Refrigeration: Keeping Your Draft System Consistent

A lot goes into pouring a perfect beer, but it all starts with temperature. Your refrigeration system is what keeps beer fresh, foam-free, and tasting exactly how the brewer intended. Whether you’re running a bar, brewery, or restaurant, keeping it dialed in is non-negotiable.

Why Refrigeration Matters

Refrigeration is the backbone of any draft setup. From the walk-in cooler to the glycol chiller, every degree counts. If temperatures swing even slightly, beer can foam, lose carbonation, or spoil before it’s poured.

At CBG, we handle installation, maintenance, and repair for walk-ins, reach-ins, and glycol systems. If your cooler isn’t holding temp or you’re planning a system upgrade, our refrigeration services keep things running steady year-round.

What Makes a Solid Refrigeration Setup

Here’s what matters most:

• Proper Sizing: Your cooler and lines should match the volume you’re pouring. Undersized systems struggle to keep up.
• Consistent Temps: Draft beer typically needs to stay between 36°F–38°F. Anything warmer and you’ll taste it.
• Good Airflow: If air can’t circulate, cold spots and warm zones develop — and your beer pays for it.
• Routine Maintenance: Simple things like cleaning coils or checking glycol mix can prevent costly breakdowns.

Learn more about how temperature ties into your full system on our Custom Draft Systems page.

Common Refrigeration Problems

Even small issues can lead to big losses. Keep an eye out for:

• Warm Beer Lines: Usually from poor insulation or an unbalanced glycol mix.
• Uneven Cooling: Dirty condenser coils or blocked vents.
• Frost Build-Up: A sign of airflow problems or a refrigerant leak.
• Short Cycling: The compressor is overworking — time to call a pro.

If you notice any of these, don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a preventative maintenance check before you’re forced into a full repair.

The Payoff of Doing It Right

A tuned-up refrigeration system isn’t just about cold beer — it’s about consistency, efficiency, and saving money over time. Proper care means fewer service calls, less product waste, and a better customer experience.

Keep It Cold, Keep It Consistent

Refrigeration may not be the flashiest part of your bar setup, but it’s what keeps everything else working. If you’re building new, upgrading, or just need a temperature check, contact CBG Draft Services. We’ll make sure your cold side stays consistent — and your beer stays perfect.

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