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Avantco Refrigerators Troubleshooting Guide

Last updated on Oct 8, 2024

As frequently used appliances, refrigeration equipment is crucial in kitchen operations and must work properly to ensure the kitchen operates smoothly. Issues such as leaks, power problems, and temperature fluctuations can arise in any type of refrigerator, including reach-in, undercounter, or beverage coolers. Use our troubleshooting guide to assist you in identifying and resolving common problems with Avantco Refrigeration refrigerators, as well as provide tips on how to prevent these issues through regular maintenance.


Shop All Avantco Refrigeration Products

Use the following links to navigate and learn how to troubleshoot common Avantco refrigerator issues:

  1. Refrigerator Is Leaking
  2. Power Issues
  3. Temperature Issues
  4. Light Is Not Working
  5. Compressor Is Not Running
  6. Maintenance Tips
  7. Avantco Parts

1. Water Is Pooling in the Corner of My Avantco Refrigerator

Employee putting food into a reach-in refrigerator

If your Avantco refrigerator is leaking, check the machine levelness, kitchen humidity, and the gasket and drain tube inside the machine.

  • Uneven flooring: Make sure your unit is level. Tilting could cause the water in the evaporator pan to overflow and lead to a leak.
  • Humid kitchen: If your kitchen has excess moisture, your unit may be leaking because of a buildup of condensation. Move your unit to a drier area.
  • Door gasket not sealing properly: Remove the door gasket from the door frame and clean the gasket. Check the door gasket for a proper seal after replacing it.
  • Clogged drain tube: Check the unit's drain tube regularly to prevent clogs from causing motor or electrical damage. Because the drain tube is not easily accessible, call an authorized service technician to clear it.

2. Avantco Refrigerator Won't Stay On

Avantco refrigerator that is not powered on

If your Avantco refrigerator turns on then off or won't turn on, there are a few simple things to check to ensure it receives the proper power supply.

  • Malfunctioning plug or outlet: All units should be plugged into a grounded and correctly sized electrical outlet with appropriate overcurrent protection. Please make sure that your unit has a dedicated outlet.
  • Improper voltage: Low or high voltage flowing through an outlet can detrimentally affect the refrigeration unit.
  • Plugged into an extension cord: Do not use an extension cord as this can void the unit's warranty.
  • Tripped GFCI outlet: If the unit is plugged into a GFCI outlet, check if the "RESET" button is popped out. Push the "RESET" button and check if the unit functions properly. If the outlet continues to trip, check if the circuit is overloaded or call a service technician to assess if the wiring is faulty.
  • Tripped breaker: Call a service technician.

3. Avantco Cooler Is Not Holding Temperature

Avantco refrigerator digital temperature control

Numerous factors can contribute to your refrigerator's temperature not being cold enough to store goods. Some issues are easy to fix without help, but some might require calling your service technician to check the unit.

  • Thermostat set too high: Set the thermostat to a lower temperature.
  • Blocked airflow: Rearrange products to allow for proper airflow. Make sure there is at least 4 inches of clearance from the fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: Contact a service technician to check the refrigerant levels.
  • Door closing improperly: Make sure your door shuts completely each time you close it. If your door is not closing correctly, you may need to clean or replace the gasket or hinge to ensure that your unit's door is sealing properly and keeping cold air inside.

How to Reset an Avantco Refrigerator's Minimum Temperature

Resetting your Avantco refrigerator's minimum temperature is a quick and easy task.

  1. Hold the "SET" button for one second.

  2. Use the arrow buttons to adjust the temperature to 33 degrees Fahrenheit or whatever minimum temperature you want the unit to run at.

  3. Press "SET" again to save.

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4. Avantco Refrigerator Interior Light Is Not Working

Check the following areas if your Avantco refrigerator's interior light is not turning on.

  • Disconnected bulb: Make sure the bulb is correctly inserted in the socket.
  • Burnt-out bulb: Replace the bulb.

5. Avantco Refrigerator Compressor Is Not Running

Employee putting a food pan into an Avantco refrigerator

If your compressor is not running on your Avantco refrigerator, it is likely caused by a power issue or maintenance problem. Ensure the following areas are clean and functioning as intended before calling a service technician.

  • Blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker: Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
  • Unplugged unit: Plug in the power cord. If you recently unplugged the unit, wait at least 10 minutes before plugging it back in to avoid damaging the compressor.
  • Thermostat set too high: Readjust the thermostat to a lower temperature.
  • Cabinet in defrost cycle: Wait for the defrost cycle to finish.
  • Dirty condenser coils: Dirty condenser coils can cause the compressor to overheat, which will cause the compressor to stop working. Clean the coils if they're clogged or dirty.

6. Avantco Refrigerator Maintenance Tips

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your refrigerator is the key to extending its lifespan. Along with routine maintenance, following "best practices" when operating your unit is also imperative to its longevity and reduces the time and cost associated with service calls. For the safety of your staff and unit, disconnect the power cord before cleaning any parts of the unit.

Clean the Condenser Coil

The coils on refrigeration equipment naturally accumulate dust and debris. Over time, this buildup will cause the refrigeration system to work harder to maintain temperature and might lead to failures in other crucial components. Signs that the condenser coil may need cleaning include higher electricity usage by the refrigerator or the inability to maintain the proper temperature. Clean the coils at least once per month with a commercial condenser coil cleaner.

Clean the Door Gaskets

Wash door gaskets regularly, preferably once a week. Remove the door gasket from the doorframe, soak it in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes, then dry it with a soft cloth and replace it.

Clean the Fan Blades and Motor

Clean the fan blades and motor with a soft cloth. If it is necessary to wash the fan blades, cover the fan motor to prevent potential moisture damage.

Ensure Proper Airflow

Do not block the air duct or fan at the top of the unit. Maintain a minimum of 4" of clearance between products and the fan at all times.

Replace Worn or Damaged Parts

There are many refrigeration parts and accessories that are necessary for the proper functioning of your refrigerator. Perform regular quality checks on parts such as shelves, fuses, bulbs, thermostats, and gaskets and replace them when they are no longer functioning. Any servicing or repair work should be performed by an authorized service technician.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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