If you run a pub, bar, brewery, or restaurant, you’re likely already aware of how important it is to serve beer at an ideal temperature, and with cellar-cooling equipment, you can better preserve the flavour of your pints, helping keep your customers happy.

Whilst this equipment is built for performance and reliability, occasional problems can arise. However, the good news is that a lot of issues can be relatively easy to resolve, especially if you have the right knowledge and help from a professional repair team like Acme. Let’s walk you through some problems you may encounter with cellar-cooling equipment along with the steps you can take to get things back on track.

 

Kegs Not Reaching the Proper Temperature

Lukewarm pints don’t exactly go down a treat with customers, so if your cellar cooler isn’t cooling properly, then it’s important to investigate it as soon as possible. There are a few reasons why your cellar cooling equipment may not be at the ideal temperature:

1. Blocked Airflow

Cellar cooling units rely on a steady flow of cold air to keep temperatures even, so if fans are blocked, the cooling process can be disrupted.

2. Overloaded Units

Each unit will have a maximum load, and overloading may restrict air circulation, which can leave some barrels warmer than others.

3. Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Sometimes, thermostats can be set too high by mistake, meaning kegs might not be quite as cool as they should be.

4. Dirty Coils/Filters

Over time, dust, dirt, and even spilt beer can coat condenser coils and filters, possibly reducing efficiency.

Luckily, this issue can be fixed quickly. To ensure a smooth airflow, make sure vents aren’t blocked by boxes, kegs, or dust. If you’re at capacity, consider rotating your stock and avoid putting kegs too closely together. Check your digital display or manual thermostat and adjust it to the recommended 3–6°C range for beer storage if necessary, and make sure you clean your equipment regularly.

 

Fluctuating Temperatures

If your cellar-cooling unit keeps going from being too cold to too warm, it can impact your beer quality and heighten your energy bills. Some typical causes for this are:

1. Faulty Door Seals

Damaged, worn, or dirty seals can allow cold air to escape and warm air to creep in, causing the unit to work harder and struggle to maintain a steady temperature.

2. Inaccurate Thermostats or Sensors

Over time, thermostats and temperature sensors can drift out of calibration, meaning less accurate temperature readings.

Thankfully, there are also some simple solutions for this issue. Inspect seals for cracks or debris, cleaning them regularly and replacing them if necessary. Also, try resetting or recalibrating the controls or using another thermometer to verify temperature readings if you think they might be extreme.

 

Excessive Frost or Ice Build-Up

A little bit of frost is normal, but a thick layer of frost or ice on your coils, fans, or interior walls can reduce efficiency and even block airflow. This issue usually points to:

1. High Humidity or Moisture

Doors that are open for too long can let warm, moist air inside, possibly causing condensation that turns to ice.

2. Defrost Cycle Malfunctions

Many modern cellar coolers have an automatic defrost cycle, but if it’s not working, ice can accumulate quickly.

3. Clogged Drainage

If water can’t drain away during defrosting, it could refreeze.

To troubleshoot this issue, you can frequently check that drainage lines are clear, removing any blockages if needed. You can also monitor the defrost cycle, making sure it’s carried out fully without any errors. If your system has a digital display, then it may even show error codes. Finally, a pre-emptive step you can take involves always closing the door promptly after accessing the fridge so that your cellar-cooling equipment is only open for as long as necessary.

 

Unusual Noises or Vibrations

Cellar-cooling equipment will make some noise, but if you hear loud buzzing, rattling, or humming, you should investigate it and keep these causes in mind:

1. Loose or Vibrating Panels

Sometimes, vibration from compressors or fans can loosen screws or panels.

2. Fan Issues

Debris, dust, or even stray labels can get caught in the fan blades, leading to rattling or scraping sounds.

3. Compressor Problems

If the noise is coming from the compressor itself, it may signal worn bearings or other mechanical issues.

For safety, it’s best to switch off the unit if you hear extremely loud noises. Then, inspect the fan area and accessible panels, tightening or cleaning them as needed. For ongoing compressor noises, we recommend calling a professional repair service.

 

Beer Quality Problems: Flat or Foamy Pints

The temperature of your keg has a direct impact on the quality of your pour. If you’re noticing beer that’s persistently flat, overly foamy, or tastes “off,” the cellar-cooling unit could be part of the problem:

1. Improper Temperature

Beer that’s too warm tends to go flat, while beer that’s too cold can become overly foamy or even freeze in the lines.

2. Sudden Temperature Changes

Moving kegs from ambient storage directly into the fridge (or vice versa) can cause condensation inside the barrel, affecting carbonation.

3. Dirty Beer Lines or Connections

Poor hygiene can affect the taste and freshness of beer.

To fix this issue, it’s best to check your temperature settings, allow kegs to stabilise before tapping, and stick to a regular cleaning schedule.

 

When to Call in the Experts

Whilst many minor issues with cellar-cooling equipment can be tackled with routine cleaning and regular checks, there are times when your business can really benefit from professional help. If you’re dealing with persistent temperature fluctuations, repeated frost buildup, electrical faults, or ongoing noise from the compressor, or if your beer quality continues to suffer despite your best efforts, it’s a sign that the problem could be deeper than a simple fix.

Expert technicians have the tools, training, and experience to quickly diagnose underlying issues that aren’t always obvious, such as refrigerant leaks, failing components, or sensor malfunctions. They can also safely handle repairs that might be risky, such as replacing worn door seals, recalibrating thermostats, testing electrical circuits, or repairing a faulty compressor. In addition to this, specialists can often schedule visits outside peak trading hours and carry out repairs quickly and efficiently, meaning minimal disruption to your service and greater peace of mind for you and your business.

 

Choose Acme for Your Cellar-Cooling Equipment Repairs

At Acme, we know just how important reliable cellar-cooling equipment is for many UK businesses. Our engineers are experts in diagnosing and repairing many different types of cellar-cooling systems, from compact coolers to large cellar setups. We also offer fast response times, thorough inspections, and honest advice to get your equipment back up and running as quickly as possible so you can serve delicious cold pints with confidence. If you want to arrange a repair for your cellar-cooling equipment, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with Acme today.

 

With the appropriate knowledge and right approach, many cellar-cooling equipment issues can be quickly identified and resolved, helping your beer stay chilled and your customers remain happy. Staying proactive with cleaning, routine checks, small adjustments, and getting professional repair teams in when needed not only helps keep your system in top condition but also minimises the risk of unexpected downtime. In the long run, a well-maintained cellar-cooling setup means fewer headaches for you, better-tasting beer for your guests, and a smoother operation for your business overall.