Commercial Refrigerator Not Cooling?

Why is my commercial refrigerator not cooling properly? Common causes, what you can check, and when to call technicians.

6-Month Warranty

Service-call pricing

Applied to the cost of the repair when work is done.

$120

Diagnostic visit · same flat rate for all appliances

Warranty: 6-month parts, 3-month labor. Technician quotes the repair on-site before any work.

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Most jobs scheduled same-day or next-day.

Required fields marked *. Up-front pricing — diagnostic fee disclosed before dispatch.

No payment required. You'll get an SMS + email confirmation as soon as our dispatcher reviews — usually within 1 business hour.

Common causes of commercial refrigerator not cooling

Dirty Condenser Coils

importantCan DIY check

Dust and debris on the condenser coils prevent the refrigerator from releasing heat effectively. This makes the compressor work harder and can lead to insufficient cooling.

Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

criticalPro recommended

The evaporator fan circulates cold air within the refrigerator compartment. If this motor fails, cold air won't be distributed, causing the unit to warm up.

Thermostat Malfunction

importantPro recommended

The thermostat controls the temperature inside the refrigerator. If it's not reading the temperature correctly or sending the right signals, the cooling system may not engage when needed.

Door Seal Issues

importantCan DIY check

Worn or damaged door gaskets allow cold air to escape and warm, moist air to enter. This forces the cooling system to run constantly without maintaining the desired temperature.

Refrigerant Leak

criticalPro recommended

A loss of refrigerant means the system cannot transfer heat properly. This is a serious issue that requires professional attention to locate and repair the leak and recharge the system.

Defrost System Failure

importantPro recommended

The defrost system prevents ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If it fails, ice can accumulate, blocking airflow and reducing cooling efficiency.

Quick checks you can run safely

  1. 1

    Check Door Seals

    Inspect the rubber gaskets around the doors for any tears, gaps, or signs of wear. Ensure the doors are closing completely and creating a tight seal.

    Safety: Be careful not to pinch fingers when closing doors.
  2. 2

    Listen for the Evaporator Fan

    Open the refrigerator door and listen carefully. You should hear a fan running inside the freezer or refrigerator compartment. If you don't hear it, the fan might be the issue.

    Safety: Be cautious of any moving parts inside the appliance.
  3. 3

    Clean Condenser Coils

    Locate the condenser coils (usually on the back or underneath). Unplug the refrigerator and carefully clean away any dust or debris using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a specialized coil brush. Plug the unit back in after cleaning.

    Safety: Always unplug the appliance before cleaning coils to prevent electrical shock. Coils may have sharp edges.
  4. 4

    Verify Temperature Settings

    Double-check that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. Sometimes settings can be accidentally changed.

  5. 5

    Check for Airflow Obstructions

    Ensure that food items are not blocking air vents inside the refrigerator or freezer compartments, as this can impede cold air circulation.

When to call a pro right away

  • You suspect a refrigerant leak.

    Refrigerant is a hazardous substance that requires specialized equipment and certification to handle. Improper handling can be dangerous and illegal.

  • The compressor is not running, or you hear unusual noises.

    These symptoms can indicate serious mechanical or electrical problems with the core components of the cooling system, requiring professional diagnosis and repair.

  • The unit is not cooling at all, and basic checks haven't resolved the issue.

    A complete loss of cooling often points to a failure in a critical component like the fan motor, thermostat, or sealed system, which needs expert attention.

  • You notice signs of electrical issues, such as sparking, burning smells, or tripped breakers.

    Electrical problems pose a significant risk of fire and electrocution and should only be handled by qualified technicians.

Saw a red flag above? Don't wait.

Same-day service. transparent service-call pricing (applied to repair) — applied to your repair.

Typical repair time once diagnosed: 120 minutes

Related issues we fix

Error code on your display?

Look up your brand's error codes for commercial refrigerator not cooling — we cover the most common codes for each brand we service.

This page provides general diagnostic guidance for commercial refrigerator not cooling. Specific causes and repairs vary by appliance brand, model, and condition. For accurate diagnosis, contact a licensed appliance repair technician. Repairs involving refrigerant systems, gas lines, or high-voltage circuits require certified professionals — DIY attempts on these systems may be illegal and dangerous.

How our repair process works

Five steps from your first call to the warranty receipt. No surprises.

  1. 1

    Inspection

    Your technician examines the appliance, listens to your description, and notes the model + serial for parts lookup. Visual + audio-based diagnostics first — non-invasive.

  2. 2

    Diagnostics

    Targeted tests on the failing subsystem (compressor, control board, heating element, motor, etc.) to identify the exact root cause. You get a clear explanation, not jargon.

  3. 3

    Fix decision

    Up-front estimate before any work begins: cost, parts, and the realistic likelihood of success vs. recommending replacement on an old or uneconomical unit. You decide.

  4. 4

    Operational test

    After the repair we run the appliance through its normal cycle on-site — never "it should work now, call us if it doesn't." You sign off when it's actually working.

  5. 5

    Warranty + consultation

    Receipt with warranty terms in writing. Plus a quick walkthrough of how to extend the appliance's life (filter cleaning, drain maintenance, etc.) — included free.

What our customers say

Excellent4.8Verified Google Reviews
View all on Google
Nancy Chapman

Nancy Chapman

11 months ago
Google

Pavel responded to my phone call quickly. We immediately scheduled a time for him to come to my house to check on my appliance. A month ago I scheduled another repairman to check my icemaker but he could not repair it. A couple of days ago, a friend refer…

Josh Wainer

Josh Wainer

a year ago
Google

Pavel was great. Came on time. Diagnosed and found this issue right away. Very knowledgeable. He found the best and most cost effective way to fix our appliance. I would absolutely call again. I just hope I don't need to :)

nadirangel7

nadirangel7

a year ago
Google

He fixed my refrigerator and that I really appreciate that I can say thank you very much for the service. Fix it in two days. I love you thank you thank you.

Robert Williams

Robert Williams

a year ago
Google

"Fix It" is run by Paul who personally services all your appliances. He is reliable and his prices are very reasonable. He has repaired our refrigerator, washing machine and also installed our new dishwasher. We have extreme confidence in him and have never ha…

Nazar Maliarchuk

Nazar Maliarchuk

a year ago
Google

I had a great experience getting my refrigerator repaired. They fixed it in just 5 hours and even cleaned it thoroughly. Excellent service!

Hours of Operation(all times EDT)

Mon8am–6pm EDT
Tue8am–6pm EDT
Wed8am–6pm EDT
Thu8am–6pm EDT
Fri8am–6pm EDT
Sat9am–4pm EDT
SunClosed
Same-Business-Day Response Available — call before noon for priority scheduling in your service area.
Weekend Service Available— we work Saturday and Sunday for operators who can't wait until Monday.
Office hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:30pm EDT. Emergency dispatch available 24/7/365.

Appliance Down? Instant SMS & Email Confirmation.

Fixit Appliance Repair same-day available. Tech arrival time confirmed within 1 business hour.