1. Most coolers and freezers cycle on and off throughout the day. This creates a “sawtooth” wave pattern on the temperature graph
   • These ups and downs are normal and show the compressor maintaining temperature
   • You’ll see regular dips and rises as the system works to stay within its set range

1. In addition to the sawtooth pattern, you may notice brief temperature spikes every 4–6–8 hours. These are defrost cycles and are also normal.
   • Freezer spikes may go above 32°F
   • Cooler spikes may go above 42°F
   • These spikes are short and should not trigger alerts during normal operation
2. Think of these as quick peaks above the regular rhythm—they’re part of the system keeping itself clean and efficient.

While some variation is expected, certain patterns may indicate a problem. Watch for: 

1. Extended periods (2+ hours) of abnormally high temperatures. Possible causes may be:
   • Doors left open during busy times
   • Damaged or loose door seals
   • Equipment struggling to keep up with frequent use

1. Gradual temperature increases over days or weeks
   • Outside of defrost cycles, temperatures should remain fairly steady
   • If you notice a consistent upward or downward trend, it may be time to schedule preventative maintenance