Aerial Heating & Air

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.

Oil quality directly affects fryer performance and longevity. Degraded oil causes: higher operating temperatures needed, longer cook times, off-flavors, and increased carbon buildup on heating elements and thermostat probes. Proper oil management includes: filtering daily, testing oil quality with strips or meters, full oil changes based on usage (typically every 1-3 weeks), and cleaning the fryer tank when changing oil. Poor oil management is a leading cause of premature fryer failure.

Preventive maintenance frequency depends on the equipment and usage volume. As a general guideline: fryers and ovens should be inspected every 3-6 months; refrigeration equipment annually or semi-annually; ice machines every 6 months (including cleaning and sanitizing); exhaust hoods quarterly to semi-annually per NFPA 96; and dishwashers quarterly. High-volume operations benefit from more frequent service intervals.