specialise in emergency fridge repairs and preventative servicing across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. We know what fails, when it fails, and how to stop it before it costs you.

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Book a Fridge Health Check Today

We offer:
✔ On-site inspections
✔ Full system performance reports
✔ Maintenance plans that protect your equipment year-round
✔ 24/7 breakdown response

📞 Call 1300 227 600
📩 Enquire Now

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❓ FAQ: What Causes Commercial Fridge Breakdowns?

How long should a commercial fridge last?
With regular servicing, 10–15 years. Without it, major failures often occur within 5–7 years.

Why does my commercial fridge keep icing up?
Usually due to airflow issues, failed defrost cycles, or warm air entry from open doors or faulty seals.

Can a commercial fridge run with low refrigerant?
Yes, but it will run inefficiently, cause temperature issues, and eventually damage the compressor.

Avoiding Cold Room Failure in Peak Season: Pro Tips from ACRO Refrigeration

When summer hits, your cold room is under maximum pressure. The combination of high ambient temperatures, frequent door openings, and increased demand on stock turnover means one thing — cold room failure during peak season isn’t just inconvenient, it’s expensive.

Here’s how to avoid it.

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Schedule Preventative Maintenance in Winter

The most effective way to prevent peak-season failures is to service your cold room during the quiet months. Winter servicing allows our technicians to:

• Inspect refrigerant levels and pressures

• Test system efficiency

• Check and calibrate thermostats and defrost cycles

• Identify worn components before they fail under summer load

Early intervention saves you from breakdowns when you can least afford them.

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Clean Condensers and Evaporators

Dust and grime restrict airflow, reducing efficiency and increasing compressor load. This is a top cause of failure in summer.

Our team performs a full clean of internal and external components, ensuring:

• Better airflow

• Reduced energy use

• Longer compressor lifespan

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Monitor Door Seals and Door Usage

Damaged or worn seals let warm air in — causing your system to overwork and ice up. Ensure:

• Door seals are intact and pliable

• Staff avoid propping doors open during deliveries

• You have door alarms or air curtains installed for high-traffic rooms

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Watch for Signs of Trouble

Common warning signs your cold room is struggling:

• Unusual compressor noise

• Fluctuating temperature

• Ice build-up on evaporators

• Higher than usual power bills

Don’t wait until it stops working — these are red flags for looming failure.

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Book a Commercial Cold Room Inspection Today

At ACRO Refrigeration, we help businesses across Brisbane and the Gold Coast prevent cold room breakdowns before summer hits. Our experienced technicians inspect, clean, and tune your system for high-load reliability.

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Preventative Maintenance = Peace of Mind

Book a Winter Cold Room Service and receive:
✔ A full system inspection
✔ Detailed maintenance report
✔ Priority breakdown response through summer
✔ Peace of mind

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📞 Need Help? Call ACRO Now

Let us take care of your cold storage — before the heat arrives.

📞 Call 1300 227 600 or
📩 Book Your Cold Room Service Now

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FAQ: Avoiding Cold Room Failure

How often should a commercial cold room be serviced?
We recommend at least twice per year, with one full inspection scheduled before peak summer load.

Can I clean my cold room coils myself?
Basic dusting can help, but deep cleaning and chemical-safe treatments should be done by professionals to avoid system damage.

What’s the most common cause of cold room breakdowns in summer?
Blocked coils, failing fans, and worn compressors due to poor maintenance or airflow restriction.

What Can Damage a Compressor in Commercial Refrigeration?

Causes of commercial refrigeration compressor failure

In any commercial refrigeration system, the compressor is the heart of the unit — and also one of the most expensive parts to replace. When a compressor fails, it’s rarely an isolated incident. Most of the time, the failure is caused by something else going wrong in the system first.

At ACRO Refrigeration, we regularly attend jobs where a simple fault was left unresolved and eventually led to a full compressor burnout. Here’s what you need to know about what causes compressor failure — and how to avoid it.

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Common Causes of Compressor Failure in Commercial Refrigeration

1. Low Refrigerant or Refrigerant Leaks

When your system runs with too little refrigerant, the compressor overheats and loses lubrication, often leading to internal damage.

Signs to watch for:

• Icing on evaporator coils

• Long run times

• Poor temperature recovery

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2. Blocked or Dirty Condenser Coils

A clogged or dirty condenser prevents proper heat exchange, forcing the compressor to work harder and longer than it should.

Result:

• Overheating

• Short cycling

• Higher energy use and early failure

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3. Fan Motor Failures (Evaporator or Condenser)

If the evaporator fan fails, cold air can’t circulate. If the condenser fan fails, heat isn’t removed. Either way, the compressor is under stress.

Symptoms:

• Uneven temperatures

• Constant compressor run

• System not cycling off

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4. Faulty Thermostats or Controllers

Incorrect controller settings or faulty sensors can cause the system to overcool or undercool, leading to excess compressor load.

Tip: Always check controller settings after a repair or power outage.

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5. Floodback or Liquid Refrigerant Return

When liquid refrigerant returns to the compressor instead of vapor, it can cause slugging — a major mechanical shock.

Cause:

• Oversized TX valves

• Poor defrost

• Incorrect superheat settings

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6. Overcharged System

Too much refrigerant raises high-side pressure and overloads the compressor, potentially damaging valves and windings.

Why it happens:

• DIY gas top-ups

• Poor diagnostics

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7. Electrical Faults

Undervoltage, phase imbalance, or faulty relays can cause windings to burn out or overload the compressor.

Watch for:

• Tripped breakers

• Burnt terminals

• Intermittent operation

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8. Inadequate Oil Return

If oil gets trapped in long lines or improperly pitched pipework, the compressor may run dry — leading to bearing wear and failure.

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Why Compressor Failure is Almost Never Just a Compressor Problem

The compressor usually fails because another part of the system failed first — and was not corrected. Simply replacing the compressor without fixing the root cause is likely to lead to another failure.

At ACRO, we never just “swap out the part.” Our technicians:

• Investigate system pressures

• Check for signs of secondary faults

• Confirm correct oil return and superheat

• Provide a clear explanation of why the compressor failed

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Frequently Asked Questions – Compressor Failures

Q: Can I just replace the compressor without diagnosing the system?
A: No — this is risky and often leads to repeat failure. Always identify the root cause.

Q: How can I prevent compressor failure?
A: Through regular maintenance, refrigerant checks, cleaning coils, and timely repairs.

Q: How long should a commercial compressor last?
A: With proper care, 8–15 years. Poor maintenance can shorten this significantly.

Q: What does liquid slugging sound like?
A: A loud knocking or rattling noise when the compressor starts. It’s a sign of liquid return and serious risk.

Q: Do you offer compressor replacements?
A: Yes — we supply and install compressors and complete system rebuilds across SE QLD, including emergency replacements.

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Areas We Cover

ACRO Refrigeration provides commercial refrigeration service, diagnostics, and compressor replacements across:

• Brisbane – Northside, Southside, CBD

• Gold Coast – From Coolangatta to Yatala

• Sunshine Coast – Caloundra to Noosa

• Logan, Ipswich, Redlands, and surrounding industrial zones

📞 Call 1300 227 600 or 📧 workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au

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Related Articles

• Why Fixing One Fault May Not Be Enough

• Refrigeration Alarms: What They Mean and What to Do

• The True Cost of Delay in Commercial Repairs

• Preventative Maintenance Plans for Refrigeration Systems

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Stay Connected

Want to avoid compressor breakdowns and costly repairs? Stay informed with ACRO:

• Follow us on Facebook

• Connect on LinkedIn

• Browse the Refrigeration Blog

For expert advice, maintenance tips, and real-world case studies — sign up for our newsletter or get in touch.

Why Fixing One Fault May Not Be Enough

Why One Fault Fixed Doesn’t Always Mean the System Is Fully Repaired

In commercial refrigeration, it’s easy to assume that once the fault causing a breakdown is repaired, the system is good to go. But in many cases, that’s not the full story. Fixing a single issue may not address the root cause or other faults that have developed alongside it.

At ACRO Refrigeration, we often attend emergency call-outs where a quick fix solves the immediate problem — but other underlying issues remain that will cause the unit to fail again soon if not addressed.

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Hidden Fault Chains in Commercial Refrigeration

Commercial refrigeration systems are interconnected. A single component failing often affects other parts of the system. Here are some examples:

1. Compressor Not Running = Relay Fault (But Why?)

We replace the relay, the compressor runs again — but the original failure may have been caused by:

• Overheating from dirty coils

• Electrical surges

• Poor refrigerant flow

If we don’t fix the cause, the new relay may fail again.

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2. Temperature Alarm = Blocked Airflow (But What Caused It?)

A blocked airflow might be due to:

• Iced-up coils from failed defrost cycles

• Fan motor running intermittently

• Overloading with stock, reducing circulation

Just clearing the blockage doesn’t solve the root issue.

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3. Low Cooling = Refrigerant Leak (But Is It Ongoing?)

Topping up gas gets things cold again — temporarily. But if the leak isn’t found and sealed, the problem returns.

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Why We Recommend a Full System Assessment

At ACRO, our job isn’t just to fix what’s broken — it’s to protect your operation from the next failure. That’s why we:

• Investigate why a part failed

• Check for secondary issues

• Test refrigerant pressures, controls, and airflow

• Recommend preventative action when needed

We believe in transparent reporting, so you know what we fixed, what’s at risk, and how to prevent further downtime.

We also understand the importance of managing repair costs, especially in busy commercial settings. That’s why we often approach breakdowns with staged repairs:

We’ll address the most obvious fault first — enough to get the system running again — and then monitor performance closely. If a secondary fault is present but not immediately detectable, it may only surface once the system returns to operation.

This approach keeps your equipment online, avoids unnecessary replacement of working parts, and gives you control over repair costs with full visibility.

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The Cost of Ignoring Hidden Faults

• Repeat call-outs

• Stock loss from another failure

• Reduced compressor life from operating under strain

• Higher energy bills due to poor performance

• Frustrated staff and customers

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Trust ACRO to Get to the Root of the Problem

We don’t do quick patch jobs that leave you exposed. Our commercial refrigeration technicians:

• Take time to diagnose fully

• Carry parts for first-time fixes

• Provide photos and fault reports

• Offer clear quotes for follow-up work if needed

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Areas We Service

ACRO Refrigeration provides commercial refrigeration repair, maintenance, and installation across:

• Brisbane – Northside, Southside, CBD, and industrial hubs

• Gold Coast – From Coolangatta to Yatala

• Sunshine Coast – Caloundra to Noosa

• Logan, Ipswich, Redlands, and South-East QLD

Need reliable service that solves the whole problem — not just one part of it?

📞 Call 1300 227 600 or 📧 workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au

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Related Articles

• Refrigeration Alarms: What They Mean and What to Do

• The True Cost of Delay: How Ignoring Minor Faults Creates Major Repairs

• Cold Room Not Cooling? Here’s What to Check First

• Preventative Maintenance Plans for Refrigeration Systems

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Stay Connected

Get expert tips, service updates, and breakdown prevention advice:

• Follow ACRO on Facebook

• Connect with us on LinkedIn

• Read more on the ACRO Blog