A faulty cool room can mean wasted stock, lost revenue, and frustrated customers. It starts with small signs—temperature fluctuations, frost buildup, or strange noises. Then, before you know it, your refrigeration system is struggling, and your perishables are at risk.
No business wants that. But many ignore early warning signs until it’s too late. The good news? Most cool room problems have simple fixes. Let’s walk you through common issues and their solutions. Whether you’re facing leaks, inefficiency, or high energy bills, you’ll know exactly what to do next.
1. Cool Room Not Cooling Properly
When a cool room isn’t maintaining the right temperature, food and perishable items spoil faster. This problem often points to a faulty thermostat, blocked condenser coils, or a refrigerant leak.
Solution
Start by checking the thermostat settings. Someone may have adjusted them accidentally. If the settings are correct, inspect the condenser coils. Dirt and dust can build up, making the system work harder. Cleaning them regularly improves airflow and efficiency.
If the issue persists, a refrigerant leak could be the culprit. Refrigerant is essential for cooling, and when levels drop, the system struggles. A professional should handle refrigerant leaks. Attempting a DIY fix can lead to further damage or legal compliance issues.
Regular maintenance, like cleaning coils and checking thermostat accuracy, prevents cooling failures before they disrupt operations.
2. Excessive Ice or Frost Buildup
Too much ice in a cool room signals an issue with humidity, door seals, or the defrost system. While a thin layer of frost is normal, thick ice on walls, shelves, or evaporator coils reduces efficiency.
Solution
Damaged door seals often allow warm air in, leading to excess condensation and freezing. Inspect the rubber seals around the door for cracks or gaps. If they’re worn out, replace them.
The defrost system plays a key role in controlling ice levels. If ice is building up too quickly, check the defrost timers and heaters. A malfunctioning defrost cycle means moisture has no way to escape.
Keeping the door closed as much as possible also helps. Every time warm, humid air enters, it condenses and freezes. Training staff to limit door openings and ensuring seals are intact prevents unnecessary frost buildup.
3. Water Leaks and Pooling on the Floor
Puddles of water in a cool room create safety hazards and signal a bigger issue. Leaks usually stem from blocked drain lines, poor ventilation, or damaged seals.
Solution
A blocked drain line stops condensation from escaping. Check for clogs and clear any debris. Regular maintenance prevents water from backing up.
Ventilation problems also cause excess moisture. If the cool room isn’t circulating air properly, humidity levels rise, leading to condensation on walls and floors. Adjusting airflow and installing dehumidifiers can fix this.
Lastly, damaged door seals let warm air in, leading to condensation that drips onto the floor. If the seal isn’t tight, replace it to stop water from forming inside the cool room. Addressing leaks quickly prevents mould, odours, and safety risks for workers.
4. Cool Room Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature swings cause food to spoil faster and put strain on the refrigeration system. Inconsistent cooling happens due to overloading, thermostat issues, or blocked vents.
Solution
Packing the cool room too tightly blocks air circulation. When cold air can’t flow freely, some areas stay warm while others freeze. Space out products to ensure even cooling. A faulty thermostat sensor may also misread the temperature, causing the system to overcool or undercool. Recalibrating or replacing the thermostat often solves this.
Blocked air vents restrict airflow, leading to uneven temperatures. Regularly check and clean vents to maintain a stable climate. Keeping stock organised and monitoring the thermostat settings prevents sudden temperature fluctuations.
5. Strange Noises Coming from the Cool Room
Unusual sounds can mean mechanical failure or loose components. Ignoring them could lead to a costly breakdown.
Solution
A rattling or banging noise might indicate loose fan blades or worn-out motor parts. Inspect these components and tighten or replace them if needed.
A hissing sound could be a refrigerant leak. Since refrigerant is vital for cooling, call a professional immediately to inspect the system. If the compressor makes loud clunking or humming noises, it may be struggling to function.
Compressors are expensive to replace, so addressing issues early prevents total failure. Routine inspections help detect minor noises before they escalate into serious damage.
6. Mould and Foul Odours in the Cool Room
Bad smells and mould growth point to hygiene problems and poor ventilation. If left untreated, they lead to contamination. Spoiled food is a common cause of unpleasant odours.
Solution
Remove expired stock regularly to keep the cool room clean. Mould thrives in damp conditions. Check evaporator coils, shelves, and drain lines for buildup. Cleaning with a food-safe disinfectant stops mould from spreading.
Ventilation plays a major role in keeping air fresh. Poor airflow traps moisture, encouraging bacteria. Ensure proper air circulation and use dehumidifiers if needed.
Keeping the cool room dry and sanitised prevents contamination and maintains a safe storage environment.
7. Cool Room Running Non-Stop (High Energy Usage)
If a cool room never shuts off, it’s wasting energy and wearing down components. Causes include poor insulation, damaged seals, and faulty sensors.
Solution
Insulation keeps cold air in and warm air out. If the cool room runs constantly, check the insulation for gaps or damage. Upgrading insulation improves efficiency.
Worn-out door seals force the system to work harder. If cold air is escaping, replace seals to keep temperatures stable. Faulty temperature sensors may also send incorrect signals, causing the system to overwork.
Recalibrating or replacing sensors helps regulate cooling cycles. Addressing these issues reduces energy costs and prevents overworking the cooling unit.
8. Door Not Closing Properly or Sticking
A door that won’t close fully leads to temperature loss, higher energy use, and moisture buildup. The main causes are misaligned hinges, worn-out seals, or frost obstruction.
Solution
If the door doesn’t align properly, adjusting the hinges or replacing them ensures a tight fit. Damaged seals let warm air in, leading to condensation and ice buildup. Replacing them prevents air leaks.
Frost accumulation near the doorframe also stops it from sealing. Regular defrosting and maintenance keep the door working smoothly. Ensuring a proper seal helps maintain energy efficiency and consistent temperatures.
9. Unusual Humidity Levels in the Cool Room
Too much humidity leads to condensation, frost buildup, and increased energy costs.
Solution
Poor airflow is a major factor. If air isn’t circulating properly, moisture lingers. Check fans and vents to ensure even air distribution.
Leaking evaporator coils also introduce excess moisture. If frost forms around them, a technician may need to replace or repair the coils. Installing humidity control systems or dehumidifiers reduces moisture levels, protecting stock and improving efficiency.
When to Call a Professional Technician
Ignoring serious cool room issues can lead to complete system failure. Some problems require expert attention to prevent costly downtime and product loss. If you notice these signs, it’s time to call a technician:
- Cooling system failure: If the unit stops working entirely, it could be a compressor failure, refrigerant leak, or electrical fault—all requiring professional diagnosis.
- Refrigerant leaks: Low refrigerant levels cause temperature fluctuations and poor cooling performance. Only certified technicians can safely detect and fix leaks.
- Electrical issues: Flickering lights, power surges, or sudden shutdowns may indicate wiring problems or faulty components, which can lead to fire hazards or system breakdowns.
- Unusual noises after troubleshooting: If loud banging, hissing, or rattling continues after basic checks, internal parts may fail and need urgent repair.
- Persistent temperature fluctuations: If adjustments to the thermostat, airflow, and ventilation don’t resolve the issue, the system may have a deeper mechanical fault.
Conclusion
A well-maintained cool room prevents stock loss, high energy bills, and costly breakdowns. Regular cleaning, checking door seals, and monitoring airflow keep it running efficiently. If problems persist, professional servicing ensures long-term reliability.
Don’t wait for a major failure—contact us today for expert repairs and maintenance. Protect your business and keep your cool room performing at its best!
