Commercial refrigeration systems are the lifeblood of many businesses—but in Queensland’s punishing heat and humidity, they’re under constant stress. One breakdown can mean spoiled stock, lost revenue, and unhappy customers. Here’s a fast, practical guide to the most common issues and what you can do before calling in the pros.
Symptoms:
Ice forming on evaporator coils
Weak or uneven cooling
Common Cause:
Queensland’s 70%+ humidity and frequent door openings let warm, moist air sneak in—especially through cracked or worn door seals.
Quick Fix:
Check and replace cracked door gaskets
Run a manual defrost cycle (15–30 mins, hot gas or electric)
Clean evaporator coils monthly—frost reduces efficiency by up to 15%, per Carrier
Train staff on door discipline—one Cairns café cut frost by 40% after tweaking its workflow
Symptoms:
Loud humming
Breaker trips
Warm fridge or freezer despite running system
Common Cause:
Dust-clogged condenser coils and poor ventilation, made worse in QLD’s dusty west or salty coast. Add overuse in 30°C+ heat, and compressors work overtime.
Quick Fix:
Brush or vacuum off condenser coil debris
Ensure 1–2 metres of airflow around units—don’t block with storage
Let the system cool for 30 minutes before restarting
Still running hot? Call a technician—burnout repairs can hit $5,000+
Symptoms:
Weak cooling
Hissing sound
Oily residue near copper lines
Common Cause:
Coastal corrosion or vibration wear, especially in older systems.
Quick Fix:
Spray soapy water on suspect areas—look for bubbles
Shut off and tag the system if a leak is found
Do not attempt recharging—under the Ozone Protection Act, fines for unlicensed handling reach $63,000
Patch with epoxy sealant as a temporary fix, but book a technician immediately
Symptoms:
Temperatures reading too high or low
Unit cycles on and off erratically
Common Cause:
Dust buildup, loose wiring, or power surges—all common in QLD—can scramble thermostat readings or damage sensors.
Quick Fix:
Double-check settings: 5°C for fridges, -18°C for freezers
Gently clean the sensor with a dry cloth
Reset power (unplug for 10 minutes)
Still faulty? Replace the thermostat ($50–$150)
✅ Tip: A Gold Coast grocer avoided a $2,000 loss by resetting a thermostat before calling service.
Symptoms:
Quiet unit where there should be airflow
Uneven product cooling or warm zones
Common Cause:
Rusty bearings or motor burnout—thanks again to salty air or dusty interiors.
Quick Fix:
Inspect and clear fan blades of dust or ice
Lubricate motor bearings once a year to prevent lock-up
If it doesn’t spin freely after cleaning, call a technician
A Toowoomba warehouse saved a weekend shutdown by clearing ice from a blocked fan in under an hour.
These quick fixes can keep things moving—but they’re not long-term solutions. When you spot:
Persistent frost or ice buildup
Burning smells or tripping breakers
Repeated compressor shutdowns
Refrigerant leaks or electrical faults
… it’s time to call in the experts. According to ServiceTitan, 60% of repeated faults stem from partial or improper DIY fixes.
In Queensland’s high-risk hospitality and agribusiness sectors, one bad repair could mean a $50,000 cold chain failure. Don’t roll the dice.
Most refrigeration failures trace back to one thing: neglect. Fujitsu General reports that 70% of issues are preventable with basic monthly maintenance:
Clean coils
Inspect seals and gaskets
Flush drains
Log temperatures daily
Book professional check-ups biannually
In QLD, where systems work overtime year-round, that’s not just smart—it’s essential.
Final Takeaway:
You don’t need to be a tech to keep your system running, but you do need to act fast when problems arise. These quick fixes will buy you time—but trust the pros for anything beyond surface-level. A cold fridge means a hot business—keep it that way.
Need help now? Contact ACRO Refrigeration—Queensland’s commercial refrigeration experts.
📞 1300 227 600 | ✉️ workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au