A Costly Problem in Plain Sight
At ACRO Refrigeration, we’re used to receiving urgent calls from Brisbane and Gold Coast commercial kitchens—but this one stood out. A major Brisbane hotel, just two years old, reached out after staff noticed one of their under-bench freezers wasn’t holding temperature. The digital display read +17°C—dangerously high for a unit that should be maintaining -18°C to -20°C.
In a busy kitchen, that kind of temperature swing can mean spoiled stock, compliance breaches, and even temporary kitchen closures.
The Root Cause: A Blocked Condenser Coil
When our technician arrived onsite, the issue was immediately clear:
The condenser coil was so clogged with dust, grease, and debris that you couldn’t even see the fins.
Despite the hotel being relatively new, the freezer’s location—under a prep bench, in a hot and humid kitchen—meant it had accumulated grime fast. Without regular cleaning, the coil couldn’t dissipate heat properly, forcing the compressor to work overtime with little effect.
The Solution: Deep Clean and Preventative Insight
Our technician performed a thorough clean of the condenser coil, using nitrogen to blow out embedded debris and a coil-safe cleaner to remove the built-up film of grease and dust. The airflow was restored, and within hours, the freezer temperature dropped to a steady -21°C.
What This Means for Your Business
This incident is a textbook example of how preventative maintenance saves money—and headaches. Here’s why:
-
Dirty condenser coils are the #1 cause of freezer temperature failure in commercial kitchens.
-
Even new equipment is vulnerable without a maintenance plan.
-
A single service call prevented a potential compliance issue, stock loss, and equipment burnout.
Takeaways for Facility Managers and Chefs
-
Schedule routine coil cleaning at least every 3–6 months.
-
Inspect under-bench units more frequently, especially those in tight or enclosed spaces.
-
Partner with a service provider who understands the pressure of hospitality and compliance requirements.
Don’t Wait for a Breakdown
If your refrigeration units haven’t had a coil clean in the past 6 months, you’re likely running at reduced efficiency—and increased risk.
📞 Call ACRO Refrigeration for all refrigeration breakdowns on 1300 227 600
🛠️ Book a preventative maintenance visit before your system fails.
🔹 Email: workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au
🔹 Visit www.acrorefrigeration.com.au
Serving Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Greater QLD
🔄 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
Useful post. I understood. Good read.
Thanks for your comment — we’re pleased to hear it was helpful! Let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover next.