The compressor is the heart of a commercial refrigerator. If the compressor fails to operate, the entire display chiller or chiller fridge will stop cooling, which can lead to major business disruptions.

So, what causes a compressor failure in a chiller freezer or display freezer? Let’s explore the common reasons and possible solutions.

How Does a Commercial Refrigerator’s Compressor Work?

Before diagnosing the problem, it’s essential to understand the compressor’s role in refrigeration:

1️⃣ Refrigerant Circulation: The compressor extracts low-temperature refrigerant and compresses it before sending it to the condenser, where it transforms into a high-pressure gas.

2️⃣ Cooling Process: When the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, it releases cold air, causing a pressure drop and temperature reduction.

3️⃣ Heat Dissipation: The high-pressure gas exits through the discharge pipe, completing the refrigeration cycle before re-entering the evaporator.

4️⃣ Continuous Cycle: The compressor continuously absorbs, compresses, discharges, and expands refrigerant to maintain cooling efficiency.

Why Did Your Commercial Refrigerator’s Compressor Stop Working?

If your display chiller or chiller fridge suddenly stops cooling, the compressor might have encountered one of the following issues:

1. Low Ambient Temperature

✅ When the surrounding environment is too cold, compressor oil becomes thick and loses its lubrication efficiency.
✅ This leads to low condensing pressure, preventing refrigerant from flowing properly into the evaporator.
✅ Solution: Place the refrigerator in a temperature-controlled environment and avoid extreme cold conditions.

2. Faulty PTC Starter

✅ The PTC starter helps the compressor initiate its operation.
✅ If the PTC starter is defective, the compressor will fail to start.
✅ Solution: Use a multimeter to check the resistance of the running and starting terminals. If the reading is zero or infinite, the PTC starter needs replacement.

3. Compressor Malfunction

✅ If all other components function correctly, but the compressor still won’t start, the issue likely lies within the compressor itself.
✅ Solution: Contact a refrigeration technician to inspect and possibly replace the faulty compressor.

Final Thoughts

A compressor failure in a commercial refrigerator is often caused by low ambient temperatures, a defective PTC starter, or internal compressor issues.

🔹 Preventive Maintenance: Regularly inspect and clean your chiller freezer to ensure proper function.
🔹 Smart Refrigeration: Consider upgrading to an AI+ Inverter commercial refrigerator for better energy efficiency and reliable performance.

If your display chiller is not cooling, don’t ignore the warning signs—early detection can prevent costly repairs and food spoilage!