A reefer that won't hold temperature can cost you a load. We repair and maintain transport refrigeration units, often called reefers (and sometimes spelled “refers”), for food distributors, grocers, restaurants, caterers, farms, florists, and owner-operators across Lackawanna, Wayne, and Luzerne Counties, including the warehouses and distribution centers along the I-81, I-84, and I-476 corridors.
Our service is mobile: we come to your yard, lot, or loading dock, so you don't lose a day hauling the unit to a shop.
What we service
- Truck reefer units on refrigerated box trucks and straight trucks.
- Trailer reefer units on refrigerated trailers, including 53-foot reefers.
- Units from the major makers, including Thermo King and Carrier Transicold.
Common problems we fix
- Unit running but not cooling, or not holding setpoint.
- Alarm codes and shutdowns on the unit's controller.
- Defrost problems: evaporator icing up, or defrost not starting or not ending.
- Refrigerant leaks, low charge, and compressor problems.
- Fan, sensor, and control faults that throw off temperatures in the box.
- Failed pre-trip tests before a load goes out.
Load tip: a reefer is built to hold temperature, not to pull hot product down. Pre-cool the box before loading, load product already at its target temperature, keep air flowing (don't block the return air or stack against the bulkhead), and keep doors closed as much as possible. The FDA's Sanitary Transportation rule also requires shippers and carriers of food to keep temperature-controlled loads at safe temperatures.
Safety note: This is general information only, not professional advice. Only do what you can do safely: shut the unit off and make sure it can’t start automatically before touching it, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and leave anything involving electrical wiring, refrigerant, or moving parts like belts and fans to a qualified technician. Any action you take is at your own risk — see the disclaimer.
Preventive maintenance
Most reefer breakdowns on the road start with something that could have been caught in the yard: a dirty condenser coil, a worn belt, a door seal that's torn, or a slow refrigerant leak. Run the unit's pre-trip inspection (PTI) before loads, keep coils clean, and have the refrigeration system checked on a regular schedule, especially before summer. We can set up regular maintenance visits at your location so your trucks and trailers stay on the road.
Why Northeast PA calls Affordable AC
- Refrigeration background: commercial refrigeration is where we started, and it's still a core part of what we do.
- Certified: EPA Section 608 Universal, the federal certification required to work on refrigerant systems.
- Licensed & insured: Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor # PA173955.
- Mobile service: we come to your yard, lot, or dock.
- Free phone/text consultation: describe the problem or send a photo of the error code, and we'll help you figure out next steps.
- Price-beat quotes: got an estimate you're not happy with? Send it over and we'll work with you.
- 5.0-star Google rating — read our reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you repair reefer units on trucks and trailers?
Yes. We repair and maintain transport refrigeration (reefer) units on refrigerated box trucks, straight trucks, and trailers, including Thermo King and Carrier Transicold units. Call or text 570-983-9747.
Do you come to my location?
Yes. Our reefer service is mobile. We come to your yard, lot, or loading dock in Lackawanna, Wayne, and Luzerne Counties.
Why is my reefer running but not cooling?
Common causes include a dirty condenser coil, an iced-up evaporator from a defrost problem, low refrigerant from a leak, failed fans or belts, a bad sensor, or a compressor problem. Note any alarm codes on the controller before you call.
Can a reefer cool down warm product?
Not well. Reefer units are designed to hold product at temperature, not to pull warm product down. Pre-cool the trailer and load product that is already at its target temperature.
Is "refer" the same as "reefer"?
Yes. "Reefer" is short for refrigerated truck or trailer, and it is often spelled "refer." Both mean the same transport refrigeration equipment.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not professional advice for your specific equipment, building, or situation, and reading it does not create a customer or contractor relationship with Affordable AC & Refrigeration Services LLC.
Heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, gas, and electrical equipment can cause serious injury, death, fire, or property damage if handled improperly. Always follow your equipment manufacturer’s instructions and safety warnings, turn off power before touching any equipment, and do not attempt any work involving gas lines, electrical wiring, refrigerant, sealed components, or combustion and venting — that work should be performed only by a qualified, licensed professional. If you smell gas or a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the building immediately and call 911 or your gas utility from outside.
Any action you take based on this information is strictly at your own risk. Information may be incomplete or change over time and is provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Affordable AC & Refrigeration Services LLC and its owners, employees, and contractors are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from the use of, or reliance on, this information. Read our full website disclaimer.