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Commercial Refrigerator Not Cooling?
Why is my commercial refrigerator not cooling properly? Common causes, what you can check, and when to call our licensed and insured technicians.
Licensed & Insured
2024
Serving Since
90-Day Warranty
Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Sat, Sun Closed (EDT)
Equipment We Service
Ovens & Cooking
Refrigerators & Freezers
Ice Makers
Dishwashers
Washers & Dryers
2024
Serving Since
Service-call pricing
FREE with repair — every tier goes toward your repair, $0 extra.
Standard Most appliances + brands | $87 |
Commercial Walk-in coolers, commercial laundry, restaurant equipment | $187 |
Warranty: 90-day parts and labor. Technician quotes the repair on-site before any work.
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Appliance Down? Instant SMS & Email Confirmation.
Submit below — you get an instant SMS + email confirming we've received your request. Our dispatcher confirms your tech's exact arrival time. Live tracking link in every message.
Your commercial refrigerator not cooling is a serious concern for any Alpharetta business, potentially leading to costly spoilage and disruption. At A.M.S. Appliance Repair, we understand the urgency when your kitchen or storage unit isn't maintaining the proper temperature. This page will guide you through some common reasons why your unit might be struggling to cool, what simple checks you might be able to perform safely yourself, and when it's time to call in our experienced technicians to diagnose and resolve the issue. We're here to help get your essential equipment back in working order quickly.
Common causes of commercial refrigerator not cooling
Dirty Condenser Coils
importantCan DIY checkDust 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 recommendedThe 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 recommendedThe 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 checkWorn 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 recommendedA 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 recommendedThe 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
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
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
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
Verify Temperature Settings
Double-check that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. Sometimes settings can be accidentally changed.
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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GoogleAlex came the same afternoon and had my oven repaired in short order. I highly recommend his services.
GoogleI needed my disposal repaired. Ivan came out the same day and fixed without having to replace. It was quick and easy and saved me $300. Thank you! Great service.
GoogleGreat service! Professional, friendly, and efficient. Fair prices and excellent communication. Highly recommend!
GoogleExcellent service! Very professional, friendly, and reliable. The technician arrived on time, quickly identified the problem, and fixed everything efficiently. Fair pricing and great communication throughout the process. I’m very happy with the service and wou…
Hours of Operation(all times EDT)
Mon8am–6pm EDT
Tue8am–6pm EDT
Wed8am–6pm EDT
Thu8am–6pm EDT
Fri8am–6pm EDT
SatClosed
SunClosed
Same-Business-Day Response Available — call before noon for priority scheduling in your service area.
Appliance Down? Instant SMS & Email Confirmation.
A.M.S. Appliance Repair — licensed & insured, same-day available. We confirm your tech's arrival time.