FridgeSeal Blog | Tips for Commercial Refrigerator Gaskets, Cooler Door Repair, and Cold Storage Maintenance

How Bad Door Seals Increase Energy Costs in Commercial Kitchens

Written by Mike Brattain | Jan 14, 2026 12:11:01 PM

If your energy bills seem higher than they should be, your cooler doors may be part of the problem. In commercial kitchens, poor door seals are one of the most common and overlooked causes of energy waste.

Here’s how worn gaskets drive up costs and what Michigan businesses can do about it.

Cold Air Loss Happens Faster Than You Think

A small gap in a door gasket allows cold air to escape continuously. The refrigeration system must run longer to maintain temperature, using more electricity every hour of the day.

This problem compounds during peak service hours when doors are opened frequently.

Compressors Work Overtime

When door seals fail, compressors cycle more often. This increases wear and shortens equipment life.

Many businesses assume the compressor is failing when the real issue starts at the door. We break this down further in Temperature Loss Usually Starts at the Door, Not the Compressor.

Kitchens With Multiple Coolers Feel It Most

Restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores with multiple reach-ins or walk-ins experience multiplied losses when several doors are leaking at once.

Replacing one gasket helps. Replacing them all restores efficiency across the kitchen.

Why Energy Waste Is Hard to Spot

Unlike a broken unit, energy loss is gradual. Bills rise slowly, making it easy to overlook the cause.

Routine door inspections and timely gasket replacement are simple fixes. Learn more about our process on our Services page.

A Smarter Way to Control Costs

Michigan businesses that stay proactive with door maintenance consistently see better temperature control and lower energy usage.

See how FridgeSeal works with food service operators on our Industries We Serve page.

Conclusion

Bad door seals quietly drain energy and profits. Fixing them is one of the fastest ways to improve efficiency without replacing equipment.