Does a Commercial Ice Machine Need Service?
Businesses are often curious about their options when it comes to installing a commercial ice machine. How are they different from residential ice machines? How do they work?
In this article, commercial experts will explain how they work and some common repair issues that may be faced along the way.
What Parts Make up a Commercial Ice Machine?
This depends on the type of commercial ice machine. There are a few different styles that vary depending on their size and how much ice they produce.
- Self-contained commercial ice machines - Self-contained commercial ice machines are also referred to as under-counter ice machines. They make between 75 and 500 pounds of ice daily.
- Modular commercial ice machines - Modular commercial ice machines produce the most ice of any available option: 250 to 1,000 pounds a day. It can sit directly on top of another machine, like an ice dispenser or a beverage machine.
- Countertop commercial ice machines - Possibly the most company of the options, countertop commercial ice machines are designed to be self-serve and can sit right on the countertop. It can produce between 50 and 400 pounds of ice daily.
- Commercial dispensers - This unit makes ice and dispenses it directly from the machine. It can produce between 75 and 500 pounds of ice a day.
Essentially, the water pump takes the water and passes it across an evaporator plate. During that process, the ice is frozen layer by layer. Once the ice reaches the desired thickness or the machine is activated, ice drops out.
Difference Between Residential & Commercial Ice Machines
The difference between residential and commercial ice machines is simple - their ability to produce ice.
Residential ice machines can only produce a relatively small amount of ice at a time. While this is perfect for an average household, businesses often need to produce much more ice in a shorter period of time.
This is where commercial ice machines come in handy. They use the same basic mechanics to produce massive quantities of ice, which allows hospitals, restaurants, bars, and other businesses to keep up with demand.
Signs That Replacing a Commercial Ice Machine Is Imminent
Like every other appliance, commercial ice machines will eventually break down. Understanding what the signs of this are can help save time and money.
The biggest sign that the machine is breaking down is its failure to make ice. It doesn’t often start with the machine not turning on. Instead, the machine buzzes when people try to get ice from it. Sometimes a breakdown starts with a machine simply producing less ice.
Another thing to look out for is ice that has a suddenly strange taste. While this can come from poor maintenance of the machine, it can also be related to a poorly functioning machine. It’s best to have the machine looked at by a trained HVAC professional and schedule regular maintenance appointments as recommended.
About Skovron Mechanical Services LLC.
Skovron Mechanical Services LLC. was established in 2005 in Manchester, New Hampshire. They cover a range of different heating and cooling services for both residential and commercial customers. With unparalleled customer service, honest, upfront pricing, and a whole-property approach, the team at Skovron Mechanical Services LLC continues to be local favorites.
