Most Common Problems in the Use of Refrigeration Equipment

The simplest refrigerator is a complex gas-hydromechanical-electrotechnical device. It sounds more complicated than just a “simple refrigerator.” Often, for advertising purposes, we hear that refrigeration equipment is very simple — just buy it, install it, and use it! Not at all. That has never been true. Indifference and carelessness in relation to refrigeration equipment can lead not only to headaches but also to material and financial losses.

In this article, you will learn about the most common problems in the operation of refrigeration equipment and how avoiding them can also help you avoid overspending.

The Human Factor Cannot Be Eliminated

No matter how much the technical base improves, how protection systems advance, or how automation and equipment control develop, equipment is still operated by people — and the human factor, which is an unpredictable risk, cannot be excluded.

Every refrigeration unit must be designed to perform specific technological tasks. The customer defines the task, while the supplier searches for solutions, provides consultations, and offers recommendations, presenting a project tailored to the task.

One common problem is an incorrectly or vaguely formulated task, for example: “Do something within 200 EUR,” or “Fix it,” while the real cause lies elsewhere. Such tasks usually lead to conflicts and tension between both parties.

The situation often looks like this: the customer complains that something does not work as expected or needed, followed by threats such as, “Do something, or we will refuse your services.”

In more than 95% of cases, customer complaints are unfounded because customers receive exactly what they ordered. Often, customers conveniently forget the details specified in the contract — except for price and delivery time. The fact that the supplier’s warranty usually applies only if operating conditions are followed is often realized only when something stops working as desired and repairs are needed.

What Are the Key Factors for Long-Term Equipment Performance?

The main problem users face is that the unit does not maintain the desired temperature.

The temperature regime requires specific energy resources determined by several factors:

• Condition of thermal insulation from the surrounding environment

• Quantity stored in the unit

• Thermal characteristics of the products

• Product flow

• Temperature at which products are placed inside

• Frequency of use (opening and access)

• Airflows entering the chamber

• Placement of the refrigeration unit

Suppliers consider these factors during the design and installation stages. However, during operation, users often fail to follow instructions. This increases the load on compressors, fans, and other components, which may eventually result in investing in new equipment or expensive repairs. Why? Simply because components have operational limits. If one component fails, it can lead to emergency conditions, malfunction, or complete breakdown. And nobody wants that.

Repair and Maintenance of Refrigerators, Display Cabinets, and Cold Rooms

Common Operational Mistakes

In retail environments, refrigeration equipment is often handled by people without technical knowledge: sales staff, store employees, loaders. Lack of basic safety and operational knowledge leads to refrigerator doors being left open for long periods, overloading display units with products, ventilation problems, condensers blocked with packaging and boxes, not to mention dust accumulation that is often ignored. Pipe installations can also be questionable, often accompanied by phrases like, “We installed it as we could,” or “It’s just a temporary solution.”

Later, we hear on the radio, TV, or news portals about injuries caused by negligence and disregard for safety rules — including electrical accidents.

Another significant issue is that customers often try to reduce project costs during ordering by rejecting more expensive equipment or solutions.

It is important to remember that modern electronics and advanced systems are designed not only to simplify technicians’ work but primarily to ensure proper operating conditions and maximize equipment lifespan.

Saving on Refrigeration Equipment Operation

The Seller Wants to Help You

Users should understand that a seller’s recommendations are not attempts to “push” products but genuine advice to ensure that purchased equipment operates reliably and for a long time.

Of course, purchasing and installing any equipment — expensive or cheap, large or small — cannot guarantee 100% certainty. Manufacturers determine service life and component lifespan, regulations evolve, and equipment is constantly modernized and improved. A balanced and well-considered approach must be taken when choosing equipment.

Considering all of the above, modern refrigeration solutions provide new technological possibilities for retail stores, cafés, restaurants, and other food service establishments. However, all solutions are temporary — therefore businesses must be prepared for industry development and invest in operating costs, repairs, modernization, and upgrades.