Do you own or operate a business that uses an ice machine? Whether it is a restaurant, cafeteria, movie theater or other place of business, you need to make sure that your ice machine is working properly at all times, so that your customers will enjoy their time there.
That is where American Refrigeration Inc. comes in. We have ample experience with ice machine maintenance in Eugene, OR, and are here to help. To that end, here are answers to some frequently asked ice machine questions.
How often should my ice machine be cleaned?
It is imperative that you have your ice machine cleaned on a regular basis—otherwise, it can easily become dirty or clogged, which can result in really bad service for your customers. Fortunately, the team at American Refrigeration Inc. can provide this cleaning.
How often your ice machine needs to be cleaned depends on factors like how big it is and how many customers you serve on a daily basis. Our team will work with you to come up with a cleaning schedule that makes sense.
What if my ice machine is just making slush?
Occasionally, your ice machine might stop producing fully formed ice cubes, instead putting out a slushy substance somewhere in between water and ice. This is a common issue, and a sign that your ice machine needs some maintenance. When you notice your ice machine has started producing slush, give your ice machine repair and maintenance service a call right away.
Do I need a filtration system in my ice machine?
A filtration system can be built into your ice machine from the start, or you can add one at any time. A filtration system is highly recommended, as it will both extend the life of your ice machine and ensure you are giving your customers the best possible product. It is a win-win for all involved!
What do I do when my machine stops making ice?
When your ice machine stops making ice, there are three things you can quickly do yourself to troubleshoot the situation: make sure the ice machine is fully plugged in, ensure that the breaker has not tripped and check to see that the ice machine is getting enough water supply.
Once you have done these three things, if your ice machine still isn’t making ice, then it is time to call in the professionals for assistance.
How much ice should my machine produce?
The capacity of your ice machine should depend on how many customers you will be serving on a daily basis. Typically, commercial ice machines will produce between 50 and 2,000 pounds during a 24-hour period. Consult an expert to learn what size ice machine you will need to purchase.
If you have additional questions about ice machines and ice machine maintenance in Eugene, OR, please feel free to get in touch with American Refrigeration Inc. anytime. Our experienced, helpful team is here to ensure you get quality service, and that your ice machine stays in tip-top shape.
One of the best things you can do at your restaurant or food service operation to improve the quality of your offerings and avoid having to call for frequent repairs is filtering the water you use in your ice machine.
This might seem like an overstatement, but it’s true—using a water filter in conjunction with your ice machine provides cleaner, better tasting water and will make it less likely that you’ll need to call in for ice machine repair in Eugene, OR.
Here’s an overview of how filtered water makes a difference.
The benefits of water filtering
Many restaurant owners are under the impression that, if their restaurant is connected to a municipal water system, they don’t have to worry about doing any filtering, because the municipality in charge of that water is already doing everything it can to clear it and make it safe for drinking.
However, even after the water in a municipal system has gone through these processes, there will still be some tiny particles of mineral deposits that, while they may not be harmful to drink, can be potentially problematic in your plumbing fixtures and your commercial ice machine. These particles simply cannot be filtered out by the treatment plant. Considering your ice machine will probably handle thousands of gallons of water throughout the course of its lifespan, these deposits can build up on the interior of the system and potentially wreak havoc on its mechanics.
As they build up inside your ice machine, they will form scale. As that scale starts to dislodge itself in small chunks, it can then cram into some more sensitive parts of your ice equipment, which can necessitate repairs or even shut down the machine entirely. This is actually the cause for more than half of all service calls to ice machine repair specialists.
Of course, the benefits of filtering the water that goes to your ice machine go beyond just the mechanical reasons. Scale that wanders through the system can result in cloudy-looking ice and an unusual taste. Again, while this isn’t necessarily unsafe, you probably don’t want to create a negative impression on your guests.
What can be unsafe is the fungus, algae and bacteria that can form in a system that has been affected by a buildup of these deposits that does not get cleared. So while a little bit of those deposits won’t do any harm, an accumulation of deposits could potentially cause illness.
Therefore, it simply makes sense for your business to invest in a water filtration system. This will reduce the number of particles in the water that run over your ice machine’s evaporator plate, leading to a cleaner system, better-tasting and better-looking ice for your customers and a longer-lasting ice maker.
If you believe you need commercial ice machine repair in Eugene, OR, or simply need to clean out your system, give American Refrigeration Inc. a call today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about the kinds of service you should obtain.
It’s the middle of the dinner rush when one of your employees comes up and says the ice machine isn’t working. Sure enough, you go to check it yourself and there is no ice. Meanwhile, there’s a long line of thirsty customers waiting to get their cold beverages. While your immediate reaction may be to pick up the phone and call for an emergency ice machine repair in Eugene, OR—and this may still wind up being what you need to do—don’t make that call just yet.
About 10 percent of the time, issues with your ice machine may not require a professional repair. By doing some quick troubleshooting yourself before you pick up the phone, you may be able to fix the problem immediately and save some time and money. Below are a few troubleshooting tips from our team at American Refrigeration Inc. that might be able to help:
Ice consumption is too high: If you are abnormally busy, your ice machine may be working just fine, but can’t quite keep up with the demand. Wait a few minutes before using the ice machine again and give it a chance to catch up. If, after a time, there’s still no ice, then there may be another problem.
The room or the water source is too warm: Ice machines are designed to slow down ice production if the surrounding air or the water coming into the machine is too warm. Try checking the temperature of the water going into the machine and/or reduce the temperature in the room to see if this will solve the problem.
The drain bin is clogged: If your drain bin has a buildup of water or is leaking, there may be something clogging the drain. Often, when cleaning the ice machine, a foreign object such as a rag or paper towel may get left behind and clog the drain.
The airflow is blocked: If there is anything stacked on or around the ice machine, it may be restricting the flow of air to the machine, which will reduce ice production.
The water supply isn’t working: If there’s not enough water going into the ice machine, it won’t be able to make enough ice. Check the water supply to make sure that it’s not turned off, leaking or blocked.
The machine is unplugged: While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how often ice machines are accidentally unplugged during cleaning or if the machine is bumped or moved. Check to make sure that the machine is plugged in and switched on.
While these troubleshooting tips may not always be the answer, you’ll find that one time out of 10 you’ll be able to identify the problem and fix it yourself, which can save you time and the cost of a service call. However, if the problem is beyond the scope of these troubleshooting tips, don’t hesitate to call American Refrigeration Inc. We offer 24/7 emergency ice machine repair in Eugene, OR that is both affordable and convenient!
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.
If it’s your first time purchasing a commercial ice machine, or you haven’t bought one in a long time, you might find it useful to learn some helpful tips about how to determine the right product for your needs.
Then, if you find that you require ice machine repair in Eugene, OR, contact the skilled team at American Refrigeration Inc. We’ll provide you with the best possible service at a competitive rate.
Before you worry about potential repairs, though, here are some factors to consider during your decision-making process:
Ice output and production rate: This is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a commercial ice machine. You don’t want to end up with a piece of equipment that doesn’t produce enough ice to meet the demands of your business, so think through how much ice you need before you make a purchase.
Available space: How much space will you have for your new ice machine to function to its fullest capacity? Take measurements as part of your decision-making process, and be sure to allow for additional space on the top, bottom and sides of the machine. If you don’t have a lot of space or want a more versatile option, consider an upright model, which will require less room and may offer more flexible placement locations.
Electricity requirements: A commercial ice machine with a small output will likely require only the capacity for a 110V or 115V hookup, plus a water line. On the other hand, if you know that you will need a commercial ice machine with a higher output, you’ll likely require a 220V hookup and may have other specific electrical needs. Know what your electricity requirements are before hand so that you don’t find yourself scrambling to make electrical changes to your facility after ordering your equipment.
Type of ice produced: Do you have a preference for the type of ice that your new ice machine will produce for your customers? Ice can come in cubes, partial cubes, crushed flakes or a variety of other consistencies. While cube ice and nugget ice are the types you likely want if beverages are your primary reason for needing to produce ice, you’ll want to think about the style of ice that makes the most sense for your business if you’ll be using ice in multiple ways.
Filtered water preference: Some commercial ice machines come equipped with water filters. If you live in an area with hard water, it may be a logical decision to purchase an ice machine with a water filter, as without a water filter, impurities that can enter the ice machine or form inside may result in a shorter product life for your new purchase.
Now that you’re up to speed on what kind of questions to ask yourself when purchasing a commercial ice machine, it’s helpful to know where to turn for ice machine repair in Eugene, OR if your equipment malfunctions. The technicians at American Refrigeration Inc. offer high-quality commercial equipment repair and bring a wealth of knowledge to help keep your new purchase running as smoothly as possible. For any questions or for repair needs, contact us today.
