Whether you’re using one of our walk-in coolers, freezers, or cold rooms for food service, pharmaceutical storage, or event use, a little guidance can go a long way toward keeping operations running smoothly. Below are practical troubleshooting tips designed to address common issues quickly.
- The Unit Shut Off
Your unit may appear to have shut off, but rest assured, it may simply be in defrost mode. All Polar Leasing units undergo up to four daily defrost cycles, each lasting less than 30 minutes. During this time, the compressor and fans pause, and condensation drains out through the external drain line, please check there first.
- Temperature Is a Bit Off (Too Warm or Too Cold)
Temperature fluctuations are often due to thermostat settings. You’ll find an adjustable dial thermostat inside the unit near the fans that can be set between –10˚F and 45˚F. Make sure it’s set correctly to maintain your desired temperature.
- Lights Aren’t Working
Lighting issues typically stem from electrical setup. A licensed electrician must ensure the unit is wired with two hot lines, a ground, and a neutral, without a neutral, lights won’t function.
- Ice Buildup Near the Door
Ice accumulation can occur if the door is left open too long. Encourage staff to close the door promptly during loading and unloading to maintain temperature consistency.
- Temperature Spikes Before Slowly Settling
Again, avoid prolonged door openings. Each time the door remains open, the unit’s recovery time increases, leading to spike-like fluctuations as it slowly returns to the set temperature.
- Water Pooling Beneath the Fans
If you notice water pooling on the floor beneath the fans, your unit may not be level. This can cause water to overflow from the drain pan during defrost. Verify the unit is positioned on a level surface.
- Need Temperatures Colder Than –10˚F?
Our standard units are engineered to reach down to –10˚F. If your requirements are colder, please contact our home office to explore specialty unit options.
- Unit Is Slow to Reach Temperature After Loading
Polar Leasing units are optimized to keep cold products cold, not to rapidly cool warm or room-temperature items. To ensure best performance, pre-chill your products before storage, as our units are not blast freezers.
Quick Troubleshooting Table
| Issue | Tip |
| Unit appears off | Check for defrost cycle; inspect external drain line |
| Temperature inconsistent | Adjust the dial thermostat (–10˚F to 45˚F) |
| Lights not functioning | Verify proper wiring: 2 hots + ground + neutral required |
| Ice near door | Minimize door openings during loading/unloading |
| Temperature spikes | Keep doors closed; allow time for recovery |
| Water beneath fans | Ensure the unit is level |
| Need temperature below –10˚F | Contact Polar Leasing for specialty unit options |
| Slow cooling after loading | Pre-chill items—unit maintains temp, does not freeze instantly |
Why These Tips Matter
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can dramatically reduce downtime and maintain consistent cold conditions for your perishables, even during heavy-use periods or high-temperature environments. Contact us for more information.