When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Industrial Fridge

In the fast-paced world of food service and cold storage on Vancouver Island, your industrial fridge is the heartbeat of your business. When it starts humming a different tune or failing to hold its temperature, you’re faced with a high-stakes dilemma: do you call for industrial fridge repairs one more time, or is it time to invest in an industrial fridge replacement?

At Controlled Air Heating & Cooling, we know that downtime isn't just an inconvenience—it’s lost revenue. Here is how to decide which path is right for your facility. Contact us today.

When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Industrial Fridge 1.jpg

The "50% Rule" for Repair Costs

A solid rule of thumb used by commercial HVAC contractors is the 50% rule. If a single repair quote exceeds 50% of the cost of a brand-new unit, replacement is usually the smarter financial move. You also need to consider the "cumulative" cost. If you’ve had our team out for three different industrial fridge repairs in the last year, those invoices are signaling that the unit’s internal components are reaching systemic failure.

When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Industrial Fridge 2.jpg

Rising Energy Bills and Environmental Standards

Older units are notorious energy hogs. If you notice your monthly utility bills creeping up despite regular maintenance, your compressor may be struggling to keep up. Modern units are significantly more efficient and use eco-friendly refrigerants that comply with evolving Canadian regulations. Transitioning to a new model can often pay for itself through energy savings over just a few years.

When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Industrial Fridge 3.jpg

The Reliability Factor

If you can’t trust your fridge to keep inventory safe overnight, it’s already costing you money in "ghost costs"—stress, potential health code violations, and spoiled stock. When parts become obsolete or hard to source for your specific model, even the best commercial HVAC services can't overcome a lack of available hardware.

GET STARTED TODAY

Whether you’re in Victoria, Nanaimo, or the surrounding islands, making the right call requires a balance of current budget and future foresight. If your fridge is over 10–15 years old and requiring frequent visits, it’s likely time to retire the old workhorse.

Not sure where your unit stands? Our expert commercial HVAC contractors can provide a full diagnostic to help you crunch the numbers. Contact us today.

Tags: Controlled Air Heating & Cooling HVAC Maintenance Vancouver Island