Commercial Refrigeration Repairs in the Bay Area: Common Issues

When your commercial refrigeration equipment fails, the impact can be costly; lost inventory, business downtime, and unhappy customers. For restaurants, bars, hotels, schools, and healthcare facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area, reliable refrigeration isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.

At East Bay Refrigeration, we service all major brands, including True, Perlick, Structural Concepts, Traulsen, Beverage-Air (BevAir), Dukers, Hussmann, Victory, Follett, and Continental. Whether you operate a restaurant or a multi-location hospitality chain, knowing the most common issues and early warning signs can help you avoid expensive breakdowns.

Top Commercial Refrigeration Issues & How to Fix Them 

1. Temperature Fluctuations

• What to Check First:
  
  • Confirm the thermostat is set correctly.
    
  • Ensure the door is closing fully and seals are intact.
    
  • Check for blocked airflow around vents.
• When to Call Us: If temperatures don’t stabilize within a few hours, it could indicate compressor issues, refrigerant leaks, or faulty sensors.
  

2. Excessive Frost or Ice Buildup

• What to Check First:
  
  • Verify door gaskets are sealing properly.
    
  • Make sure the defrost cycle is running. The fans stop running, no cold air blowing in. If equipped, the defrost light will indicate defrost mode. The defrost cycle should only take between 15 and 30 minutes.
• When to Call Us: Frost buildup on evaporator coils can quickly reduce cooling efficiency—professional servicing is needed before it damages components.
  

3. Unusual Noises

• What to Check First:
  
  • Ensure the unit is level.
    
  • Look for loose panels or debris near fans.
• When to Call Us: Grinding, knocking, or high-pitched sounds often mean motor or fan issues that can worsen if ignored.
  

4. Water Leaks or Excess Condensation

• What to Check First:
  
  • Inspect drain lines for clogs.
    
  • Check door gaskets for gaps.
• When to Call Us: Persistent leaks can damage flooring and equipment. It could be a sign of defrost system malfunctions or refrigerant problems.
  

5. Rising Energy Bills

• What to Check First:
  
  • Clean condenser coils.
    
  • Confirm doors aren’t left open during busy hours.
• When to Call Us: A sudden spike in electricity use can mean the unit is overworking due to failing components or leaks.

Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Even if your refrigeration seems to be working, these subtle signs could mean trouble is coming:

• Doors that “stick” or feel harder to close.
  
• Fans cycling more frequently than usual.
  
• Mild, persistent odors inside the unit.
  
• Small frost patches forming in unusual places.
  
• Slight vibration changes you can feel when touching the exterior.
  

Why San Francisco Bay Area Businesses Choose East Bay Refrigeration

• Fast Response Times — Essential for walk-ins and ice machines.
  
• Specialized Ice Machine Expertise — Brands like Follett, Manitowoc, and Scotsman require specialized skills.
  
• Decades of Experience — Serving restaurants, hotels, event centers, and healthcare facilities across the Bay Area.
  
• Preventive Maintenance Programs — Save money and prevent breakdowns before they happen.
  

Need Service Now?

If you’re noticing any of these issues or just want to keep your equipment running at peak efficiency call our team at East Bay Refrigeration. Our expert technicians are ready to get your commercial refrigerator, not exclusive to, but specializing in True, Perlick, Traulsen, Beverage-Air, Dukers, Hussmann, Victory, Follett, or Continental unit back in top shape. 

Call (510) 940-8917 or Reach out to us ONLINE. We respond fast!