Why is My Commercial Refrigerator Freezing Everything?

Noticed frozen lettuce, iced-over dairy or stiff drinks coming out of your commercial fridge? If you’ve been asking yourself, ‘Why is my commercial refrigerator freezing?’, you’re not alone. This is a common issue for businesses in foodservice, retail and logistics, and it can quickly turn into a costly problem.

When commercial refrigeration systems overcool, it can spoil products, increase energy usage and even impact compliance. Understanding what causes freezing, what you can check in-house and when to bring in a professional can save you serious downtime and stock loss.

Below, we’ll cover the most common causes of freezing, how to troubleshoot them, and the steps you can take to prevent future issues.

Key Takeaways

• Freezing is not normal: A commercial fridge should maintain temperatures between 1°C and 4°C. Anything colder risks damaging stock and equipment.
• Multiple causes are possible: From incorrect settings to sensor faults, airflow problems or refrigerant issues, there’s no one-size-fits-all fix.
• Some issues are DIY-friendly: Checking thermostat settings, clearing vents and inspecting door seals can help identify simple errors.
• Professional servicing is often needed: If freezing continues despite basic checks, a technician should assess the system.
• Prevention starts with routine care: Regular maintenance, proper stock placement and staff training reduce the risk of recurring problems.

How Commercial Fridges Work

Commercial refrigeration systems are built to maintain a controlled environment within a narrow temperature range. Typically, this is between 1°C and 4°C; cold enough to keep food safe, but well above freezing.

To maintain this balance, fridges rely on a combination of components including thermostats, fans, sensors and compressors. When any of these fall out of sync, the system may start to overcool, resulting in frozen goods and uneven temperature distribution.

Common Causes of Freezing in Commercial Fridges

If you’re wondering why your commercial refrigerator is freezing despite normal settings, it usually points to one of the following issues:

• Thermostat Set Too Low

Sometimes, the problem is as simple as incorrect temperature settings. If the fridge is accidentally set below 0℃, the unit will keep cooling until the products freeze. Always double-check your control panel or digital display.

• Faulty Thermostat or Sensor

A faulty thermostat or temperature sensor can send incorrect signals to the compressor, forcing the system to run longer than necessary. This leads to temperatures dropping well below the safe range.

• Blocked Air Vents

When shelves are overpacked or vents are obstructed, cold air cannot circulate properly. This creates cold spots, especially near the fan or back wall, where items are more likely to freeze.

• Damaged Door Seals

Worn or loose door gaskets allow warm air to enter the fridge. In response, the system compensates by increasing cooling, which may cause certain zones to overchill and freeze nearby items.

• Refrigerant Issues (Incorrect Charge)

An incorrectly charged system (too much or too little refrigerant) disrupts the heat exchange process. This imbalance can cause the evaporator coil to run excessively cold, resulting in ice formation and frozen stock.

• Malfunctioning Control Board

The control board regulates temperature cycles. If it fails, it may cause the compressor to stay on too long, resulting in excessive cooling and unwanted freezing.

• Poor Product Placement

Placing products too close to temperature sensors or air vents can create false readings and airflow imbalances. This may cause the system to overcompensate and overchill certain areas.

• Defrost System Failure

Commercial freezers and fridges have automatic defrost cycles. If the defrost heater or defrost termination sensor fails, excessive ice builds up on the evaporator coil. This restricts airflow, causing the system to work harder and creating severe cold pockets near the coil where stock can freeze.

Business Risks of Freezing Products

Unexpected freezing can affect more than just what’s inside the fridge. When products become damaged or unusable, it often leads to waste, extra costs and operational delays. In foodservice and retail, there’s also the added pressure of meeting compliance standards and maintaining product consistency.

Some of the most common impacts include:

• Product spoilage and stock loss
• Difficulty maintaining food safety compliance
• Strain on refrigeration equipment, increasing the risk of breakdowns
• Higher energy bills from inefficient cooling cycles
• Inconsistent product presentation or customer satisfaction issues

Even a small temperature issue can grow into a broader operational problem if it’s not resolved promptly.

What You Can Safely Check Yourself

Before you book a technician, there are a few practical checks your team can carry out on-site. These basic inspections can help rule out simple issues that may be causing your commercial fridge to freeze:

• Verify temperature settings: Confirm the thermostat is set between 1°C and 4°C. Settings lower than this can push temperatures into freezing territory.
• Inspect door seals: Check for any cracks, splits or looseness in the door gasket. A poor seal can let warm air in and lead to overcooling.
• Clear airflow: Avoid blocking vents with products or packaging. Good circulation helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout the fridge.
• Review stock placement: Make sure items aren’t pressed against the back wall or obstructing sensors. This helps avoid cold pockets and false readings.
• Monitor temperature trends: Use a thermometer or digital log to track any fluctuations that may point to a bigger problem.

These checks can often resolve minor issues. If freezing continues or ice starts forming inside the cabinet, it’s best to contact a commercial refrigeration technician.

When to Call a Technician

Some situations go beyond what can be fixed in-house. If you notice any of the following, a technician should be called in to assess the system:

• Ice is forming inside the unit, either on shelves or near vents.
• Alarms are sounding, or fault codes appear on the display.
• Temperature readings fluctuate throughout the day.
• Products are still freezing despite thermostat adjustments.
• You suspect an issue with refrigerant levels or internal components.

A licensed technician will carry out a full diagnostic check. This includes testing electrical components, assessing refrigerant pressure and recalibrating the system to ensure safe and efficient operation.

The Role of Servicing in Preventing Freezing

Regular servicing is key to keeping commercial refrigeration systems performing correctly. If freezing has occurred more than once, there may be an underlying issue that only a technician can identify and correct.

During a scheduled service, a refrigeration technician will:

• Test and recalibrate thermostats and sensors: Ensures accurate temperature control.
• Check refrigerant levels: Low or high pressure can impact performance.
• Clean evaporator coils and fans: Improves airflow and energy efficiency.
• Inspect door seals and cabinet insulation: Prevents unwanted air leaks.
• Evaluate overall system performance: Identifies any signs of wear or decline.

These preventative checks can extend the life of your system, reduce operating costs and help you avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Tips to Prevent Freezing Long-Term

Once the issue is resolved, some simple steps can reduce the risk of it happening again. Keeping your commercial fridge in top condition is often about proactive maintenance and proper use:

• Schedule routine servicing: Book professional maintenance every 6–12 months, depending on how heavily your system is used.
• Train staff on correct loading practices: Avoid overpacking and ensure vents and sensors remain clear.
• Check seals and gaskets regularly: Damaged seals are a common cause of temperature imbalances.
• Use data loggers: Temperature tracking can help spot irregularities before they cause problems.
• Act quickly when signs appear: Address ice build-up, frost or inconsistent temperatures early to prevent escalation.

Staying ahead of maintenance and monitoring helps ensure reliability, efficiency and compliance.

Let’s Get Your Fridge Running Right Again

If your commercial refrigerator is freezing stock and causing headaches, now’s the time to get in touch. Perth Air & Power Solutions provides same-day commercial refrigeration repairs across Perth, so you can get back to business without the downtime.

Our technicians are dual-certified in refrigeration and electrical systems, and we’re trusted by hospitality venues, retailers, warehouses and production facilities to deliver accurate, lasting solutions.

Don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Book a service or inspection with our expert team today. We’ll identify the fault, get it fixed fast, and help you prevent future issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my commercial fridge from freezing stock?
Start by checking the thermostat setting, clearing blocked vents, and inspecting door seals for damage. Avoid placing items too close to the back wall or air vents. If freezing continues after these steps, contact one of our certified Perth refrigeration technicians to check for sensor or control faults.

Why is my commercial refrigerator freezing products?
This usually happens when the thermostat is set too low, the air vents are blocked, or a sensor is malfunctioning. It can also occur if refrigerant levels are incorrect or if stock is placed too close to vents. A qualified technician can test the system and fix the root cause.

Why is my commercial refrigerator freezing even when the thermostat looks normal?
Even if the display shows the correct temperature, the internal thermostat or sensor may be faulty. This can cause the system to overcool, leading to frozen products despite normal settings. It’s best to have the unit tested by a qualified technician.

Why does my commercial fridge freeze only certain shelves?
This can happen due to blocked airflow, improper stock placement or localised faults like a failing fan. Items near vents or sensors may freeze faster if the system isn’t balanced correctly.

Will servicing stop my commercial fridge from freezing products again?
Yes. A proper service includes recalibrating sensors, checking refrigerant levels, testing components, and cleaning airflow paths. This helps restore the fridge to correct operation and prevents recurring freezing problems.