As a business owner or operator, one of the worst things that can happen is having your cold room stopped working. This can result in product spoilage, loss of revenue, and unhappy customers. Knowing how to troubleshoot common cold room issues can save you time and money in repairs and downtime.
Today we will give you a full list of cold room faults and troubleshooting.
Cold Room Troubleshooting Lists
| Fault | Reason | Troubleshooting |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature not cold enough | 1. The cold room door is not closed tightly 2. The frost on the unit cooler or exhaust pipe is too thick 3. Low compressor efficiency 4. Improper adjustment of the expansion valve or ice blockage 5. The expansion valve is dirty or the filter is dirty 6. Less refrigerant in the system 7. Oil pollution on the inner of the exhaust pipe | 1. Adjust the cold room door gap 2. Defrost 3. Repair or replace 4. Readjust or replace the moisture absorbent 5. Disassemble and wash 6. Add refrigerant 7. Flush with nitrogen |
| Temperature too cold | 1. Thermostat is set too low 2. Cold room doesn't have a good airflow | 1. Check thermostat and adjust it 2. Check evaporator coils for frost buildup and defrost |
| Exhaust pressure too high | 1. Insufficient cooling air volume 2. Too thick dirt in the condenser affects heat dissipation 3. There is air in the system 4. Too much refrigerant | 1. Find out the reason and make the air volume normal 2. Clean up 3. Release the air 4. Release excess refrigerant |
| Exhaust pressure too low | 1. Insufficient refrigerant 2. There is leakage in the discharge valve | 1.Fill more refrigerant 2. Repair or replace |
| Suction pressure too high | 1. The expansion valve is opened too much or the temperature sensing package is not fastened 2. Compressor suction valve leaks | 1. Readjustment 2. Repair or replace |
| Suction pressure too low | 1. The opening of the expansion valve is too small or blocked 2. Insufficient refrigerant in the system 3. The refrigerant is impure and mixed with too much lubricating oil | 1. Adjust and eliminate blockages 2. Fill in enough refrigerant 3. Replace the refrigerant and check the oil return volume of oil separator |
| Compressor no work | 1. Power failure, low voltage, circuit failure 2. Poor contact of the starter 3. The thermostat fails 4. The pressure controller is out of control or malfunctioning | 1. Check the circuit 2. Repair or replace 3. Repair or replace 4. Repair or replace |
| Sudden stop during operation | 1. The suction pressure is too low, and the low voltage relay is powered off 2. The exhaust pressure is too high, and the high voltage relay is powered off 3. The motor is overheated, and the thermal relay is powered off | 1. Unblock the pipe blockage and replenish the refrigerant 2. Check the cooling air volume and press the high pressure reset button 3. Whether the voltage is too low, whether the cooling load is too large |
| Compressor never stop | 1. The control system fails or the working condition is not good 2. Compressor suction and discharge valve leakage | 1. Overhaul the control system, adjust the pressure and temperature parameters 2. Repair or replace |
| Compressor big noise | 1. The base is loose 2. Liquid shock 3. Compressor parts wear | 1. Fastening 2. Lower the liquid supply valve 3. Replacement |
| pressure gauge pointer jump | 1. There is air in the system 2. The pointer is loose 3. The opening of the meter valve is too large | 1. Release the air 2. Replacement 3. Lower |
| Expansion valve frozen | High water content in refrigerant | Replace moisture absorber |
| Dirty expansion valve | There is dirt in the system | System cleaning, cleaning expansion valve filter |
| Expansion valve has abnormal sound | 1. Insufficient refrigerant 2. The liquid is not overcooled, and the resistance of the liquid pipe is too large | 1. Supplement 2. Find out the reason to make the liquid have enough supercooling |
| Expansion valve doesn't work | 1. Leakage of refrigerant in the temperature sensing package 2. Orifice and inlet blockage | 1. Repair or replace 2. Repair or replace |
| The solenoid valve can't be closed | 1. The small hole in the valve body is blocked 2. The spring fails | 1. Cleaning 2. Replacement |
| Solenoid valve leaks | 1. There is dirt 2. The sealing ring is worn 3. The valve pressure is too low | 1. Cleaning 2. Replacement 3. Readjust |
| Refrigerant leaks | 1. Refrigerant pipelines are corroded, causing leaks 2. Pipelines and other components will wear and tear over time 3. Improper installation can lead to refrigerant leaks | 1. Ensure your refrigerant pipelines are correctly insulated and no leaks or damage. 2. Ensure your compressor and evaporator coil are functioning properly. 3. Ensure your refrigeration systems are installed correctly. |
Below, we will specifically explain some typical cold room faults.
Temperature not Cold Enough
If the temperature in your cold room is not cold enough, it will spoil or damage products, bringing a big loss for you.
Solution:
1. Check the thermostat and adjust it, to verify if the thermostat is working properly.
2. Check the condenser coils for dust or dirt buildup and clean them. If the coils are clean and the temperature is still not cold enough, there may be a refrigerant leak.
Temperature too Cold
If the temperature in your cold room is too cold, it can result in frozen or damaged products, and you will your money and investment.
Solution:
1. Check the thermostat and adjust it, to verify if the thermostat is working properly.
2. Check the evaporator coils for frost buildup and defrost them. If the coils are defrosted and the temperature is still too cold, there may be a problem with the thermostat or refrigerant levels.
Compressor not Running
If the compressor in your cold room is not running, it can result in a rise in temperature and spoilage of products.
Solution:
1. Check the power supply and ensure that the compressor is properly plugged in.
2. Check the thermostat and adjust it. If the power supply and thermostat are working properly, there may be a problem with the compressor itself.
Copeland Compressor
Condenser Fan not Running
If the condenser fan in your cold room is not running, it can result in the compressor overheating and causing damage. Finally, your cold room can’t work normally.
Solution:
1. Check the power supply and ensure that the fan is properly plugged in.
2. Check for any obstructions around the fan and remove them if present. If the power supply and fan are working properly, there may be a problem with the motor.
Excessive Condensation
If there is excessive condensation in your cold room, it can result in increasing humidity, slippery floors, and higher energy costs.
Solution:
1. Check for any leaks in the Cold Room and repair them.
2. Check the door gasket for damage and replace it. If no leakage and the gasket is in good condition, there may be a problem with the humidity levels in the room, and you should install a Dehumidifier.
Frost Buildup on Evaporator Coil
If there is frost buildup on the evaporator coil in your cold room, it can result in decreasing the cooling efficiency, lowering the airflow, and finally damaging the equipment.
Solution: Check the defrost system and ensure that it is working properly. If the defrost system is working properly, there may be a problem with the thermostat or refrigerant levels.
Evaporator Coil Frost
Faulty Thermostat
If the thermostat in your cold room is faulty, it can cause the room not cool properly or to be too cold.
Solution: Check the thermostat settings and make sure they are set correctly. If the thermostat is faulty, should replace it.
Damaged Door Gasket
A damaged Cold Room Door gasket can allow warm air to enter the cold room, causing it doesn’t cool properly.
Solution: Inspect the door gasket for any signs of damage. If it is damaged, replace it.
Poor Heat Dissipation
The fan is probably not open or the fan motor is broken, or the ambient temperature is high ( >40°C), or the condenser fins are blocked by oil and dust, resulting in the air not circulating.
Solution:
1. Open the fan or replace the broken fan motor.
2. Use a wire brush to remove surface dust or wash the fan motor.
Insufficient Refrigerant
If your cold room is low on refrigerant, it can cause the room not cool normally, and finally spoil the stored products.
Solution: Check the refrigerant levels and add more if necessary. However, if there is a refrigerant leak, you should repair it before adding more refrigerant.
Malfunctioning Compressor
If the compressor in your cold room is not working properly, it can cause the room not cool properly or not cool at all.
Solution: Check the compressor for any signs of damage or wear, and replace it if it’s damaged.
Inadequate Ventilation
If your cold room doesn’t have adequate ventilation, it can result in poor temperature control, increased energy costs and room humidity.
Solution: Check the ventilation system and make sure it is working normally. You may need to install additional ventilation if necessary.
Inadequate Airflow
Poor airflow can result in uneven temperature distribution throughout the cold room, Increased energy costs, and Reduced storage capacity.
Solution:
1. Ensure proper air circulation
Make sure the cold room is properly designed for air circulation. This may include installing fans or adjusting the placement of products to improve airflow.
2. Check ventilation systems
Ensure the ventilation system is functioning properly and not obstructed by debris or other objects.
3. Clean air filters
Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of the cooling system. Regularly clean or replace air filters as necessary.
4. Install air curtains
Install air curtains at the cold room entrance to prevent warm air from entering and disrupting airflow.
Electrical Issue
Electrical issues can cause your cold room not cool normally or not work at all.
Solution: Check the electrical connections and make sure they are secure. If there is a faulty connection, you must repair it.
Ice Buildup
If ice is building up in your cold room, it can reduce the efficiency of the cooling system and cause temperature fluctuations in the cold room. This can result in the spoilage of products and potential safety concerns.
Meanwhile, it will reduce the available storage space for products, and increase equipment damage risk.
Solution:
1. Make sure your evaporator coil isn’t dirty or blocked, which could cause ice to accumulate.
2. Check your defrost system to ensure that it’s functioning properly.
3. Make sure your door gasket is sealing properly to prevent warm air from entering and causing condensation, which can freeze and create ice.
Lights not On
Without adequate lighting, it can be difficult to navigate the cold room, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Meanwhile, it can be difficult to find specific products, leading to wasted time and lost revenue.
Solution:
1. Check if the switch is malfunctioning and the bulb is damaged.
2. The power supply should be cut off during the inspection, and you should pay attention to the waterproofing of the lamp when installing the lampshade.
Lights Must be On
Dirty Coil
Dirty coils can cause your cold room not cool correctly. When dirt and debris accumulate on the coils, it creates a barrier that prevents proper heat transfer.
Solution: Clean the coils regularly. You can use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris.
Unstable Temperature
Results for unstable temperatures:
1. Reduce product quality
Fluctuating temperatures can cause food spoilage, reduce the shelf life of products, and negatively impact product quality.
2. Increase energy costs
If the cold room is not maintaining a consistent temperature, the compressor will have to work harder, resulting in increased energy costs.
3. Health and safety concerns
Unstable temperatures can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, which can be a health and safety concern for consumers.
4. Increase maintenance costs
If the temperature in the cold room fluctuates excessively, it can put more strain on the refrigeration system, resulting in increased maintenance costs.
Solution:
1. Make sure your temperature control settings are correctly set and your thermostat is functioning properly.
2. Ensure your cold room is properly insulated and that there are no air leaks or drafts that could be affecting the temperature.
Strange Noise
If your cold room is making strange noises, it could indicate a problem with the refrigeration system or other components.
Solution:
1. Ensure your compressor is functioning properly and not making any unusual sounds.
2. Check your fans and motors to ensure that they’re functioning properly and that they’re not causing any unusual noises.
Water Leaks
Water leaks in a cold room can be caused by various reasons, including damaged pipes, clogged drain lines, or a malfunctioning defrost system.
And water leaks can lead to serious consequences such as mold growth, structural damage, and safety hazards.
Solution:
1. Ensure your drain line isn’t blocked or clogged, which can cause water to back up and overflow.
2. Check your door gasket to ensure that it’s sealing properly and preventing condensation from forming.
Refrigerant Leaks
Reasons for refrigerant leakage:
1. Corrosion
Over time, the refrigerant pipelines can corrode, causing leaks. Corrosion can be caused by moisture or chemical exposure, leading to the degradation of the metal pipes.
2. Wear and tear
Refrigerant pipelines and other components of the refrigeration system can experience wear and tear over time, causing cracks and leaks.
3. Improper installation
If the refrigeration system is not installed correctly, it can lead to leaks in the refrigerant pipelines or connections.
Refrigerant Leaks
Solution:
1. Ensure your refrigerant pipelines are correctly insulated and that there are no leaks or damage.
2. Check your compressor and evaporator coil to ensure that they’re functioning properly and that they’re not causing any refrigerant leaks.
Conclusion
Remember, if you’re experiencing issues with your cold room, it’s always best to consult a professional technician to ensure that the issue is properly diagnosed and resolved.
With proper maintenance and care, your cold room can provide reliable and efficient refrigeration for years to come.
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