The Problem
The fridge side of a built-in column unit was sitting several degrees warmer than it should, even though the compressor kept running. No obvious frost, no water on the floor, nothing dramatic. Just a slow, creeping temperature drift that most people would blame on a bad thermostat.
What We Found
A pressure check told a different story: refrigerant was low. On a sealed system, that only means one thing, a leak somewhere in the line. Built-in columns route refrigerant lines through tight cabinetry spaces, so finding the exact point takes patience, not guesswork.
The Fix
Once the leak point was isolated, the line was cut back to clean copper, re-brazed with a proper joint, pressure-tested to confirm the seal held, then the system was evacuated and recharged to the manufacturer's exact refrigerant spec. This isn't a bolt-on part swap, it's the kind of sealed-system work that needs EPA-compliant refrigerant handling and a torch, not just a screwdriver.
The Result
Cabinet temperature held steady within an hour of the recharge. No more slow drift, no more guessing whether the ice cream is going to survive the week.