When you think of starting a craft distillery, water might not be the first thing on your mind—but it’s where the process all begins. If you don’t have consistent water, then you won’t be able to create a consistent product. The reality is that most municipal water varies widely in terms of its chemical and mineral composition.
This means you may need to invest in water filters for your craft distillery in Eugene, OR. You’ve invested your time and money in creating the perfect craft distillery setup, and the last thing you’d want is for subpar water to compromise the end product. Read on to find out about the best water filter options for your craft distillery.
How water can be a problem
Water chemistry affects every part of the process, from mashing to cooling and reduction. Poor-quality water can corrode distilling equipment and plumbing, and can even show up in the bottles. For example, clear spirits such as gin and vodka can be affected by low water quality in terms of taste and appearance.
The taste may be off due to the disinfectants that some municipalities use in water systems. Cloudy or hazy spirits are often the result of using water that has not been properly filtered. Both municipal and well water quality can vary widely.
The effects of different minerals
Certain very low levels of minerals can be acceptable or even desirable during the distilling process. Suspended solids like sand, silt, clay and rust can play a role in the distilling process, as well as excessive minerals and high-salinity minerals. Too much of each of these minerals may result in odors and bad tastes coming through, no matter what kind of spirit you’re producing. Suspended soils, in particular, are a problem because they are liable to damage your equipment as well.
Investing in water filters
For all these reasons, it’s a smart idea to make sure all the water used in your craft distilling process is properly filtered. By investing in charcoal filters, reverse osmosis or a UV sterilizer, you can ensure the water has a consistent quality. You can even tweak the water filtration until you find a mineral level that works for your setup. In fact, a small amount of a certain mineral may provide a unique quality you’ll want to retain.
If you’re looking for water filters for craft distilleries in Eugene, OR, it’s important to consult the experts. American Refrigeration Inc. is here for all your commercial heating, ventilation and cooling needs. Our team has been proudly serving the region for over 25 years, and we’ve built a reputation as the go-to company for everything involving commercial heating and cooling.
We’re your specialists in commercial HVAC and refrigeration services. We offer emergency repairs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we’re pleased to honor manufacturer rebates and warranties. Call American Refrigeration Inc. today to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation to discuss the needs of your operation. We look forward to serving you!
The ice machine is an important appliance in any commercial kitchen or cafeteria setting. You’ll commonly find them in restaurants, hotels, schools and hospitals—anywhere that people from the public gather for food or drink.
Like any other type of appliance, ice machines can occasionally experience mechanical, electrical or other types of problems. When this happens, it’s important that you’re able to recognize the symptoms of those problems and do not hesitate in calling a professional appliance repair service to analyze the appliance and determine the best course of action for commercial ice machine repair in Eugene, OR.
Here are just a few examples of inspections and repairs our team will make when you call us for service:
Power: If you lose power to your ice machine, your first step should be to check the circuit breaker or fuse that sends power to the equipment. If that’s not the issue, the problem could be with the wiring or something within the appliance itself that requires professional attention.
Temperature: Is the issue you’re having with your ice machine related to temperature? You might have difficulty getting the machine cold enough to create ice, for example. One common problem here is ambient air temperature—you should make sure you have the machine located in an area where the temperature doesn’t get too hot due to a lack of air conditioning or due to the presence of appliances that heat up ambient air. Otherwise, there might be a clog or a mechanical issue.
Water problems: Problems related to the water could also cause equipment malfunctions. The ice machine’s water supply could be interrupted if it’s not producing ice at all. You should also consider the temperature at which the water is coming into the machine—warm water will be harder to freeze than cold water.
Overworking: There are some parts that might have been overworked or worn out due to improper installation or operation. For example, the water inlet valve might constantly be running while the machine is trying to make ice in freeze mode.
Filters: The cause of your ice machine problems could simply be that you have not changed your filter in a reasonable amount of time. Water filters should be changed regularly to ensure proper operation of the equipment.
Maintenance: General maintenance of the ice machine is also necessary to ensure long-lasting, high-quality operation. You should regularly clean the condenser coil to prevent a buildup that could cause temperature issues or operational problems. Change water inlet valves when you need to take them apart to remove muck or calcium buildup that could be causing clogs. Clean the internal water side of the machine to ensure better quality ice and avoid clogs and buildup. These are all standard maintenance tasks you should perform yourself so you don’t have to call out a professional to make repairs as frequently.
For more information about some of the most common problems that necessitate commercial ice machine repair in Eugene, OR, we encourage you to contact the appliance repair technicians at American Refrigeration Inc.
The craft distillery business is booming across the country right now. If you’re ready to join in on the excitement, it’s a good idea to know how to get things started off on the right foot. One of the most important things to do is make sure you’re getting the right equipment. There are a number of factors that will determine what kind of equipment is right for you.
When you’re considering how to choose the right distillery equipment in Eugene, OR, American Refrigeration Inc. is here to help. We’ve been proudly serving the region for over two decades and offer a range of services. Let’s take a look at how to make the right equipment decisions to get your craft distillery up and running.
Getting the right still
Before the spike in craft distillery activity, you were limited to large, expensive copper vessels that were made in either Germany or the U.S. It was also possible to self-design or DIY a vessel. But in recent years, the increase in activity means there are smaller, less expensive options available for those just starting out.
Either way, investing in a quality still is at the core of craft distilling. A traditional copper still made in Germany can handle everything from vodka to gin, whiskey and rum. However, they come with a high price tag.
Important parts
On top of the right still, distillers need to have a boiler and mash tun that will be used to generate the fermented liquid that will eventually be processed in the still. These can also be expensive, costing tens of thousands of dollars plus additional fees for installation. Nevertheless, they’re essential to the process and absolutely necessary to enter the business.
Fermenters, tanks and portable pumps are other important aspects of the distillation process. Again, these will be expensive, but it’s important to obtain quality equipment if you want to do it right.
Other considerations
The craft distillery process all starts with the quality of the water. Public water varies widely in terms of its mineral and chemical composition. This means you’ll want to use methods like a charcoal filter, UV sterilizer or reverse osmosis to create pure water for a consistent product.
While craft distilleries can be a massive investment—some experts estimate that starting one will run you at least a million dollars—smart businesses make decisions with an eye on the future. Distillers with a solid understanding of the mechanics involved and a willingness to try creative solutions will be more likely to succeed.
So, if you’re trying to find out how to choose the right distillery equipment in Eugene, OR, you’ll need the experts on your side. American Refrigeration Inc. is here for all your commercial heating, ventilation and cooling needs. We’ve been proudly serving the Eugene and Portland areas with honesty and integrity for over 25 years.
We’re your specialists in commercial HVAC services, including the specialty equipment required in medical laboratories and food and beverage manufacturing facilities. We offer emergency repairs 24/7, and we honor manufacturer rebates and warranties. Call American Refrigeration Inc. today to learn more!
The walk-in freezer is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in any commercial kitchen. If you’ve started to experience any problems with yours, it’s important to be proactive about getting professional assistance to get it back up and running as quickly as possible so you can avoid losing inventory and having to deal with inefficient operations.
So how do you know if there’s something wrong with your walk-in freezer in Eugene, OR? Here are just a few examples of some of the most common walk-in freezer issues you should know about:
Temperature is not cold enough: Are you having problems getting your freezer to, well, freeze? There are several potential causes of this common problem. It could be that your freezer is overloaded with product, which would increase the burden on the cooling system. It could also be that you have frost buildup on the evaporator, which is causing the interior to warm up. Or, if you have issues with doors being left open for too long, or with air leaks around the edges, this could also be a cause of temperatures running too high. A professional will quickly be able to identify the problem.
No power: Your first step when you lose power to your walk-in freezer should always be to check the circuit breaker or fuse that controls it. If that’s not the issue, it could be a problem with wiring or a control board, either of which are issues that should be left to a professional to deal with.
Drain pan problems: Do you see ice in the drain pan? If so, this could indicate a clogged drain line or a defective heater, as ice buildup in the drain pan is a common result of both of those problems. Again, this is an issue you should have repaired by a professional, and quickly, before your inventory is lost.
Other ice buildup: Ice can build up in other areas than the drain pan. While you might think ice buildup is natural in a freezer, this actually means there’s too much moisture. The ice buildup can result in freezer burn on your product, or cause other issues inside the freezer that can damage the system. Ice buildups on the air vent or evaporator coils can be especially problematic, so if you see these issues forming inside your walk-in freezer, it’s important to have a professional appliance repair technician come out and resolve the issue.
Gasket or door issues: Have you been having issues with your gaskets or doors? Perhaps it’s become difficult for you to reliably close the door all the way, or you’ve seen signs of an air leak. This could be an issue with worn or damaged gaskets, or with a damaged seal around the door that needs to be replaced.
For more information about some of the most common problems that occur inside walk-in freezers in Eugene, OR, we encourage you to reach out to the team at American Refrigeration Inc. with your questions.
We get a lot of panicked calls from customers who notice an accumulation of ice or frost on their refrigeration equipment in Eugene, OR, particularly on their compressor head or surrounding lines. It’s understandable that they’d be stressed—after all, when the compressor has trouble, their business could be in jeopardy!
Fortunately, ice or frost accumulation isn’t always a bad thing. This post will teach you a little bit more about frost and ice on your refrigeration equipment and what you can do to prevent it.
How does frost accumulate?
Frost on the compressor or compressor lines is normal. After all, these are frigid components surrounded by warmer air. When warm air comes in contact with the parts, it condenses and forms small water beads. If the compressor temperature is below 32 degrees, that water will start to freeze and form a layer of frost. This is more common on commercial refrigerators than it is on residential units.
Is there a problem with my compressor?
That fine layer of frost is no big deal—but what about a thick layer of frost or ice? Although this problem is less common nowadays, a lot of ice on your compressor could indicate a refrigerant leak. If there is a leak, you’ll also notice that your fridge isn’t performing like it should be.
So, if you see a lot of ice and notice a dip in fridge performance or temperature, call a professional to inspect and repair your unit.
How to avoid ice or frost accumulation
Fortunately, preventing high levels of ice or frost on your refrigeration equipment in Eugene, OR is fairly easy. Follow these tips, and you should never have to worry about excess ice or frost on your refrigeration gear:
Have your unit serviced annually: The best way to prevent refrigerant leaks and subsequent ice accumulation is by scheduling annual maintenance. During your annual inspection, your refrigeration technician will take a look at all of the components to ensure they’re working like they should. In addition to preventing ice buildup, a routine maintenance call should mitigate the need for any other major refrigeration repairs.
Keep your system at the correct temperature: Cranking your fridge down to the lowest setting makes the compressor work overtime to keep your unit cold. As you can imagine, making your compressor work harder than it has to could lead to an ice buildup or compressor failure. Keep your unit at the manufacturer’s recommended temperature to avoid any issues.
Call a professional if you’re unsure: While it’s true that you don’t have to worry about small amounts of frost or ice, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When you’re not sure whether your fridge might be malfunctioning, call a technician to inspect it and make repairs.
Hire American Refrigeration Inc. for an inspection today
With the start of 2021 just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to schedule your annual refrigeration inspection. Contact us today to book your appointment and ensure you don’t have ice or frost on your refrigeration equipment in Eugene, OR next year.
