How to Identify and Fix Common Refrigerant Issues Before They Cost You Thousands

A refrigerant leak or an undercharged system is often a silent budget killer. It starts with a slightly higher electricity bill, progresses to inconsistent temperatures, and can end in catastrophic compressor failure and thousands of dollars in spoiled stock. The key to avoiding these financial disasters is early identification and decisive action.

In this guide, we will take a look at how to identify common refrigerant issues, how to troubleshoot them, and when it makes more financial sense to upgrade your equipment rather than sinking money into endless repairs.

If you believe your current equipment is nearing the end of its lifecycle, or if you need reliable, high-performance replacements, Canadian Commercial Appliance offers a wide range of top-tier commercial refrigeration products. Call us today at 1-800-393-0120 to find the perfect unit for your business.

4 Warning Signs Your Refrigerant is Low

Refrigerant leaks are rarely dramatic. You won't usually see a puddle of fluid on the floor because refrigerant evaporates into a gas when exposed to room temperature air. Instead, you need to look for secondary symptoms.

1. Warm Air or Inconsistent Temperatures

The most obvious sign is that the unit simply isn't cooling as well as it used to. You might notice that food spoils faster or that beverages aren't ice-cold. In a commercial setting, this is dangerous. If a walk-in cooler or display fridge cannot hold safe temperatures (usually below 4°C/40°F), you risk violating health codes and sickening customers.

2. The Compressor runs Continuously

A healthy refrigerator should be quiet for periods of time. The thermostat detects the temperature has been reached and shuts the compressor off. If you hear your fridge running non-stop, or if it turns on and off rapidly (short-cycling), it is struggling to remove heat. This is often due to low refrigerant pressure preventing the system from cooling efficiently.

3. Ice Buildup on the Evaporator Coils

It seems counterintuitive, but low refrigerant levels can cause ice to form. When there isn't enough refrigerant to absorb heat, the pressure in the evaporator coils drops too low. This causes the coil temperature to drop below freezing, freezing the humidity in the air onto the coils. If you see a block of ice on the coils or frost buildup on the back of the unit, you likely have a charge issue.

4. Hissing or Bubbling Noises

If the leak is large enough, you might actually hear it. A hissing sound usually indicates a leak in a high-pressure line, while a gurgling or bubbling sound might indicate a leak in a liquid line or simply that air has entered the system.

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring the Problem

Ignoring a minor cooling issue is a gamble that rarely pays off. The immediate cost might seem like a nuisance—perhaps a slightly higher utility bill—but the long-term costs are where the real danger lies.

The "Death" of the Compressor

The compressor is the engine of your refrigerator. It is designed to be cooled by the returning refrigerant gas. When refrigerant is low, the compressor runs hotter and harder. Eventually, it will seize up or burn out. Replacing a commercial compressor is labour-intensive and expensive, often costing nearly 50% of the price of a brand-new unit.

Inventory Spoilage: The Silent Killer

Imagine you run a high-end sushi restaurant. You rely on specialized sushi freezers to maintain ultra-low temperatures required to keep high-grade tuna and other fish fresh and safe. If your refrigerant leaks and the temperature creeps up unnoticed overnight, you could lose thousands of dollars in premium inventory by morning. The cost of the food waste often exceeds the cost of a new freezer.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills

A unit low on refrigerant can consume up to 30% to 50% more electricity as it struggles to maintain temperature. Over the course of a year, an inefficient commercial freezer can add hundreds of dollars to your operating costs.

Troubleshooting: Is it a Leak or Maintenance?

Before you panic about refrigerant leaks, perform these maintenance checks. Sometimes, symptoms of low refrigerant are actually caused by poor airflow or dirty components.

• Clean the Condenser Coils: Dust and grease buildup on the condenser coils (usually located at the bottom or top of the unit) acts as insulation. It prevents the refrigerant from releasing heat. Clean these coils with a stiff brush and a vacuum.

• Check the Door Gaskets: If warm air is leaking into the fridge through a torn door seal, the unit will run constantly and struggle to cool, mimicking the signs of low refrigerant. Inspect seals for cracks and tears.

• Verify Thermostat Settings: Ensure the thermostat hasn't been accidentally bumped or adjusted.

• Clear Airflow Vents: Ensure that boxes or food items aren't blocking the internal fans. Air needs to circulate freely to cool the inventory.

If you have performed these tasks and the unit is still struggling, you are likely dealing with a sealed system issue.

A Note on Repairs

It is important to note that handling refrigerant requires an EPA-certified technician. You cannot simply "top off" a commercial system yourself. Furthermore, topping off a leaking system without fixing the leak is illegal in many jurisdictions and bad for the environment.

However, once a technician gives you a quote for finding and fixing a leak, you face a critical decision: Repair or Replace?

If your unit is older, inefficient, or out of warranty, pumping money into repairs is often a losing battle. Newer units are more energy-efficient and reliable. If you are ready to stop worrying about breakdowns, call Canadian Commercial Appliance at 1-800-393-0120 to discuss upgrading your fleet.

The "Repair or Replace" Equation

How do you decide when to stop fixing an old unit? In the commercial refrigeration industry, we often recommend the 50% Rule: If the cost of the repair is more than 50% of the cost of a new unit, you should replace it.

However, you should also consider the age of the unit.

• Under 5 years old: Usually worth repairing, especially if under warranty.

• 5 to 10 years old: This is the gray area. Evaluate the repair cost carefully.

• Over 10 years old: It is almost always better to replace.

Older units use outdated refrigerants (like R-22) which are being phased out and are incredibly expensive to purchase. Modern commercial refrigerators use eco-friendly refrigerants that are more efficient and readily available.

Furthermore, corrosion is a major factor in leaks. Inside a commercial kitchen, acidic vapors from cooking (vinegar, cleaning chemicals, tomato sauces) can corrode copper refrigeration lines over time. Once a unit develops one leak due to corrosion, it is highly likely that other parts of the coils are thinning as well. Fixing one leak is often just buying time before the next one springs a few inches away.

The Benefits of Upgrading

Investing in new equipment provides peace of mind. You get a fresh warranty, significantly lower energy bills, and the reliability that comes with modern engineering. For businesses storing sensitive items, such as those utilizing sushi freezers, reliability isn't just a luxury; it is a necessity for food safety compliance.

Protect Your Business with Reliable Equipment

Refrigerant issues are stressful, but they are also a clear signal from your equipment that it requires attention. Whether it is a simple maintenance fix or a sign that the unit has reached the end of its life, acting quickly is the only way to save money. Waiting until the compressor fails or the health inspector arrives is a recipe for financial loss.

Don't let a failing refrigerator disrupt your business or compromise your product quality. If your equipment is showing signs of refrigerant leaks, constant running, or inability to hold temperature, it is time to look for a permanent solution.

Canadian Commercial Appliance is your trusted partner for high-quality commercial refrigeration. We supply the best brands in the industry to ensure your kitchen keeps running smoothly. We focus on providing you with the equipment you need to succeed, delivering reliable products directly to your door.

Upgrade Your Kitchen

• Browse our selection of commercial refrigerators and freezers.

• Check out our specialized inventory, including ultra-low temp units.

• Secure your inventory with reliable, energy-efficient technology.

Contact Canadian Commercial Appliance today at 1-800-393-0120 for expert advice on choosing the right products for your business.