You might not realize it, but the ice machine is the backbone of many restaurants, grocery stores and convenience stores. Your business likely could not maintain its day-to-day operations without the ice machine working around the clock. It’s crucial for distributing, preparing and storing the items on your menu or sold in your store. Because of this, it is critical that the ice machine is always reliably functioning. A broken ice machine could even force you to shut down your business for the day while you wait for ice machine repair in Eugene, OR. Proper maintenance is key to keeping it operating for years to come.
Follow these five simple steps to keep your ice machine working great:
Clean and sanitize bi-annually: All commercial ice machines need to be emptied and cleaned at least twice a year. Additional cleanings should also be performed during high usage periods. A nickel-safe scale remover can be used to clean the machine prior to sanitizing. Not sure how to go about cleaning your specific make or model of commercial ice machine? Consult the owner’s manual or a repair specialist for more specific instructions tailored to your individual unit.
Clean and replace the air filters: Most ice machines have an air filter that will also need to be cleaned and replaced regularly. Over time, the filter will become clogged with dirt and debris that will cause the ice machine’s efficiency to drop, as it is unable to take in the needed amount of air to cool. These pollutants could also contaminate the ice. Repair specialists recommend replacing reusable filters approximately every six months to prevent clogging.
Replace the water filters: Water filters remove any impurities from the water so the ice created by the machine can taste pure and clean. A dirty water filter can cause the ice to have a metallic or other unfavorable taste. It also works to filter out any sediment and unwanted minerals that could lead to clogs and deposits in the machine. The water filter needs to be replaced every six month to ensure it is operating its best throughout the year.
Watch out for corrosion and leaks: This step is relatively simple, but incredibly important. Look inside the machine for any noticeable corrosion on the electrical connections and for leaks near the water lines. If you spot anything amiss, contact a professional to arrange for ice machine repair in Eugene, OR as soon as possible.
Schedule regular service: Quality maintenance by a trained and experienced professional is the key to keeping a commercial ice machine functioning reliably for years to come. Most ice machine manufacturers recommend having your machine serviced annually by a specialist. During this service, they will be able to tune up your equipment and take the necessary steps to fix any issues before they turn into major problems. You’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your machine is safe from any unexpected breakdowns.
Contact American Refrigeration Inc. today to schedule a tune-up or make an appointment for ice machine repair in Eugene, OR.
A cold storage room is the perfect way to store your food. The cold storage room keeps fresh and frozen foods at the perfect temperature. Fresh fruits and vegetables can actually last longer when stored in a cold storage room, as opposed to a traditional refrigerator. Your business can save hundreds of dollars annually by utilizing a cold storage room to make your food last longer, which minimizes the amount of food waste.
Much like anything else, a cold storage room will begin to experience some wear and tear from use over time. You will be faced with deciding whether it is best to upgrade your unit or to replace it entirely. To help you determine the best course of action, here’s a closer look at some of the most common cold storage room issues:
Broken seals: A cold storage room relies on maintaining the right temperature to keep food fresh. Damaged seals on the door allow the cool air to leak out and the warm outside air to seep in. The unit then has to work extra hard to reach the optimal temperature. Luckily, you don’t need to replace your entire unit. Just replace the broken seal with a new one to solve the problem. This can be tricky, so it might be best to contact a professional for commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR
Not enough space: Has your cold storage room felt a bit cramped lately? Do you struggle to find enough space on the shelves for a box of fresh apples? Your space needs can change over time. If that’s the case, it’s time to upgrade to a larger version.
Too old: The lifespan of a cold storage room can vary based on the unit. Typically, you can expect it to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. After that, it is likely too old to operate very efficiently. If you haven’t already, you’ll soon be faced with steep repair costs—or worse, in the form of total equipment failure. It’s best to replace it with a newer model before any major problems arise.
Unable to maintain a consistent temperature: Maintaining the perfect temperature is crucial when it comes to cold storage rooms. A too-high temperature can cause the food to spoil quickly, while one that’s too cold can result in freezing. Contact a professional for repairs if the expected temperature is notably different from the one on the thermostat.
Broken cold room pump: The cold room pump removes wasted heat from the room to keep it consistently cool. A change in power consumption, pressure differences or capacity could indicate a major problem with the pump. Most of these issues can easily be fixed by professional repair specialists.
Remember that all repairs should only be completed by a qualified and certified professional experienced with cold storage rooms and commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR. The professional team at American Refrigeration Inc. is here to help you regardless of whether you’re ready to repair or upgrade your cold storage room. Contact us today!
Costs can add up quickly for a business. From overhead expenses to the unexpected, you’re lucky if you can break even each year. But did you know you could save money by investing in regular commercial HVAC maintenance? Just like a car, an HVAC system requires regular care for optimal operation. Having a professional inspect your system annually can improve your system’s efficiency, lead to lower energy costs and reduce the need for commercial HVAC repairs in Eugene, OR.
Here are four ways regular commercial HVAC maintenance could be saving you money:
Increases energy efficiency: Most energy loss in a commercial HVAC system can be attributed to a blocked vent or air filter. Dirt and dust build up on the air filter and in the coils over time, which causes the machine to have to work twice as hard to produce the same or lesser result. The unit then requires much more energy to operate and the need for repairs increases. Luckily, this can easily be avoided by having a professional replace the filters on a regular schedule. Additionally, an HVAC specialist can also clean the unit and check for any other obstructions that could be taking a toll on the overall efficiency.
Less need for repairs: Unfortunately, most people don’t realize their HVAC is experiencing a problem until it breaks down. Luckily, most issues can be spotted early with preventative maintenance. During a maintenance check, a professional HVAC specialist can spot any problematic areas and make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. This way, you’ll be able to avoid steep emergency repair costs. Sure, you’ll pay a bit for the checkup, but it’s better than shelling out thousands of dollars for repairs that could have easily been avoided. It’s an investment that just makes sense when considering costs.
Lower energy costs: Do your monthly utility bills seem higher than usual? Your commercial HVAC could be at fault. An inefficiently operating system requires more energy to function. This can take a huge toll on your monthly bill when combined with regular wear and tear. Having a professional HVAC repair specialist inspect the equipment regularly will help to keep costs manageable.
Reduces equipment cost: Having your commercial HVAC system maintained regularly can extend the life of the equipment. Your maintenance specialist will identify any problems before they get too bad. The equipment will then last longer and the likelihood of any unexpected breakdowns will decrease. Plus, it’s much cheaper to pay for a few smaller repairs over time as opposed to the cost of replacing an entire system.
A regular routine of scheduled inspections, cleaning and maintenance is a simple way to keep the costs of commercial HVAC repairs in Eugene, OR low. Ready to experience the benefits? Then contact the professionals at American Refrigeration, Inc. One of our experienced technicians will ensure your HVAC system is in top shape so you can get the most for your money. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
When the EPA announced that the phase-out of R-22 refrigerant would start in 2010, with completion scheduled for 2020, the time seemed relatively far away. That time has flown by, though, and with the deadline now only three years away, business owners whose commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR is still reliant on R-22 refrigerant will need to start evaluating their options.
The R-22 supply
The use of virgin R-22 refrigerant is now illegal, and the only R-22 that can still be purchased and used is the recovered and recycled refrigerant from retired units. In conjunction with the basic principles of supply and demand, with R-22 becoming more and more scarce, not only will it become harder to find, but the prices will stay high because of the limited supply. This means that business owners will either have to find a drop-in substitute for R-22, or consider moving on to an upgraded system altogether.
Total system replacement
While you may be able to use drop-in R-22 refrigerant replacements and alternatives for a time, the best long-term solution is replacing and updating your HVAC system. In addition to providing enough time to eradicate R-22 production and distribution, a part of the reason the EPA set the dates they did was to allow the many air conditioning units that were still using R-22 refrigerant at the time to age to the point of system replacement. This makes the overall transition not only better for the environment, but more economical for business owners as well.
A full system replacement would include replacing the indoor and outdoor units, all of the ductwork and the system’s wiring. While this might sound daunting initially, this solution will be providing you with the opportunity to install a new system with new equipment that allows you to benefit from improved energy efficiency. This also takes away any worry you might have about what types of refrigerants should be used and what you can and cannot do with your HVAC system, giving you as a business owner much needed peace of mind.
Unit replacement
If a total system replacement is not a financially feasible option for your company, you could alternatively consider replacing just the outdoor condenser and the indoor handling unit, and use the existing wiring and ductwork from your current system. This way, you will still be able to reap the benefits of upgraded energy efficiency, but you will be able to cut the installation costs of an entire system by using some of the major components that you already have.
The R-22 phase-out can certainly be confusing, but with the help of our team at American Refrigeration Inc., we can make sure that your business has what it needs for efficient and operation. We even offer remodels if you need to make changes to your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR so that you are in compliance with EPA regulations. If you have questions about the phase-out or would like to learn more about the many services we can offer you, give us a call to set up an appointment today.
Keeping your distillery equipment working properly is essential not only to the efficiency of your production, but also to the quality and taste of your product. Neglecting routine maintenance, service and cleaning of your equipment can lead to major problems that can destroy your equipment altogether. To prevent serious issues from leaving you with broken equipment and hefty replacement costs, keep an eye out for potential maintenance concerns and contact a provider of commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR right away to help address the issue:
Corrosion: One common problem that can be present in distillery equipment is corrosion. In some cases, natural corrosion of distillery equipment is unavoidable, but it can be greatly reduced through the implementation of routine cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning and sanitizing your still regularly is important, not only to maintain the condition of your equipment, but also to preserve the taste and quality of the product that you are producing.
Inefficiency: If you notice consistent issues with the efficiency of your distillery equipment, it might be time to seek help from a company specializing in commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR. A recurring reduction of efficiency can be a sign that there is something off with your equipment that requires maintenance or repair.
Electrical malfunctions: Problems with wiring and electricity can have a big impact on distilleries. If there is something wrong with the electrical wiring of your equipment or your distillery system, it can bring your entire production to a halt, and might even pose a safety concern depending on what the problem is. If you have concerns about the electrical components in your system, or if you are having frequent problems with electrical outages or shutdowns, it’s important to have the issue repaired as soon as possible.
Faulty refrigeration: Refrigeration problems can plague a distillery with low-quality products and a reduced capacity to continue production as usual. The proper functioning of refrigeration equipment is essential for distilleries, which is why it is so important to take any refrigeration issues seriously as soon as you notice them.
Poor brew quality: One of the clearest signs that your distillery equipment should be repaired is a change in the quality or taste of your product. If something tastes different or off, it’s a sure sign that there is something awry with your equipment or your process. These issues can have a big impact on your bottom line when they begin to affect quality, so you should pay attention to changes in product quality and get repairs when necessary.
At American Refrigeration Inc., we are committed to keeping your distillery equipment in the best condition possible. We have years of knowledge and experience working with components for wineries and breweries, including aging tanks, fermenters, wine presses, refrigeration tanks and more. No matter the condition of your equipment, we can offer help assessing potential problems and providing comprehensive commercial refrigeration repair in Eugene, OR to get it working like new again. For more information about how we can help you get your distillery equipment in great shape, contact us today.
