Beverage-Air Cooler Troubleshooting
When it comes to refrigeration, Beverage-Air is one of the best and most reliable manufacturers for commercial kitchens. Their line of coolers, under-counter chillers and reach-in freezers allow you to cool beverages or freeze ingredients in no time. But if your unit isn’t running up to speed, it can be a headache. Fortunately, we have troubleshooting tips for Beverage-Air coolers and freezers so you can identify any problems instantly. In some cases, you might need an authorized technician to make repairs.
Short Cycles
If your machine’s cooling cycle shuts down before completion, here are some potential problems to look for:
- Incorrect cold control differential – The cold control (also known as the temperature control) might have a differential that is set too closely.
- Overcharged or undercharged – High refrigerant charge is evident when the suction line frosts, sweats or is cooler than usual. The unit typically undercharges due to a refrigerant leak. Signs of undercharging include high cabinet temperature, excessive compressor operation or low head or suction pressure. Any handling or repair needs to be conducted by an authorized technician.
- Air in the refrigeration system – If air enters the refrigeration system, it can gather at the top of the condenser and cause high pressure. Typically, air enters the unit when there is a leak in the refrigeration system, gasket or tubing.
- Issues with overload protector – A unit’s overload protector helps shut down the compressor when it senses overheating, allowing the compressor to cool down. When there is a defect with the overload protector, your machine will experience a short cycle. Make sure to have it replaced by an authorized technician as soon as possible.
Runs Too Long or Continuously
Look for the following issues if you notice the cooler or freezer is running nonstop or in long increments:
- Dirty condenser – A large buildup of dust and dirt in the condenser can affect the way your unit runs. Make sure to clean it immediately. Consider periodically cleaning the condenser throughout the course of a calendar year.
- Temperature control stuck or frozen – If this occurs, you’ll need to have the temperature control on the freezer or cooler replaced.
- Iced evaporator coil – The evaporator coil freezes when airflow is blocked or the door is cracked open. Constant clicking sounds and puddles of water are signs when this occurs. Defrosting the unit should help resolve this problem.
- Restrictions in the refrigeration system – Check to see if there is blocking restricting the condenser, compressor or evaporator. Remove whatever is causing the problem, or have the broken part replaced by an authorized technician if necessary.
- Refrigerant shortage – If there is a leak, have it fixed and recharged as soon as possible. This will have to be done by an authorized technician.
Compressor Problems
When you hear a soft humming sound, this means the compressor is working smoothly. But if the humming is gone, distorted or tripped, then something could be wrong. Below are possible causes:
- Interrupted power supply – Check if the power cord is unplugged. If it’s plugged in, there could be a blown fuse that needs to be replaced in your fuse box. Other possible causes could be linked to low voltage supply, a tripped overload protector or a defect in the run or start capacitor. Make sure to consult an electrician or an authorized technician to remedy.
- Temperature control in open position – When the temperature control is stuck in the open position, you’ll need to have the control replaced or repaired by an authorized technician.
- Improper or loose wiring – In some cases, the wiring might have been knocked out place inadvertently. An authorized technician will have to resolve this issue.
- Excessive discharge pressure – Too much discharge pressure can make the compressor to short cycle on the overload protector. This could be caused by ventilation issues or restrictions in the cooling medium or refrigeration system.
Makes Noises
If your cooler or freezer is making a loud noise, check for the following issues.
- Loose mounting or parts – Look inside the unit for wobbly components. Once you find what’s loose, tighten it.
- Rattling tubes – The tubing in your freezer or cooler could be touching other parts. Try to reform the tubing so it’s free of contact.
- Damaged or bent fan blade – When you hear a vibrating sound, there could be a bent fan blade. Replace the blade to correct the issue.
- Worn fan motor bearings – If the bearings in your fan motor are worn out, make sure to have the motor replaced by an authorized technician.
Temperature Too High
When it seems like the unit is warmer than usual, here are some potential causes.
- Blocked air duct or condenser – Make sure there is ample space between the shelving in the center of the cabinet is open for proper flow in the air duct. Check the condenser for a buildup of dirt and dust as well, and clean it as soon as possible.
- Door open too frequently – If you keep opening the door frequently, try to lower the number of trips to the unit so there is enough time for the cabinet to pull back down. However, if there is a split or cracked gasket that is preventing the door from sealing shut, replace it to keep cool air from escaping.
Cooler Not Cooling
If the temperatures aren’t reaching the proper levels, check the following to troubleshoot your refrigeration unit:
- Faulty compressor – a broken or faulty compressor will shut on and off due to relay or capacitor issues. Contact a certified technician to repair this part.
- Dirty condenser – The debris buildup can prevent the refrigerant from releasing heat and producing the cool air that’s needed.
- Blocked air duct – dirt and debris in the air duct can prevent the unit from cooling down.
- Blocked thermostat sensor – The temperature might have a blocked sensor that’s preventing it from properly sensing the temperatures within the unit.
Door Won't Close Properly
If you notice that the door wont seal shut on your unit, the following issues might have occurred.
- Split or cracked gasket – A broken door gasket will keep the door from shutting properly. Replace the broken door gasket immediately.
- Dirty or broken door hinges – Hinges can wear out over time, especially on the bottom of the unit where larger buildups of dirt are common. Clean the hinges if dirty, or replace them if broken.
- Unit not level – If the unit has been moved or recently constructed, it might not be level. If applicable, try to adjust the casters and wheels. Consult your owner’s manual for specific leveling tips.
Check out our collection of Beverage-Air manuals and diagrams for help with your specific model.