Top 5 Commercial Refrigeration Issues We See on the Gold Coast (And How to Avoid Them)
Operating a business on the Gold Coast means dealing with heat, humidity, and a fast-paced hospitality and retail scene. Whether you run a restaurant, supermarket, or medical facility, your refrigeration systems are mission-critical — and downtime can cost thousands.
At ACRO Refrigeration, we’ve worked with hundreds of Gold Coast businesses. Here are the top 5 commercial refrigeration issues we see again and again — and how you can prevent them.
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
The salty coastal air on the Gold Coast makes condenser coils clog faster than in many other regions. When coils are covered in dust, grease, or salt, your system has to work harder, using more energy and increasing the risk of breakdowns.
✅ Solution: Schedule quarterly cleaning for all outdoor units, especially if you’re near the beach or in a kitchen-heavy environment.
Cleaning a condenser coil
2. Inconsistent Temperature Readings
Fluctuating temperatures in fridges or freezers are a red flag — and can lead to spoiled stock, non-compliance with food safety standards, or expensive callouts. Common causes include failing thermostats, poor airflow, or blocked evaporators.
✅ Solution: Install temperature monitoring systems with alerts, and have a technician check calibration during each service.
3. Refrigerant Leaks
We frequently find small refrigerant leaks in systems across Gold Coast restaurants and convenience stores. These not only reduce efficiency but can also damage compressors — the most expensive part of your system.
✅ Solution: A scheduled maintenance plan that includes refrigerant level checks and leak detection will save you from surprise breakdowns and fines.
4. Poor Airflow Due to Blocked Fans
Humidity on the Gold Coast often leads to ice build-up, which can block fans and restrict airflow inside your units. This can cause uneven cooling, short cycling, and strain on components.
✅ Solution: Ensure proper defrost cycles are functioning, and have your tech inspect fans, motors, and ducts as part of your routine servicing.
5. Inadequate Preventive Maintenance
Many businesses only call us when something breaks — by then, it’s often too late. Gold Coast businesses operating 7 days a week can’t afford that kind of downtime.
✅ Solution: Sign up for a commercial refrigeration service contract. It’s predictable, cost-effective, and helps avoid those dreaded emergency breakdowns.
Final Thoughts
The Gold Coast climate puts extra strain on commercial refrigeration systems. With the right maintenance schedule and proactive care, you can keep your equipment running efficiently year-round.
Need help with your refrigeration system?
Talk to the team at Acro Refrigeration. We’ve been helping Gold Coast businesses stay cool and compliant for over 50 years.
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📞 Call us on 1300 227 600
📧 Email: workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au
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