Refrigerator Not Working: Common Causes & Quick Fixes for Commercial Units

When dealing with refrigerator not working, the condition where a commercial fridge fails to keep its interior at safe, cold temperatures, leading to spoilage and downtime. Also known as fridge failure, it usually points to a problem with one of three core parts.

First up is the compressor, the motor‑driven pump that circulates refrigerant through the cooling circuit. If the compressor overheats or its motor burns out, the whole system stops moving cold gas and the temperature rises. Next, the thermostat, the sensor and control unit that tells the compressor when to turn on or off can drift out of calibration, causing the unit to think it’s already cold and never kick in the cooling cycle. Finally, the door seal, the rubber gasket that keeps cold air inside and warm air out may crack or pull away, letting warm air leach in and forcing the compressor to work harder than it should.

These three pieces are tightly linked: refrigerator not working often stems from a faulty compressor, a misreading thermostat, or a damaged door seal. In other words, the problem encompasses compressor failure, requires checking the thermostat, and is influenced by the condition of the door seal. Understanding these connections makes troubleshooting a lot less guesswork.

Diagnosing the Issue in a Commercial Setting

Commercial refrigerators run longer hours and store more stock than home units, so a quick fix matters. Start by listening – a humming compressor that stops after a few seconds often signals an overload or low‑pressure switch. Then, check the temperature display; if it reads normal but the interior is warm, the thermostat may be stuck. Inspect the door seal for tears, gaps, or freezer‑burn spots; even a small leak can raise interior temps by several degrees.

Next, look for frost buildup on the evaporator coils. Excess frost usually points to a refrigerant leak or a faulty defrost timer, both of which need a certified technician. While you can clean condenser coils and replace a cracked seal yourself, digging into the refrigerant system without proper training is risky and illegal in many jurisdictions.

Once you’ve ruled out the obvious, consider the age of the unit. A compressor that’s over ten years old may be near the end of its useful life. In that case, replacement could be more cost‑effective than repeated repairs, especially when energy‑efficiency standards have improved.

Below you’ll find a hand‑picked collection of guides that walk you through each of these symptoms, show you how to test the thermostat, replace a door seal, and decide when it’s time to call in a pro. Dive in to get your fridge back to peak performance without the guesswork.