By Commercial Service Company · November 4, 2026
Refrigeration runs around the clock, which means it's one of the biggest line items on a commercial power bill. Most of that cost isn't from the compressor working hard — it's from the system fighting leaks, dirt, and controls that never get checked. Here are the practical, low-risk upgrades that actually move the needle, and where to stop and call a licensed technician.
Fan Motors: Small Part, Steady Drain
Evaporator and condenser fan motors run nearly all day, every day. Older motors and worn bearings pull more current than they should, and a fan that's slowing down or cycling oddly makes the whole system work harder to hold temperature. If you notice a fan motor running hot, making noise, or cycling on and off without a clear reason, have a technician check it during a routine visit. Motor replacement and electrical work on sealed units should always go through a licensed technician — not a DIY swap.
Door Closers and Gaskets: The Cheapest Fix With the Biggest Payoff
A walk-in or reach-in door that doesn't seal tight is constantly leaking cold air out and pulling warm, humid air in. That means more run time, more frost buildup, and more strain on the compressor. A few things to check regularly:
- Door closers that don't pull the door fully shut, or that slam instead of easing closed
- Gaskets that are torn, flattened, or have gaps you can see light through
- Door sweeps and strip curtains on walk-ins that are missing or damaged
- Hinges that have sagged enough to leave the door slightly open
Gaskets and door closers are inexpensive compared to the energy they waste when they fail. Replacing them is one of the fastest-paying upgrades available for any kitchen or cooler.
Controls: Make Sure the System Isn't Overworking Itself
Temperature controllers and defrost timers that are set wrong, or that have drifted out of calibration, are a common hidden cost. A unit set colder than it needs to be isn't safer — it's just burning extra power for no benefit. Defrost cycles that run too often (or not often enough) also waste energy and can lead to ice buildup that blocks airflow. Have a technician verify your setpoints and defrost schedules match what the equipment actually needs for the product you're storing. This is a quick check during a maintenance visit and often turns up settings nobody has touched in years.
Night Covers for Open Cases
Open reach-in and grocery cases lose a lot of cold air to the room, especially overnight when foot traffic is zero. Night covers (sometimes called thermal curtains) pull down over open cases after close and cut that loss significantly. If your store or kitchen runs open-front cases, adding night covers is a straightforward upgrade that works while nobody has to do anything extra — just make the closing checklist include pulling the covers down.
Coil Care: Keep Air Moving the Way It Should
Dirty condenser coils are one of the most common reasons refrigeration systems run longer than they need to. When a coil is caked with dust, grease, or kitchen exhaust, the system can't reject heat efficiently and the compressor runs longer to compensate. Evaporator coils that ice over cause the same problem from the inside. Routine coil cleaning is something your maintenance plan should already cover, but if it's been a while, it's worth asking your technician to take a look at coil condition on the next visit. Keep floor fans, boxes, and shelving away from condensing units too — airflow restriction does the same damage as a dirty coil.
What to Leave to a Technician
Fan motor replacement, electrical repairs, refrigerant work, and compressor service all involve equipment that can be dangerous to handle without training and the right tools. None of these are DIY jobs. The upgrades above — door closers, gaskets, night covers — are reasonable for staff to handle or monitor. Everything involving the sealed system, wiring, or controls calibration should go through a licensed technician.
If your refrigeration has been running longer than usual, your power bills have crept up, or it's just been a while since someone checked fans, coils, and controls, give Commercial Service Company a call at 501-548-2374. We've served restaurants, grocery stores, and facilities across Conway, Little Rock, Benton, Bryant, Maumelle, Jacksonville, Searcy, and Russellville since 1976, and we can tell you exactly where your system is losing money.