Don’t Let a Fridge Breakdown Kill the Vibe: Protect Your Unique Dining Experience

Your Food Is on Point. Make Sure Your Refrigeration Is Too.

In today’s competitive hospitality scene, your Brisbane, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast restaurant isn’t just serving food — it’s crafting an experience. Whether your vibe is fine dining, farm-to-table authenticity, a sleek industrial aesthetic, or themed immersion, your refrigeration system is the quiet hero behind the scenes.

Until it fails.


😬 When Coolrooms Go Warm, The Whole Mood Melts

Imagine this: it’s a packed Friday night. You’re booked solid. And then—

  • The coolroom temperature alarm goes off.

  • The desserts are sweating.

  • The chef is shouting.

  • The guests are still being seated.

It’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a reputation killer.


💡 Your Atmosphere Matters. So Should Your Refrigeration.

Great lighting, polished service, curated music — it all falls flat if the food isn’t right. And food quality depends on refrigeration doing its job flawlessly, every single day.

That’s why we help restaurant owners and venue managers across SE QLD, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast:

  • Prevent breakdowns with targeted maintenance

  • Keep stock at precise temperatures

  • Get same-day service for PMA clients

  • Fix small issues before they turn into emergencies


🎯 For Unique Venues, Downtime Isn’t an Option

You’ve built a brand around experience — not generic meals. Your customers came for something special. That’s why our service is tailored for:

  • Chef-led restaurants and boutique kitchens

  • Themed and immersive dining venues

  • Hidden bars, rooftop setups, and pop-ups

  • Cafés with curated local menus

We understand that a broken fridge isn’t just an operational issue — it disrupts the entire atmosphere.


🔧 The ACRO Solution: Smart, Honest, Preventative Care

Our Preventative Maintenance Agreements (PMAs) are designed to:

  • Extend the life of your equipment

  • Minimise unplanned downtime

  • Ensure compliance with food safety laws

  • Give you priority access when things do go wrong

PMA clients also get 10% off labour — and no call-out fee on scheduled maintenance visits.


🤝 Reliable, Transparent, No-B.S. Service

We don’t inflate material costs.
We don’t send apprentices and charge you like they’re senior techs.
We show up, solve problems, and help your kitchen breathe easy again.


✅ Keep the Vibe — Let Us Handle the Chill

Want peace of mind behind the pass?
Don’t wait for a breakdown to remember how critical your fridge is.

👉 Contact ACRO Refrigeration today for a maintenance quote — and keep your dining experience on point, all the time.


🔄 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

The Top 7 Pain Points in Commercial Refrigeration — And How to Solve Them

Real Issues. Real Solutions. Here’s What We Fix Every Day.

Running a business in Brisbane, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast that relies on commercial refrigeration—whether you’re in hospitality, retail, healthcare, or childcare—means one thing: you can’t afford downtime.

Yet, time and again, we see clients dealing with the same frustrations. These aren’t just annoying—they’re expensive, disruptive, and in some cases, non-compliant with safety regulations.

Here are the top 7 commercial refrigeration pain points we encounter at ACRO, and how we help our clients solve them.


1. ❌ Temperature Fluctuations

The problem: Your fridge or cool room struggles to maintain consistent temperatures.
The impact: Spoiled stock, safety risks, and compliance breaches (especially under HACCP).

Our fix: Regular calibration, sensor checks, and smart controller systems for real-time alerts.


2. ❄️ Excessive Ice Build-Up

The problem: Ice forms around coils, doorways, or vents.
The impact: Poor airflow, system strain, and higher energy bills.

Our fix: We inspect door seals, defrost timers, and evaporator fans—and fix what others miss.


3. ⚡ High Energy Bills

The problem: You’re paying more to run old or underperforming equipment.
The impact: Reduced profit margins and unpredictable costs.

Our fix: We upgrade high-draw systems, clean components regularly, and offer energy audits.


4. 💨 Refrigerant Leaks

The problem: Cooling drops off and your fridge “just doesn’t feel cold enough.”
The impact: Reduced performance, environmental risk, and potential fines.

Our fix: We use certified leak detection methods and only bill for gas actually used—no padding.


5. ⚠️ Compressor Failures

The problem: The fridge makes loud noises or stops cooling entirely.
The impact: Total system failure and potential stock loss.

Our fix: Early diagnosis via vibration or thermal analysis, and prioritised emergency repairs.


6. 💧 Water Leaks & Condensation

The problem: Pooled water under fridges or on the floor.
The impact: Slip hazards, mould, and damage to stock or equipment.

Our fix: We unblock drains, replace cracked pans, and insulate vulnerable piping.


7. 🧾 Surprise Bills & Poor Communication

The problem: You never really know what you’re paying for, and you’re hit with hidden costs.
The impact: Distrust, repeat problems, and choosing the cheapest (not the best) contractor.

Our fix: At ACRO, we believe in transparent pricing, clear communication, and honest service. No markups without disclosure. No billing for gas you didn’t use. Just straightforward, professional refrigeration work.


💡 Bonus Tip: Prevention Is Profit

Preventative maintenance agreements (PMAs) not only reduce these pain points—they can cut unplanned repair costs by up to 60%.

✅ PMA clients with ACRO:

  • Get priority service

  • Receive 10% off labour

  • Enjoy reduced breakdown risk

  • Stay compliant year-round


🔧 Need Help With Your Refrigeration Pain Points?

Whether you run a restaurant, pharmacy, aged care centre, school, medical facility or retail store in Brisbane, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast—we’ve seen it all. Let ACRO keep your refrigeration systems cold, compliant, and cost-effective.

📞 Call us or book online to schedule a site visit.
📧 New clients welcome — ask about our PMA savings.


🔄 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

Why Honest Pricing Matters in Commercial Refrigeration Services

Why Honesty in Pricing Matters More Than Ever in HVAC/R

At ACRO Refrigeration, we believe pricing should be simple, transparent, and honest — because trust is the foundation of any long-term business relationship.

In an industry where shortcuts and hidden markups are sadly common, we’ve chosen a different path. One built on integrity, not trickery.


🧾 No Hidden Fees. No Inflated Charges. Just Fair, Professional Service.

We’ve heard stories from customers who were charged for more gas than was actually used. Or who noticed that invoices included unexpected labour rates, mystery call-outs, or unexplained materials.

We don’t do that.

At ACRO, what you see is what you get:

  • Our labour rates are clearly stated up front

  • We charge for the actual time and materials used — nothing more

  • We never inflate gas quantities or pad technician reports

  • We don’t discount our apprentices because their work adds real value — but we also don’t double charge you for their time


💡 Why This Matters

Honest pricing isn’t just about being “nice.” It’s about:

  • Consistency — you know what to expect every time

  • Transparency — we explain what we’ve done and why

  • Professionalism — we stand behind our work, and our pricing reflects the quality we deliver

  • Respect — we treat your business and budget the way we would want ours treated

We’ve built our reputation on delivering reliable, high-quality service — not by undercutting the market or cutting corners.


💬 Here’s the Truth:

We’re not the cheapest provider. And we’re proud of that.

Because cheap can cost you more in the long run — through poor workmanship, repeat failures, or unethical billing.

At ACRO, we charge a fair rate for expert service, delivered by trained professionals, using quality materials, backed by real warranties.


🤝 Our Promise to You

Whether you’re a new client or a long-standing PMA customer, you can expect the same:

  • Straightforward pricing

  • Clear communication

  • No surprises

Just honest work, fairly priced.


📞 Need help? Let’s talk.

We’re happy to explain any part of our pricing or walk you through a quote before we start. Because when you trust your refrigeration contractor, everything runs cooler.

🔄 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 — Reliability. Transparency. Integrity.

The Ultimate Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Checklist for 2025

The Ultimate Commercial Refrigeration Maintenance Checklist for 2025

If you operate a venue, restaurant, hotel, or health facility, your commercial refrigeration is one of your most valuable assets. Downtime means lost stock, lost revenue, and unhappy customers. That’s why smart operators are getting ahead in 2025 with a clear, proactive maintenance plan.

Here’s a practical checklist from the ACRO team — helping you stay compliant, efficient, and headache-free.


✅ Weekly Checks

  • Ensure doors and gaskets close tightly

  • Wipe down internal surfaces

  • Check for unusual noises or vibrations

  • Monitor and record temperatures

  • Clear visible debris from condenser grills (if accessible)


✅ Monthly Tasks

  • Inspect door seals and hinges for wear or damage

  • Confirm thermostats are reading accurately

  • Clean air filters (especially in kitchens)

  • Clear any dust build-up on external vents


✅ Quarterly Service (by a qualified technician)

  • Check refrigerant levels and system pressures

  • Inspect fan motors, wiring, and electrical components

  • Clean and test condensers and evaporators

  • Test defrost systems

  • Lubricate moving parts where necessary


✅ Annually

  • Complete deep clean of units inside and out

  • Calibrate temperature sensors

  • Conduct full system efficiency check

  • Review compliance and safety documentation


🚨 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

  • Ice build-up on coils or doors

  • Constant cycling or unit not switching off

  • Warm spots in fridges or freezers

  • Increased power bills

  • Water pooling or leaking

If you’re seeing any of these — it’s time to call in a professional.


💡 Why Partner with ACRO?

At ACRO, we specialise in commercial refrigeration solutions for high-reliability environments — including hospitals, aged care, hospitality, and events. Our technicians go beyond the basics, and our systems are designed for long-term uptime and compliance.

Whether you need reactive repairs or a scheduled maintenance agreement, we tailor our service to your business.


📞 Want a full inspection or tailored maintenance plan?


🔄 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

Commercial Refrigeration Repairs on Sunshine Coast – Fast 24/7 Service

Why Sunshine Coast Businesses Trust ACRO for Commercial Refrigeration Repairs

1. Fast 24/7 Emergency Support Service
Our Sunshine Coast-based techs are on-call around the clock. We understand that commercial refrigeration failures don’t wait for business hours.

2. Fully Stocked Vans
Our technicians carry a wide range of parts to resolve most issues on the spot, reducing downtime for your business.

3. Compliance-Driven Service
We don’t just fix the fault — we ensure your refrigeration equipment meets HACCP and QLD compliance standards.

4. Expert Diagnosis & Long-Term Fixes
We find the root cause, not just the symptom. That means fewer call-outs, more uptime.

5. Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. All pricing is discussed upfront and approved before work begins.


Common Sunshine Coast Commercial Refrigeration Issues We Fix

  • Cool rooms not holding temperature

  • Fridge compressors running constantly

  • Water pooling or leaking

  • Ice build-up in display fridges

  • Electrical or control faults

  • Door seals failing

From restaurants in Noosa to schools in Caloundra, we service all suburbs of the Sunny Coast with priority given to commercial clients under PMA.


Need a quote or rapid dispatch? Call 1300 227 600 or request a call back below.
Same-day service available across the Sunshine Coast.


Prevent the Next Breakdown with a PMA

Want to avoid future fridge failures? Our Preventative Maintenance Agreements (PMAs) keep your equipment reliable, audit-ready, and efficient.

Benefits:

  • Regular inspections

  • Asset tagging

  • Compliance checks

  • Discounted emergency call-outs

Ask us how you can get started.


Sunny Coasts Commercial Refrigeration Repair Experts

ACRO is a veteran-owned, Queensland-based commercial refrigeration specialist. We bring decades of technical experience, fast response times, and real compliance expertise.

Book your repair today — 1300 227 600

We fix it fast. We fix it right.


🔄 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

📍 Sunshine Coast Suburbs We Service

Acro Refrigeration provides full coverage across all suburbs in the Sunshine Coast Regional Council area and surrounding localities. We regularly service:

Aroona, Bald Knob, Balmoral Ridge, Banya, Belli Park, Birtinya, Bli Bli, Bokarina, Booroobin, Boreen Point, Buddina, Buderim, Burnside, Caloundra, Caloundra West, Cambroon, Castaways Beach, Chevallum, Coes Creek, Conondale, Coolabine, Cooloolabin, Coolum Beach, Cotton Tree, Crohamhurst, Curramore, Dicky Beach, Doonan, Dulong, Eerwah Vale, Eudlo, Eumundi, Flaxton, Forest Glen, Glenview, Golden Beach, Hunchy, Ilkley, Image Flat, Kiels Mountain, Kidaman Creek, Kiamba, Kuluin, Kunda Park, Kureelpa, Lake Macdonald, Landers Shoot, Landsborough, Little Mountain, Maleny, Mapleton, Marcoola, Marcus Beach, Maroochy River, Maroochydore, Meridan Plains, Minyama, Moffat Beach, Mons, Montville, Mooloolaba, Mooloolah Valley, Mount Coolum, Mountain Creek, Mudjimba, Nambour, Ninderry, Noosa Heads, Noosa North Shore, Noosaville, North Arm, Pacific Paradise, Palmview, Parklands, Peachester, Pelican Waters, Peregian Beach, Peregian Springs, Point Arkwright, Pomona, Reesville, Ridgewood, Ringtail Creek, Rosemount, Shelly Beach, Sippy Downs, Sunrise Beach, Sunshine Beach, Tanawha, Teewah, Tewantin, Towen Mountain, Twin Waters, Valdora, Verrierdale, Warana, West Woombye, Weyba Downs, Woombye, Wurtulla, Yandina, Yandina Creek, Yaroomba.

Why Gold Coast Businesses Trust ACRO for Commercial Refrigeration Repairs

1. Fast 24/7 Emergency Support
Our Gold Coast-based techs are on-call around the clock. We understand that commercial refrigeration failures don’t wait for business hours.

2. Fully Stocked Vans
Our technicians carry a wide range of parts to resolve most commercial refrigeration issues on the spot, reducing downtime for your business.

3. Compliance-Driven Service
We don’t just fix the fault — we ensure your refrigeration equipment meets HACCP and QLD compliance standards.

4. Expert Diagnosis & Long-Term Fixes
We find the root cause, not just the symptom. That means fewer call-outs, more uptime.

5. Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. All pricing is discussed upfront and approved before work begins.


Common Gold Coast Commercial Refrigeration Issues We Fix

  • Cool rooms not holding temperature

  • Fridge compressors running constantly

  • Water pooling or leaking

  • Ice build-up in display fridges

  • Electrical or control faults

  • Door seals failing

From restaurants in Broadbeach to schools in Southport, we service all suburbs of the Gold Coast with priority given to commercial clients under PMA.


Need a quote or rapid dispatch? Call 1300 227 600.
Same-day service available across the Gold Coast.


Prevent the Next Breakdown with a PMA

Want to avoid future fridge failures? Our Preventative Maintenance Agreements (PMAs) keep your equipment reliable, audit-ready, and efficient.

Benefits:

  • Regular inspections

  • Asset tagging

  • Compliance checks

  • Discounted emergency call-outs

Ask us how you can get started.


Gold Coast’s Commercial Refrigeration Repair Experts

ACRO is a veteran-owned, Queensland-based commercial refrigeration specialist. We bring decades of technical experience, fast response times, and real compliance expertise.

Book your repair today — 1300 227 600
We fix it fast. We fix it right.


🔄 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

Commercial Refrigeration Repairs Brisbane

Why Brisbane Businesses Trust ACRO for Commercial Refrigeration Repairs

1. Fast 24/7 Emergency Support
Our Brisbane-based techs are on-call around the clock. We understand that commercial refrigeration failures don’t wait for business hours.

2. Fully Stocked Vans
Our technicians carry a wide range of parts to resolve most issues on the spot, reducing downtime for your business.

3. Compliance-Driven Service
We don’t just fix the fault — we ensure your refrigeration equipment meets HACCP and QLD compliance standards.

4. Expert Diagnosis & Long-Term Fixes
We find the root cause, not just the symptom. That means fewer call-outs, more uptime.

5. Transparent Pricing
No hidden charges. All pricing is discussed upfront and approved before work begins.


Common Brisbane Commercial Refrigeration Issues We Fix

  • Cool rooms not holding temperature

  • Fridge compressors running constantly

  • Water pooling or leaking

  • Ice build-up in display fridges

  • Electrical or control faults

  • Door seals failing

From restaurants in West End to schools in Indooroopilly, we service all suburbs of Brisbane with priority given to commercial clients under PMA.


Need a quote or rapid dispatch? Call 1300 227 600 or request a call back below.
Same-day service available across Brisbane metro.


Prevent the Next Breakdown with a PMA

Want to avoid future fridge failures? Our Preventative Maintenance Agreements (PMAs) keep your equipment reliable, audit-ready, and efficient.

Benefits:

  • Regular inspections

  • Asset tagging

  • Compliance checks

  • Discounted emergency call-outs

Ask us how you can get started.


Brisbane’s Commercial Refrigeration Repair Experts

ACRO is a veteran-owned, Queensland-based commercial refrigeration specialist. We bring decades of technical experience, fast response times, and real compliance expertise.

Book your repair today — 1300 227 600

We fix it fast. We fix it right.


🔄 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

Turnkey Cold Room Builds: Complete Commercial Refrigeration Solutions by ACRO

Turnkey Cold Room Builds: Why ACRO Is the Partner of Choice for Commercial Refrigeration Projects

When it comes to building a cold room for your business, you don’t just need a contractor — you need a partner who understands compliance, efficiency, and the real-world demands of commercial refrigeration. That’s where ACRO Refrigeration comes in.

We deliver end-to-end, turnkey cold room builds that are tailored to your industry, space, and operational needs — with no shortcuts, no confusion, and no handballing between trades.

A chef closing a cold room door
Custom built to your needs

🧰 What Does “Turnkey” Mean in Cold Room Construction?

In simple terms, a turnkey solution means we handle everything from start to finish:

  • Initial consultation & design

  • Load calculations & engineering

  • Supply of refrigeration equipment

  • Panel and door installation

  • Electrical, plumbing, and drainage

  • Commissioning and compliance checks

  • Post-install maintenance plan

You get a fully functional cold room, ready to operate — and one team responsible for every part of the project.


✅ Built for Compliance and Reliability

At ACRO, we specialise in HACCP-compliant refrigeration builds. Whether you’re a food manufacturer, hospitality operator, wholesaler, or healthcare facility, we know what matters most:

  • Consistent temperatures

  • Energy efficiency

  • Easy-to-clean surfaces

  • Accurate monitoring and alerts

  • Uptime and serviceability

We don’t just meet code — we build systems that protect your stock, reputation, and bottom line.

Custom Cold Rooms – Large & Small

🧊 Who We Build For

We’ve delivered cold room projects across South East Queensland for:

  • Restaurants and hospitality groups

  • Food wholesalers and producers

  • Breweries and distilleries

  • Supermarkets and convenience stores

  • Pharmaceutical and medical storage

  • Community food programs and logistics hubs

Each build is scoped to suit the site — whether it’s a new construction, expansion, or retrofit into an existing facility.

customer built cold room for a bottle shop
Custom Built Cool Room

🛠️ Why Clients Choose ACRO for Cold Room Builds

  • Turnkey simplicity – one team, one quote, one point of contact.

  • Experience you can trust – trading since 1972, we’ve seen and solved it all.

  • Systemised project delivery – every build tracked and managed via Simpro.

  • Post-install support – we offer long-term preventative maintenance plans for peace of mind.

  • No outsourcing roulette – our techs are trade-qualified and internally coordinated.

A custom built cold room for the Sofitel pastry kitchen
We Build Custom Cold Rooms across Queensland – From Coolangatta to Bundaberg

📍 Servicing Brisbane, Gold Coast & Surrounds

Whether you’re planning a new cold room for your Brisbane warehouse or upgrading an aging walk-in freezer on the Gold Coast, ACRO is ready to deliver a full turnkey build that meets your needs and exceeds expectations.


📞 Get a Quote or Site Consultation

Planning a cold storage upgrade or expansion? Get in touch with our team for a free consultation. We’ll assess your needs, scope the project, and provide a detailed turnkey proposal.


🔄 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

Why Maintaining Commercial Refrigeration in Child Care Facilities is Critical for Safety and Compliance

The Importance of Refrigeration Maintenance in Child Care

When it comes to child care in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, safety and hygiene are non-negotiable—and that includes the food served to children each day. While much attention is given to sanitisation and nutrition, one critical area often overlooked is the maintenance of commercial refrigeration systems.

Child care centres rely on refrigerators and freezers to store perishable food, milk, medications, and meals prepared on-site. If these systems fail or underperform, the consequences can range from spoiled food and costly waste to serious health risks for children.

1. Food Safety and Health

Children are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses than adults. Ensuring refrigeration systems consistently hold safe temperatures (below 5°C for fridges and below -18°C for freezers) is essential to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Without regular maintenance, temperature fluctuations can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Child care facilities in Brisbane and the Gold Coast must comply with strict food safety standards, including those outlined by the Food Standards Code and local health authorities. Failure to maintain commercial refrigeration systems can lead to breaches, fines, or even temporary closure of the facility.

3. Avoiding Unexpected Breakdowns

Refrigeration units in child care centres work hard—often 24/7. Preventative maintenance helps identify worn parts, dirty coils, or refrigerant leaks before they result in costly emergency repairs or downtime. Routine servicing extends the life of the equipment and ensures uninterrupted food storage.

4. Demonstrating Duty of Care

Parents expect transparency and high standards from child care providers. By actively maintaining refrigeration equipment, centres demonstrate a genuine commitment to child health and operational integrity.

5. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Well-maintained systems operate more efficiently, reducing power consumption and energy bills. Dirty filters, low refrigerant, or failing components can all increase energy use and operating costs—something no child care provider can afford to overlook.


Conclusion:


Maintaining commercial refrigeration in child care facilities isn’t just good practice—it’s a vital part of delivering safe, reliable care. At ACRO Refrigeration, we offer tailored preventative maintenance programs for child care providers, ensuring your systems are compliant, efficient, and dependable every day.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t wait for problems to arise—invest in your business’s future with our preventative maintenance service. Contact ACRO Refrigeration today to learn more about our maintenance plans and schedule your initial assessment!

👉 Let’s Help Your Fridge Stay Cool:


🔄 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

Gold Coast Hotel’s HVAC Nightmare — and How We Fixed It

Case Study: Hidden Costs of a “Cheap” HVAC Service — Gold Coast Hotel

🏨 Client: Major Hotel, Gold Coast

🛠 Service: Preventative Maintenance Takeover & System Restoration

🔁 Frequency: Quarterly PMA (Preventative Maintenance Agreement)

📅 Duration: Commenced Q2, 2025


The Problem

When we took over the HVAC maintenance program for one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious hotels, the situation was far worse than the management realised.

  • The bag filters in the rooftop air handling units were so thick with dust and grime, you couldn’t see the pleats.

  • The return air grilles inside the venue were caked with lint and airborne grease, to the point where dust would visibly fall onto guests below.

  • The client had noticed a sharp increase in electricity consumption — but hadn’t been able to determine the cause.

This was despite the fact that the previous contractor was supposedly servicing the system every three months.

a return air grill covered in dust
Dust was falling on customers

Our Diagnosis

On initial inspection, our technicians were astonished the air-conditioning was functioning at all. Poor airflow, blocked return, and clogged filtration meant the systems were:

  • Working far harder than necessary,

  • Using excessive energy, and

  • Creating an unhygienic environment for staff and guests.

HVAC bag filter covered in thick dirt
Clean Air? This was the state of the HVAC Bag Filters

What We Did

  • Replaced all clogged bag filters with clean, high-quality commercial-grade filters.

  • Thoroughly cleaned return air grilles throughout public and back-of-house areas.

  • Carried out a full system performance audit.

  • Implemented baseline reporting for power draw and coil pressure differentials to measure improvement.


The Outcome

Energy Efficiency Restored: Power usage dropped measurably once airflow was restored.
Comfort Levels Improved: Cooling distribution normalized across all key guest zones.
Guest Experience Protected: No more falling dust, stale smells, or temperature inconsistencies.
Accountability Established: Our PMA now includes photographic evidence of all works completed and system health tracking.

Disintegrated and filthy HVAC filter from a commercial venue, showing the result of years of neglected maintenance by a low-cost competitor.
This is what ‘cheap’ really costs. We took over this venue after years of ‘budget’ servicing—this HVAC filter hadn’t been changed in ages and had completely disintegrated.

The Lesson

“They were cheaper” is not a good deal when it comes at the cost of:

  • Your brand,

  • Guest comfort,

  • Operational costs, and

  • Health and hygiene standards.

In commercial HVAC, cheap service is often no service at all.

Black mould visible on the ceiling of a commercial cool room due to lack of proper refrigeration servicing and hygiene maintenance.
Black mould growing in a cool room ceiling—another case of ‘cost-cutting’ gone wrong. Poor servicing by the previous provider led to dangerous hygiene risks in a food storage area. If you run a venue that relies on refrigeration, don’t leave compliance to chance.

Thinking of Changing Providers?

If your venue has rising power bills, poor airflow, or inconsistent temperature control, it may be time for a no-obligation performance audit.

📍 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.

📰 Enjoyed this article?

Browse more helpful insights and case studies on our Refrigeration Blog