Reliable Heating & Cooling LLC

Commercial refrigerators must maintain 40°F (4°C) or below for food safety compliance. Walk-in freezers should be at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Many food safety programs require refrigerators to run at 35-38°F for proper margin. If your unit struggles to maintain proper temperature, especially during busy service periods or in hot kitchen environments, call a technician — compressor capacity or refrigerant levels may be the issue.

Commercial kitchen equipment lifespans vary: commercial ovens 15-20 years, fryers 10-15 years, refrigeration equipment 10-15 years, ice machines 7-10 years, dishwashers 10-15 years, steam tables 10-15 years. Regular preventive maintenance significantly extends equipment life. Equipment that is properly maintained often outlasts these averages by 5+ years.

1) Check if the condenser unit is running. 2) Inspect condenser coils for dirt and debris — blocked coils are a common cause. 3) Ensure walk-in door gaskets are sealing properly. 4) Check if evaporator fan is running. 5) Look for ice buildup on evaporator coils (defrost system failure). If temperature is rising significantly, move temperature-sensitive inventory and call a technician immediately — this is an emergency situation.