When to Call for Emergency Commercial Fridge Repairs (and When to Wait)

Know the difference — and protect your stock, reputation, and bottom line

In commercial refrigeration, timing is everything. A breakdown can cause major stock losses, fail food safety audits, and damage your reputation — but not every issue is an emergency.

So how do you know when to call for emergency commercial fridge repairs… and when it can wait until morning?

At ACRO Refrigeration, we handle urgent refrigeration breakdowns across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast 24/7 — but we also believe in helping you avoid unnecessary call-out fees when a smarter solution exists.

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⚠️ When You Should Call for Emergency Fridge Repairs

If you’re facing any of the following situations, call a commercial refrigeration technician immediately:

1. The Fridge or Cold Room Has Stopped Cooling Completely

If the temperature is rising rapidly and the compressor or fans aren’t running, it’s a true emergency. Food spoilage and compliance breaches can occur within hours.

2. You Hear Unusual Noises or Smell Burning

Grinding, hissing, electrical smells or smoke signals a mechanical or electrical failure — shut it down and call us immediately to prevent further damage or fire risk.

3. Water Is Leaking Onto the Floor

This can pose a serious safety hazard, especially in kitchens or retail spaces. Leaks could stem from blocked drains, refrigerant leaks, or failed seals — all requiring urgent attention.

4. The Fridge Temperature Alarm is Triggered

If you’re getting alerts that your fridge is outside of the HACCP-compliant range and rising, you can’t afford to wait. This could result in a failed inspection or public health issue.

5. Power Failure or Blown Fuses Specific to the Unit

If only the fridge has lost power (not the whole building), it may be a unit-specific fault. Leave the unit off and call for diagnosis.

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When It’s OK to Wait Until Business Hours

Not all refrigeration issues need a middle-of-the-night technician. Here are issues that may be safe to monitor until the next day:

1. Slight Increase in Temperature Without Product Loss

If the fridge is still cold (but not as cold as usual), it may be a clogged coil, dirty filter, or minor sensor issue. Monitor the temp closely and schedule a technician first thing.

2. Door Seal Damage (but the door still closes)

A torn door seal can affect efficiency, but won’t cause immediate stock loss if the unit is still holding temperature.

3. Excessive Frost or Icing

If there’s ice build-up but the unit is cooling, it’s likely a defrost cycle or airflow problem. It should still be checked, but can wait until morning unless temps are rising.

4. Condensation or Minor Leaks That Can Be Contained

If you can mop up the water and food is unaffected, this is likely a blocked drain or humidity issue.

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🚨 When in Doubt, Call Us — We’ll Advise You Honestly

At ACRO Refrigeration, our 24/7 emergency team is on hand to:

• Provide expert phone triage

• Dispatch a technician immediately if required

• Help you decide if it’s an emergency or can wait

• Protect your stock, food safety, and compliance

We’re a veteran-owned business with a reputation for fast, fair, and transparent service. If it’s not urgent — we’ll tell you.

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24/7 Emergency Service Areas

We offer emergency commercial fridge repairs across:

• Brisbane (All suburbs)

• Gold Coast

• Sunshine Coast

• Logan & Ipswich

• Northern NSW (on request)

Need help now?
Call 1300 227 600 or Book Emergency Service Online.

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Bonus Tip: Know Your System’s Normal Sounds and Performance

The more familiar you are with your cold room or fridge’s normal operation, the easier it is to spot a real problem early. Keep a temperature log, and train staff to report anything unusual immediately.

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📞 Call Us for Emergency Commercial Fridge Repairs

When stock is on the line, don’t wait.
Call 1300 227 600 — our experienced refrigeration technicians are ready to respond.

👉 Request Emergency Repairs Now
👉 Explore Our Preventative Maintenance Plans

🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

📰 Enjoyed this article?

Browse more helpful insights and case studies on our Refrigeration Blog

How to Budget for Refrigeration Upgrades Across Multiple Sites

Smart Planning for Compliance, Efficiency, and Cost Control

Managing refrigeration across several business locations is no small task. Whether you’re operating multiple restaurants, aged care facilities, supermarkets, or commercial kitchens — upgrading your refrigeration systems requires careful planning, accurate cost forecasting, and strategic timing.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to budget for refrigeration upgrades across multiple sites, without unexpected blowouts or operational disruptions.

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💡 Why Budgeting Properly for Refrigeration Upgrades Matters

A poor refrigeration upgrade plan can lead to:

• Cost overruns

• Inconsistent cooling performance

• Compliance risks (HACCP, Food Act, etc.)

• Downtime across multiple venues

• Missed opportunities to improve energy efficiency

Budgeting upfront ensures you’re investing wisely in systems that last longer, cost less to operate, and protect your perishable stock.

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✅ Step-by-Step: How to Budget for Multi-Site Refrigeration Upgrades

1. Conduct a Site-by-Site Asset Audit

Start with a refrigeration audit for each site:

• Age of each unit

• Energy rating

• System type (cool room, display fridge, prep fridge, etc.)

• Maintenance history

• Reported breakdowns or inefficiencies

Pro tip: ACRO Refrigeration offers detailed multi-site audits with asset tagging, energy usage reports, and compliance checks.

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2. Prioritise Replacements Based on Risk & Cost

Not all systems need upgrading at once. Rank them by:

• Risk of failure (based on age and repair history)

• Energy inefficiency (older units cost more to run)

• Food safety compliance risk

• Impact on operations if they fail

Group high-priority upgrades first — e.g., outdated cold rooms in high-volume sites — and defer low-risk systems to future budget years.

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3. Get Accurate Supply + Installation Quotes

Refrigeration pricing varies depending on:

• Room size or fridge type

• Location (freight and travel costs)

• Access and installation complexity

• Brand and refrigerant type (eco-compliant systems may cost more upfront)

Get quotes that include:

• System cost

• Installation

• Electrical work

• Compliance certification

• Decommissioning/disposal of old units

ACRO’s quoting includes all of the above — no surprises later.

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4. Factor in Downtime Minimisation

Budget for off-peak or after-hours installation to reduce disruption. This may cost a little more upfront but saves thousands in lost trade or spoilage.

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5. Include Operational Savings in ROI

Upgraded refrigeration delivers ongoing returns:

• Lower electricity bills

• Less frequent breakdowns

• Reduced repair costs

• Longer system lifespan

• Improved food safety compliance

Include these cost savings in your ROI calculation to justify capital spend.

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6. Consider Leasing or Finance Options

Spreading refrigeration upgrades across multiple sites can strain your CapEx budget. Consider:

• Operating leases (off-balance sheet)

• Equipment finance (fixed monthly costs)

• Manufacturer financing programs

• Government energy upgrade rebates (if eligible)

This allows you to upgrade without draining working capital.

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7. Build a Multi-Year Replacement Plan

Create a 3–5 year upgrade roadmap across your sites. This helps:

• Smooth your capital budget

• Avoid urgent, unplanned replacements

• Align upgrades with scheduled refurbishments

• Leverage volume pricing from suppliers/installers

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🧾 Sample Budget Planning Template

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📍 ACRO Helps You Plan & Deliver Efficient Multi-Site Upgrades

At ACRO Refrigeration, we’ve helped national retailers, hotels, and care providers plan and deliver refrigeration upgrades across dozens of locations. Our process ensures:

• Accurate forecasting

• Coordinated delivery & installation

• 5-year workmanship guarantee

• Minimal disruption

• Ongoing maintenance options

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📞 Need Help Budgeting Your Refrigeration Upgrades?

Contact ACRO Refrigeration to arrange a multi-site asset audit or request a tailored upgrade plan.

👉 Book a Site Visit
👉 Or Call 1300 227 600

Serving Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Greater QLD

🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

📰 Enjoyed this article?

Browse more helpful insights and case studies on our Refrigeration Blog

What to Do in a Commercial Refrigeration Emergency

When your commercial fridge, freezer, or cold room fails, it’s not just an inconvenience — it’s a serious business risk. Spoiled stock, safety breaches, and lost revenue can all happen in a matter of hours.

At ACRO Refrigeration, we respond to urgent breakdowns 24/7 across Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do in a commercial refrigeration emergency — and how to protect your business while waiting for help.

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1. Act Quickly — Call a Commercial Refrigeration Technician Immediately

Time is critical. As soon as you notice your system isn’t cooling, contact a licensed commercial refrigeration expert. ACRO’s emergency team is available around the clock.

📞 Call 1300 227 600 now for immediate assistance

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2. Avoid Opening Doors or Lids

Minimise heat transfer by keeping fridge or freezer doors shut. This helps retain cold air and slows down temperature rise, buying more time before stock becomes unsalvageable.

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3. Move Perishables If Safe

If you have access to a backup unit or cold storage facility, consider transferring critical perishables — but only if it’s safe to do so and you won’t lose more cold air in the process.

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4. Check Power Supply and Temperature Display

Sometimes the issue is a simple trip switch or power fault. Check:

• Is the unit receiving power?

• Are there any warning lights or error codes?

• Has the ambient temperature changed (e.g., due to a heatwave or open doors)?

Note this info — it can help your technician diagnose the issue faster.

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5. Record the Incident

For insurance or compliance reasons, document:

• Time the issue was noticed

• Any actions taken

• Stock affected (especially if disposal may be needed)

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Common Commercial Refrigeration Emergencies

We commonly attend to:

• Cold room breakdowns

• Compressor or fan failures

• Refrigerant leaks

• Thermostat or sensor faults

• Power loss or tripped circuits

Whatever the issue, our technicians are equipped to repair all major brands and systems on-site or provide fast temporary solutions.

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Why Choose ACRO for Emergency Refrigeration Repairs?

✔ 24/7 Emergency Response – Brisbane & Gold Coast
✔ Experienced, Licensed Technicians
✔ Specialists in Cold Rooms, Freezers & Commercial Fridges
✔ Rapid On-Site Diagnosis & Repairs
✔ 5-Year Workmanship Guarantee

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Don’t Wait — Get Help Now

If your refrigeration system fails, every minute counts. Trust the commercial refrigeration experts at ACRO to restore your system quickly and professionally.

📞 Call 1300 227 600
📍 Servicing Brisbane & Gold Coast
📧 workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions – Commercial Refrigeration Emergencies

Q: What counts as a commercial refrigeration emergency?
A: Any situation where your fridge, freezer, or cold room is not maintaining temperature, emitting unusual noises, leaking refrigerant, or has completely shut down — especially if perishable goods are at risk — is an emergency.

Q: How quickly can ACRO attend to an emergency?
A: We offer 24/7 emergency service. In most cases, we dispatch a technician within hours to sites across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Q: Can you repair all types of commercial refrigeration units?
A: Yes — we work on cold rooms, upright fridges, freezer rooms, under-bench chillers, display cabinets, and more. We’re experienced with all major commercial brands.

Q: What happens if you can’t fix the unit immediately?
A: We’ll stabilise the situation (e.g., isolate the fault, supply a temporary solution) and prioritise fast parts procurement. Our goal is to minimise downtime and protect your stock.

Q: Do you offer service contracts to prevent future breakdowns?
A: Absolutely. Our preventative maintenance plans help detect issues early and reduce the risk of costly failures — especially in busy commercial environments.

Q: Are your emergency services available after hours or on weekends?
A: Yes — we operate 365 days a year, 24/7, including public holidays.

Areas We Cover – 24/7 Commercial Refrigeration Emergency Response

ACRO Refrigeration provides emergency commercial refrigeration repairs across:

• Brisbane Metro – CBD, Northside, Southside, East & West suburbs

• Gold Coast – All areas from Coolangatta to Yatala, including coastal and hinterland zones

• Sunshine Coast – From Caloundra to Noosa and surrounding business precincts

• Logan & Beenleigh Corridor

• Ipswich & Western Suburbs

• Redlands & Bayside

• Greater Brisbane Industrial Zones

Our local teams are strategically positioned to ensure fast response times, day or night.

Not sure if we cover your location?
📞 Call 1300 227 600 — we’re happy to confirm and dispatch a technician fast.

ACRO’s Full Range of Commercial Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Services in Queensland

If you’re searching for commercial refrigeration experts in Queensland, you’ve come to the right place. ACRO Refrigeration has been delivering high-quality, compliant, and reliable refrigeration and air conditioning solutions across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and regional QLD since 1972.

We understand what commercial operators need — fast response times, energy efficiency, compliance with food safety regulations, and long-lasting equipment. Whether you run a restaurant, aged care centre, child care, a hospital, pharmacy, food processing facility, fast food outlet, supermarket, or warehouse, here’s how we can help:

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Our Core Services

✅ Commercial Refrigeration Repairs

• 24/7 emergency commercial refrigeration repairs

• Cold room breakdown response

• Commercial freezer repair (upright, under-bench, display)

• Ice machine repairs

• Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast coverage

Searches we rank for: commercial refrigeration repair, emergency fridge repair Brisbane, commercial fridge repair near me

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✅ Commercial Refrigeration Installation

• Cool room & freezer room installation

• Upright display fridges, deli cabinets, supermarket refrigeration

• Compliant with HACCP, TGA, and Food Act QLD

• Custom cold room builds for QLD conditions

Popular terms: cold room installation Brisbane, commercial freezer rooms, supermarket fridge for sale

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✅ Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance

• Preventive maintenance programs (PMA)

• Refrigeration servicing for cafes, butcher shops, childcare centres

• Asset tagging and compliance reporting

• Temperature calibration and logging

Searched as: commercial refrigeration maintenance, fridge service Brisbane, cool room servicing

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✅ Cold Room Sales, Hire & Repairs

• Cold rooms for sale (modular and custom build)

• Portable cool rooms and freezer trailers

• Cold room trailer hire (Brisbane & Gold Coast)

• Cold room and freezer room repairs

Ranking for: cold room for sale QLD, coolroom trailer, freezer trailer for hire

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✅ Commercial Air Conditioning Services

• Split systems, ducted, VRV/VRF

• Commercial AC installation and maintenance

• Air conditioning repairs for offices, retail and aged care

• Brisbane, Gold Coast, and surrounding areas

Matching: commercial air conditioning Brisbane, commercial aircon repairs, HVAC contractors Brisbane

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✅ Specialised Refrigeration Systems

• Vaccine fridges and immunisation fridge servicing

• UPS for vaccine fridge and monitoring

• Dry age cabinets and wine fridges for hospitality

• Supermarket island freezers and display units

Covering: refrigerators for vaccines, dry aging cabinet Australia, commercial upright freezer for sale

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📍 Why Choose ACRO?

• 50+ years of commercial refrigeration expertise

• Compliant with all major regulatory bodies

• Fast, local support across Brisbane, Gold Coast & regional QLD

• 5-Year workmanship guarantee

• Emergency repair coverage 24/7

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📞 Need a Quote or Urgent Repair?

Call us on 1300 227 600 or contact us online to schedule a service or request a free quote.

ACRO Refrigeration – Keeping Queensland Cool Since 1972.

🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

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ACRO Builds Cold Rooms Anywhere in Queensland — City, Coast, or Outback

Whether you’re running a cattle station in Cloncurry, a food distribution centre in Townsville, or a pub in Birdsville, one thing is true across Queensland: reliable cold storage is critical. That’s why ACRO Refrigeration is proud to offer cold room design, supply, and installation services anywhere in QLD.

From our base in Southeast Queensland, we support commercial clients across the entire state — metro, regional, and remote — with custom-built cold rooms backed by expert workmanship and over 50 years of refrigeration experience.

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Why Choose ACRO as Your Cold Room Builders in Queensland?

• We travel statewide — including Brisbane, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Mackay, Rockhampton, Longreach, Mt Isa, Cairns, and anywhere in between

• Custom-built cold rooms to suit food storage, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mining, and hospitality

• Heavy-duty construction for harsh Queensland climates

• 5-Year Workmanship Guarantee

• Fully compliant with Queensland Food Act & Safe Food standards

• Fast quoting and reliable timeframes, even in remote areas

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Our Cold Room Capabilities

• Cool rooms & freezer rooms (modular or custom)

• Portable and relocatable cold rooms

• Remote area installations with off-grid options

• Integration with glycol systems, smart temperature controls, and backup alarms

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We’ve Built Cold Rooms In:

• Brisbane & Gold Coast hospitality venues

• Regional clubs and fast food outlets

• We’ve sent relocatable cold rooms all over Queensland

If you’re in regional or remote Queensland, don’t settle for patchy or unreliable service. ACRO will come to you — with a proven track record, specialist equipment, and the team to deliver. We’ve even built cold room in Perth!

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Need Cold Room Builders in Queensland? ACRO Will Travel.

No matter where you are in Queensland, we’re ready to quote, build, and deliver a cold room solution tailored to your business. We handle everything from consultation and design to construction, compliance, and commissioning.

📞 Call 1300 227 600
📧 Email: workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au

Let us bring ACRO’s commercial refrigeration expertise to your part of Queensland — wherever that may be.

🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

📰 Enjoyed this article?

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Stay Audit-Ready and Protect Children’s Health with This Practical Refrigeration Compliance Guide for QLD Child Care Centres

Child care centres in Queensland are legally required to store food safely in line with the Food Act 2006 (QLD) and Safe Food QLD standards. If your centre stores, prepares, or serves food, refrigeration compliance isn’t just best practice — it’s a legal obligation.

Here’s a practical refrigeration compliance checklist tailored to child care environments to help you stay audit-ready, reduce risk, and protect children’s health.

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1. Correct Temperature Control

• Refrigerators must be kept at or below 5°C

• Freezers must be at or below -15°C

• Use digital thermometers or integrated monitoring systems to log and verify daily temperatures.

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2. Daily Temperature Logging

• Record fridge and freezer temperatures at least once per day

• Maintain logs for at least 12 months in case of audit or food safety investigations

• Investigate and document any breaches immediately

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3. Food Storage Best Practices

• Label all food with date received or opened

• Use sealed, food-grade containers and store raw foods below ready-to-eat items

• Avoid overloading fridges, which can block airflow and cause uneven cooling

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4. Regular Servicing of Refrigeration Equipment

• Have all commercial refrigeration units serviced at least annually (preferably quarterly in QLD’s humid climate)

• Check door seals, fan motors, thermostats, and defrost cycles for proper operation

• Keep service records as part of your Food Safety Plan

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5. Emergency Backup Plan

• Have a documented process for responding to refrigeration failure (e.g. power outages, mechanical faults)

• Include:

  • Contact details for your refrigeration service provider

  • Safe food transfer plan

  • Cooler storage protocols or disposal procedures

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6. Cleaning & Hygiene

• Clean interior and exterior surfaces weekly with food-safe disinfectant

• Include fridge and freezer cleaning in your centre’s HACCP plan

• Check for mould, odour, and expired food during cleaning

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Why It Matters

Non-compliance can result in:

• Foodborne illness among children

• Breach of your centre’s licence conditions

• Fines, enforcement notices, or closure by your local council

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Need Help With Compliance?

At ACRO Refrigeration, we help child care centres across Brisbane,  Logan, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast maintain refrigeration systems that meet all Food Act 2006 and Safe Food QLD requirements.

Our Preventive Maintenance Agreements include:

• Compliance-friendly service reporting

• Temperature sensor checks

• Emergency repair response

• 5-year workmanship guarantee

📞 Call us today on 1300 227 600
📧 Email: workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au

🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

📰 Enjoyed this article?

Browse more helpful insights and case studies on our Refrigeration Blog

 

Acro Refrigeration: Your Trusted Commercial Airconditioning Partner Across All Brisbane Suburbs

At Acro Refrigeration, we’ve proudly served the Brisbane metropolitan area since 1972. From northside to southside, inner city to outer suburbs — our team delivers fast, reliable, and expert commercial refrigeration service, maintenance, and installation right across Greater Brisbane.

Whether you manage a hotel, restaurant, café, bar, supermarket, school, hospital, child care, aged care or food processing facility, you can count on Acro for reliable commercial airconditioning solutions tailored to your business.

📍 Brisbane Suburbs We Service

We cover every suburb in the Brisbane City Council area and beyond. Here’s the full list of suburbs we regularly work in:

Albion, Alderley, Alexandra Hills, Algester, Annerley, Anstead, Archerfield, Ascot, Ashgrove, Aspley, Auchenflower, Bald Hills, Balmoral, Bardon, Banyo, Bellbowrie, Belmont, Birkdale, Boondall, Bowen Hills, Bracken Ridge, Bridgeman Downs, Brisbane CBD, Brookfield, Bulimba, Burbank, Calamvale, Camp Hill, Cannon Hill, Capalaba, Carina, Carindale, Carseldine, Chandler, Chapel Hill, Chelmer, Chermside, Chermside West, Clayfield, Coopers Plains, Coorparoo, Corinda, Darra, Deagon, Doolandella, Drewvale, Durack, Dutton Park, Eagle Farm, East Brisbane, Eight Mile Plains, Ellen Grove, Enoggera, Everton Hills, Everton Park, Fairfield, Ferny Grove, Fig Tree Pocket, Fitzgibbon, Forest Lake, Fortitude Valley, Gaythorne, Geebung, Graceville, Greenslopes, Grange, Gumdale, Hamilton, Hawthorne, Heathwood, Hemmant, Hendra, Heritage Park, Highgate Hill, Holland Park, Holland Park West, Indooroopilly, Inala, Jamboree Heights, Jindalee, Kangaroo Point, Karalee, Karana Downs, Kedron, Kelvin Grove, Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Keperra, Kuraby, Lake Manchester, Lota, Lutwyche, Macgregor, Mackenzie, Manly, Manly West, Mansfield, Middle Park, Milton, Mitchelton, Moggill, Moorooka, Morningside, Mount Coot-tha, Mount Gravatt, Mount Gravatt East, Mount Ommaney, Murarrie, Nathan, New Farm, Newmarket, Newport, Newstead, Norman Park, Northgate, Nudgee, Nudgee Beach, Nundah, Oxley, Paddington, Pallara, Parkinson, Petrie Terrace, Pinjarra Hills, Pinkenba, Port of Brisbane, Pullenvale, Ransome, Red Hill, Richlands, Riverhills, Robertson, Rochedale, Rocklea, Salisbury, Sandgate, Seven Hills, Seventeen Mile Rocks, Sherwood, Shorncliffe, Sinnamon Park, South Brisbane, Spring Hill, Stafford, Stafford Heights, St Lucia, Stones Corner, Stretton, Sumner, Sunnybank, Sunnybank Hills, Taigum, Taringa, Teneriffe, The Gap, Tingalpa, Toowong, Upper Kedron, Upper Mount Gravatt, Virginia, Wacol, Wakerley, Wavell Heights, West End, Westlake, Willawong, Wilston, Windsor, Wishart, Woolloongabba, Wooloowin, Wynnum, Wynnum West, Yeerongpilly, Yeronga, Zillmere.

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✅ Why Brisbane Businesses Choose Acro Refrigeration for their Airconditioning Needs

• Same-day commercial service

• Licensed and experienced technicians

• Specialists in commercial airconditioning systems

• Preventative maintenance programs for hospitality and retail

• 5-year workmanship guarantee

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

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🧊 Commercial Air-conditioning Services We Offer in all Brisbane Suburbs

• Emergency repairs

• Scheduled maintenance

• Custom design and installation

• Equipment upgrades and efficiency audits

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💬 Get Fast, Local Support across Brisbane

If your business is in any of the suburbs listed above, you’re in our service zone. Whether you need a airconditioning technician in West End, a airconditioning installer in Chermside, or a preventative maintenance plan in Capalaba, we’ve got you covered.

📞 Call us today on 1300 227 600 or  book a technician.

🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

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Compare kWh rates, system sizes and real-world case studies—plus a free cost-saving checklist from Acro Refrigeration.

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1. Quick kWh-Cost Table (SE Queensland Tariff 11, $0.27/kWh*)

*Tariff 11 QLD April 2025; adjust for your retailer.
**kW refers to nominal cooling capacity; kWh consumption based on average COP of 3.3 in 32 °C ambient.

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2. How to Calculate Running Costs Yourself

Formula:
Running cost ($) = (Cooling kW ÷ COP) × Electricity rate (¢/kWh) × Operating hours

Example—25 kW unit:
25 kW ÷ 3.3 COP = 7.6 kWh × $0.27 = $2.05/hr

3. Seven Proven Ways to Slash Your HVAC Bill

1. Raise set-point 1 °C = up to 10 % energy saving.

2. Quarterly filter changes—dirty filters add 5–15 % load.

3. Variable-speed drives on supply fans—average 20 % cut.

4. Economiser cycle on rooftop units—free cooling below 22 °C.

5. BTMS monitoring—detects compressor short-cycling early.

6. Night purge strategy for offices—flush heat before start-up.

7. Capex vs Opex—replace R-22 systems >15 yrs; modern inverter units halve kWh.

Link: maintenance checklist blog.

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4. Case Study: Gold Coast Retail Chain Saves $3,600 per Year

Problem: 14 kW ducted splits short-cycling, high bills.
Solution: Acro Refrigeration installed VSD drives and staged compressors.
Result: 18 % kWh reduction = $3.6 k/yr across three stores, ROI in 14 months.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest tariff for commercial HVAC?

• Large sites on Tariff 20 or demand tariffs can pay 10–15 % less per kWh.

Does solar offset HVAC costs?

• Yes—rooftop package units run during daylight. A 30 kW solar array can cover ~40 % of annual HVAC kWh.

Should I run AC overnight to “store” cooling?

• No—heat gains overnight usually exceed any benefit. Use night-purge or setback only. </details>

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6. Free Cooling Audit & kWh Calculator

Want to see your exact running costs and payback? Book Acro Refrigeration’s free cooling audit—includes a 5-year workmanship guarantee on any upgrades.

📍 Servicing Brisbane & Gold Coast
📞 1300 227 600
📧 workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au

Shop Now

🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

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A step-by-step triage guide from Acro Refrigeration

1. Why the First 30 Minutes Matter

• Perishable goods can spoil in < 1 hour once temps exceed 5 °C.

• Server-room electronics fail at 35 °C.

• Rising humidity = mould risk and OH&S complaints.
  Act fast and you can avoid thousands in product loss and emergency call-out fees.

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2. 10-Point Emergency Action Plan

Commercial Airconditioning Maintenance Checklist ➜

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3. When to Call a 24/7 HVAC Technician

• Breaker trips repeatedly after reset

• Room temp > 30 °C in a food or server area

• Smoke, burning smell, or loud grinding noise

• Ice on suction line or evaporator coil

• Fault code F7, E4, CH34, or “HP/LP trip”

Acro Refrigeration’s guarantee: technician onsite within 2 hours across Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast—24/7/365.

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4. How to Prevent Future Breakdowns

1. Quarterly maintenance—replace filters, tighten terminals, log refrigerant pressures.

2. Remote monitoring sensors—text alerts at 28 °C.

3. Annual thermographic scan—identifies hot spots in switchboards.

4. Capex review—replace R-22 units before summer load hits.

Commercial AC maintenance checklist → 

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5. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim insurance for spoilage?

Most business-interruption policies cover HVAC failure. Keep temperature logs and our service report for your insurer.

What brands do you repair?

Daikin, Mitsubishi Heavy, Temperzone, Actron, Fujitsu, and all major RTU and split-system manufacturers.

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes, we give a 5-year guarantee on workmanship.  Parts according to manufacturer’s warranty.

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6. Need Help Now? Call 1300 ACRO HVAC

Acro Refrigeration has fully stocked vans and ARCtick-licensed techs on call—serving Brisbane, Logan, and the Gold Coast.

Book online 24/7: Emergency HVAC Request Form

📞 Get a Commercial HVAC Quote in Brisbane or Gold Coast

Whether you’re upgrading your system, expanding a facility, or experiencing issues with your current unit, ACRO Refrigeration is ready to help.

Contact us to arrange a site visit or request a tailored commercial quote:

Shop Now

🔄 Stay Connected

Follow us on Facebook, or LinkedIn for the latest updates on commercial refrigeration tips and industry news.

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Browse more helpful insights and case studies on our Refrigeration Blog

Areas We Service — Commercial Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration

Gold Coast

• Southport CBD & Chinatown Precinct

• Surfers Paradise & Chevron Island

• Broadbeach (Convention Centre & restaurant strip)

• Robina & Varsity Lakes Business Parks

• Burleigh Heads & Burleigh West Industrial Estate

• Molendinar / Ashmore Industrial Area

• Nerang & Carrara Trade Precincts

• Arundel & Parkwood light-industrial zones

• Helensvale Town Centre & Westfield

• Coomera Marine & Theme-Park Corridor

• Yatala / Ormeau / Stapylton Enterprise Area

• Currumbin Waters & Southern Gold Coast Airport Precinct

Brisbane

• Brisbane CBD & Queen St Mall

• Fortitude Valley, Newstead & Teneriffe riverside precincts

• South Brisbane, West End & Woolloongabba stadium corridor

• Milton, Toowong & Indooroopilly commercial hubs

• Bowen Hills, Albion & Breakfast Creek Road showrooms

• Eagle Farm, Hamilton & Pinkenba TradeCoast logistics zone

• Northgate, Virginia, Banyo & Geebung industrial estates

• Chermside & Aspley retail/commercial centres

• Rocklea, Acacia Ridge & Cooper Plains freight precincts

• Salisbury & Mount Gravatt enterprise corridors

• Eight Mile Plains & Brisbane Technology Park

• Murarrie, Cannon Hill & Port of Brisbane corridor

• Wynnum–Manly & Gateway East Trade Precinct

• Capalaba & Redlands light-industrial area

• Brendale & Strathpine business parks

Logan & Southern Corridor

• Springwood & Slacks Creek motor-retail strip

• Underwood & Kingston industrial estates

• Meadowbrook Health & Education Precinct

• Logan Central & Woodridge retail hubs

• Loganholme, Tanah Merah & Shailer Park commercial zone

• Berrinba Logistics Estate & Crestmead Industrial Park

• Beenleigh & Yatala South enterprise area

• Park Ridge, Browns Plains & Hillcrest trade centres

• Yarrabilba town centre

Need service outside these suburbs?
Call 1300 227 600— our technicians travel wherever Queensland businesses need reliable air-conditioning and refrigeration support.

Rooftop vs split system commercial air conditioning. What is the right for your business?

1. Quick Comparison Table

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2. What Is a Rooftop Package Unit (RTU)?

A rooftop unit is a single, factory-built HVAC package that sits on the roof. It houses compressor, evaporator, condenser, and supply/return fans in one weather-tight cabinet. Supply and return ductwork penetrate the roof to serve the occupied area below.

Pros

• All-in-one footprint makes installation quick.

• Frees up valuable floor area for revenue-earning use.

• Easy to service without disrupting tenants.

• Built-in economisers can use free cooling on mild nights.

Cons

• Crane lift can add $3 000–$10 000 to install.

• Exposed to salt and UV—requires quality coating.

• Long duct runs can create static-pressure losses if badly designed.

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3. What Is a Commercial Split System?

A split system separates the outdoor condenser from one or more indoor fan-coil units. Refrigerant lines run between them. Commercial-grade splits start at 7 kW and go up to ~25 kW per head; multiple heads can serve zones independently.

Pros

• Lower up-front equipment cost.

• Energy-efficient inverter compressors.

• Flexible zoning—cool offices and meeting rooms separately.

• Easier to retrofit where roof space is restricted.

Cons

• Indoor units consume ceiling/wall real estate.

• Drainage piping through ceiling voids needs fall and insulation.

• Multiple condensers can clutter façades if not planned.

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4. Six Factors to Help You Decide

4.1 Building Size & Layout

• < 500 m² with internal partitions → split systems or VRF.

• > 500 m² open warehouse/retail → rooftop package.

4.2 Roof Structure & Crane Access

Steel portal frames and flat roofs take RTU weight easily. Heritage roofs? Go split.

4.3 Installation Budget vs Life-Cycle Cost

Splits cost ~15 % less in hardware but can run extra refrigerant piping and future maintenance. RTU cranes are expensive up-front but lower long-term service costs.

4.4 Energy Efficiency Targets

• RTU with economiser + VSD fans can reach COP > 4.0.

• Split with high-SEER inverter hits COP 3.5–4.2, great for small zones.

4.5 Maintenance Access & Tenant Disruption

RTU: techs work outside, zero disruption. Splits: quarterly filter changes above desks; schedule after hours.

4.6 Future Expansion

RTU capacity upgrades mean swapping one unit. Splits: add another head/compressor pair, but pipework limits may apply.

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5. Real-World Case Studies

Case 1 — Yatala Logistics Warehouse (2 000 m²)

A client installed two 85 kW RTUs with duct sox. Result: 18 % lower operating cost vs multiple splits, zero floor-space loss.

Case 2 — Surfers Paradise Boutique Hotel (30 rooms)

Replaced ageing RTUs with 14 high-SEER split systems for zoning per room. Guests now control their own climate; electricity use down 12 %.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Which system is cheaper to maintain?

• RTUs centralise components—one set of filters, belts, and coils—generally reducing annual service labour by 10–20 % compared with many split units.

Do rooftop units need planning approval?

•  In Queensland most roofs allow RTUs under “minor mechanical plant,” but councils may require development approval in noise-sensitive zones.

Can you mix both systems?

• Yes—common in large retailers: RTU for shop floor, splits for offices and server rooms.
• Acro designs hybrid solutions.

7. Book a Free Cooling Audit

Not sure which HVAC option fits your site? Our engineers model load profiles, roof loads, and ROI—free across Brisbane, Logan, and the Gold Coast.

📞 1300 227 600 • Request your audit →

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Areas We Service — Commercial Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration

Gold Coast

• Southport CBD & Chinatown Precinct

• Surfers Paradise & Chevron Island

• Broadbeach (Convention Centre & restaurant strip)

• Robina & Varsity Lakes Business Parks

• Burleigh Heads & Burleigh West Industrial Estate

• Molendinar / Ashmore Industrial Area

• Nerang & Carrara Trade Precincts

• Arundel & Parkwood light-industrial zones

• Helensvale Town Centre & Westfield

• Coomera Marine & Theme-Park Corridor

• Yatala / Ormeau / Stapylton Enterprise Area

• Currumbin Waters & Southern Gold Coast Airport Precinct

Brisbane

• Brisbane CBD & Queen St Mall

• Fortitude Valley, Newstead & Teneriffe riverside precincts

• South Brisbane, West End & Woolloongabba stadium corridor

• Milton, Toowong & Indooroopilly commercial hubs

• Bowen Hills, Albion & Breakfast Creek Road showrooms

• Eagle Farm, Hamilton & Pinkenba TradeCoast logistics zone

• Northgate, Virginia, Banyo & Geebung industrial estates

• Chermside & Aspley retail/commercial centres

• Rocklea, Acacia Ridge & Cooper Plains freight precincts

• Salisbury & Mount Gravatt enterprise corridors

• Eight Mile Plains & Brisbane Technology Park

• Murarrie, Cannon Hill & Port of Brisbane corridor

• Wynnum–Manly & Gateway East Trade Precinct

• Capalaba & Redlands light-industrial area

• Brendale & Strathpine business parks

Logan & Southern Corridor

• Springwood & Slacks Creek motor-retail strip

• Underwood & Kingston industrial estates

• Meadowbrook Health & Education Precinct

• Logan Central & Woodridge retail hubs

• Loganholme, Tanah Merah & Shailer Park commercial zone

• Berrinba Logistics Estate & Crestmead Industrial Park

• Beenleigh & Yatala South enterprise area

• Park Ridge, Browns Plains & Hillcrest trade centres

• Yarrabilba town centre

Need service outside these suburbs?
Call 1300 227 600— our technicians travel wherever Queensland businesses need reliable air-conditioning and refrigeration support.