Chase Inc. Heating Air and Plumbing

Critical food safety temperatures: Cold holding — 40°F (4°C) or below for refrigeration; freezer 0°F (-18°C) or below. Hot holding — 140°F (60°C) or above for steam tables and food warmers. Cooking temperatures vary by food type (145°F-165°F). Dishwasher final rinse — 180°F (82°C) for high-temp machines. Any equipment consistently failing to maintain these temperatures is both a safety risk and a health code violation.

Commercial fryer safety checks include: verifying hi-limit switch operation, checking thermostat accuracy, inspecting gas connections and pressure (gas fryers), testing electrical connections (electric fryers), checking oil filtration system function, inspecting drain valve operation, verifying fire suppression system compatibility, and checking for oil leaks. Safety checks should be performed by a certified technician at every service visit.

Consider replacement when: repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost, the equipment is over 75% of its expected lifespan, parts are no longer available, the equipment frequently breaks down, or energy costs are significantly higher than modern alternatives. Repair when: the equipment is relatively new, the repair is straightforward, and the total repair cost is well below replacement value. A qualified technician can help evaluate your specific situation.