Refrigerators and coolers are some of the most important equipment in any commercial kitchen, and keeping them in good condition is essential. A cooler that doesn't work correctly can cause drinks to be stored at the wrong temperature, ingredients to spoil, and pose a hazard in your workplace. Over time, even the most dependable brands, like Beverage-Air, will experience leaks, power issues, and the inability to maintain temperatures. We'll outline the major issues customers encounter with their Beverage-Air coolers and how to remedy them below.
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If your Beverage-Air cooler is not cooling, it may be an issue with your power supply or compressor. If you suspect either of these components may be causing your problems, there are two components you should check before calling a service technician.
Power Supply Issues
The power supply provides the necessary power for your entire cooler to run, converting electric current from a power source, such as an electrical outlet. Without a fully functioning power supply, the unit will have significant performance issues. If you suspect an issue with your power supply, check the following factors:
- Is the unit plugged into the outlet correctly, and is the outlet functional? All units should be plugged into a grounded, properly sized electrical outlet with appropriate overcurrent protection. If the outlet has any loose connections, replace them as needed.
- Is the right amount of voltage flowing through the outlet? Connect to the proper voltage circuit. A voltage that is too high or low can detrimentally affect the refrigeration unit.
- Is your GFCI outlet tripped? If you've plugged the unit into a GFCI outlet, check if the "RESET" button has 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.
- Is the fuse or circuit breaker tripped? Reset the breaker or call an electrician to replace a blown fuse.
Compressor Issues
The compressor is a vital component of a commercial cooler, responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the unit. A faulty or failing compressor will significantly impact cooling efficiency. Even if you can remedy compressor issues in the short term, you should plan to have your unit checked by an authorized service technician eventually to avoid future problems.
- Compressor is not humming: The temperature control is likely stuck in the open position. Replace the temp control.
- Compressor is humming but not starting: If the compressor is not starting, check if there is low voltage to the unit and correct it if needed.
- Compressor is starting but shuts off: There may be a start relay failure and/or a start capacitor failure. If this occurs, replace one or both of the components.
- Compressor is cycling on and off: If the compressor is cycling on and off, three problems may be the cause. One is that the condenser coils are dirty. Dirty condenser coils can cause the compressor to overheat and should be cleaned as needed. Another cause is undercharged or overcharged refrigerant, which should be recharged if needed. A third cause is a defect with the overload protector, which helps cool down the compressor when it senses overheating. A defect with the overload protector can result in a short cycle.
A commercial cooler that takes too long to cool down or cannot maintain consistent temperatures poses a significant problem to your kitchen. Some issues with cooling efficiency are easy to remedy, while others require a more experienced hand to fix.
- Is the door being opened too often? One of the most common causes of improper temperature in a refrigerator is that the unit is being opened too frequently. Tell your employees to be aware of how long they keep your refrigerator door open and encourage them to minimize the number of times they open it.
- Is the condenser dirty? Condenser coils naturally accumulate dust and debris and should be cleaned regularly. Over time, this buildup will cause the refrigeration system to work harder to maintain the proper temperatures.
- Is the evaporator iced over? Defrost the unit.
- Is your evaporator fan turning? Call an authorized technician to replace a slow-turning fan if needed.
A Beverage-Air cooler that is leaking water is cause for concern, as it can be a symptom of significant underlying issues. Leaking coolers create a hazardous environment and should be fixed immediately to avoid potential damage to your unit and surrounding areas. Some leaks may be related to external factors, while others indicate an issue with the unit. If none of these issues seem to be occurring, call a support technician for assistance.
- Is the cooler on uneven flooring? Make sure your unit is level, as tilting could cause the water in the evaporator pan to overflow.
- Is the drain tube clogged? Regularly check the unit's drain tube to keep clogs from causing motor or electrical damage. Because the drain tube is not easily accessible, it is recommended that you call a professional to clean it.
- Is your unit’s evaporator pan full? A full evaporator pan can often cause your refrigerator to leak water onto the floor. See if the absorbent wicking in the pan is moldy, worn, or oversaturated. You may need to replace it. A very full pan could also indicate a problem with the compressor because the water in the pan requires heat from the compressor to evaporate.
- Is your kitchen too humid? If your kitchen has an abundance of excess moisture, your unit may be leaking due to condensation buildup. Move your unit to a drier area.
- Is the door gasket(s) not sealing properly? Remove the door gasket from the frame of the door and clean the gasket. Check the door gasket for a proper seal after replacing it.
Door gaskets should be washed on a regular basis, preferably once a week. Simply remove the door gasket from the frame of the door, soak it in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes, then dry with soft cloth and replace.
Below are some common issues that can cause your unit to make excessive noise. Even if you can remedy the noise on your own, an authorized service technician should still inspect the unit to prevent future issues.
- Are there loose parts? Check for any loose components and tighten them as needed.
- Are there rattling tubes? Check if the unit’s tubing is touching other parts. Reroute the tubing so it no longer touches any other parts.
- Does the unit have a noisy fan motor? If the bearings are worn out on the fan motor, replace the fan motor.
- Is there a bent or broken fan blade? Replace the fan blade if it is bent or broken.
When you need parts for your Beverage-Air cooler, we've got you covered! We carry a wide range of common accessories and replacement parts for popular Beverage-Air models.
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