A plus Appliance Repair

1) Call an emergency refrigeration technician immediately. 2) Take and document temperature readings. 3) Move the most temperature-sensitive items (proteins, dairy) to alternate refrigeration first. 4) Contact your health department if temperatures approach 40°F+ — they can advise on food safety decisions. 5) Document all food temps for insurance claims. 6) Consider dry ice or portable refrigeration units for critical inventory. 7) Alert your supplier you may need emergency replacement products.

Signs of a refrigerant leak: unit runs but doesn't reach temperature, ice buildup on evaporator coil, hissing or bubbling sounds from refrigerant lines, oily residue near connections or fittings, and higher than normal electricity consumption. Only EPA-certified technicians can legally handle refrigerant. If you suspect a leak, call a technician promptly — operating a refrigerator with low refrigerant damages the compressor.

Hood cleaning costs range from $300 to $1,500+ depending on system size, grease accumulation, and accessibility. Small single-hood systems run $300-$500; larger multi-hood systems or restaurants with heavy cooking can run $700-$1,500. Access issues (long duct runs, high roofs) add cost. Budget for cleaning as a fixed operating expense — it's far less expensive than a grease fire, insurance claims, or health violations.