5 Ways To Troubleshoot Common Walk-In Cooler Problems
Traditional Walk-In Cooler likely for a restaurant, deli or butcher
Practical tips for business owners in Mississauga and the GTA
Walk-in coolers are the unsung heroes of many businesses in Mississauga, from busy restaurants and bakeries to large commercial warehouses and cold storage facilities. When they work, you barely notice them — but when something goes wrong, every minute counts.
Before you call in a professional, there are several common problems you may be able to identify (and even fix) yourself. Here's your go-to guide to troubleshooting walk-in cooler issues, tailored especially for business owners across the Greater Toronto Area.
1. Inconsistent Temperature or Spoiled Inventory
Symptom: The cooler doesn’t feel cold enough, or products are spoiling faster than usual.
Possible Causes:
Faulty thermostat
Refrigerant leak
Blocked airflow from cluttered shelving
Door gasket not sealing properly
What to Do:
Check that the thermostat is set correctly (between 34°F–40°F or 1°C–4°C).
Ensure nothing is blocking the evaporator fans inside the unit.
Close the door and inspect the gasket seal—can you pull a dollar bill through? If so, the seal may need replacing.
Listen for the compressor. If it’s short-cycling (frequently turning on and off), that could point to a refrigerant issue or thermostat failure — time to call a refrigeration technician in Mississauga.
2. Ice or Frost Buildup
Symptom: Excessive ice forming on walls, ceilings, coils, or near the door.
Possible Causes:
Humid air infiltrating due to poor sealing
Malfunctioning defrost timer
Evaporator coil icing up due to airflow issues
What to Do:
Inspect door hinges and gaskets — a poorly closed door is the #1 cause of frost buildup in commercial coolers.
If safe to do so, manually defrost the system by powering it down and letting it rest.
Avoid placing hot or uncovered food inside — this raises humidity and forces the cooler to overwork.
In areas like the GTA, where seasonal humidity fluctuates, frost issues are especially common in older or high-traffic units.
Increased temperature can arrive and cause excessive ice or frost build up
3. Water Pooling or Leaking
Symptom: Water puddles inside or around the cooler.
Possible Causes:
Clogged or frozen drain line
Poor insulation or condensation
Door left open for long periods
What to Do:
Clear the drain line using warm water or a flexible brush.
Confirm that the floor and wall panels are intact and insulated.
Use door curtains or automatic closers in high-traffic areas to reduce moisture inflow — a smart move for Mississauga restaurants where staff may be constantly in and out.
If puddles persist, contact a licensed commercial refrigeration service to inspect insulation integrity.
4. Strange Noises
Symptom: Grinding, rattling, or buzzing sounds coming from the cooler.
Possible Causes:
Faulty fan motor
Loose parts inside the compressor or condenser
Ice buildup causing fan blade contact
What to Do:
Power down and open the access panel to check for loose or misaligned parts.
If ice is obstructing the fan, defrost manually before restarting.
Never force parts back into place—if you're unsure, call a certified GTA refrigeration technician to prevent further damage.
Persistent noise usually signals a mechanical issue—and fast service can make the difference between a quick fix and a costly replacement.
5. Constant Cycling or System Not Running
Symptom: The cooler turns on and off too often or not at all.
Possible Causes:
Dirty condenser coil
Faulty temperature sensor or control board
Tripped circuit breaker
What to Do:
Clean the condenser coil with compressed air or a soft brush — especially important in dusty commercial environments.
Reset the system and check your breaker panel.
If cycling continues, you may be dealing with an electrical fault, which should be diagnosed by a qualified industrial refrigeration professional.
Businesses across the Greater Toronto Area, especially those in food production or pharma, can't afford downtime—knowing these signs helps keep your operation on track.
When To Call A Technician
While regular visual checks and basic maintenance go a long way, some issues require a trained eye. If you're unsure or see signs of refrigerant leaks, electrical problems, or system failure, reach out to a commercial refrigeration specialist in Mississauga immediately. At Tracey Refrigeration, we serve industrial and commercial clients across Mississauga and the GTA, providing expert service for walk-in coolers, freezers, and complete refrigeration systems. We’re fully insured, locally trusted, and understand the fast-paced needs of southern Ontario businesses.
