Craftsman Plumbing

A comprehensive PM program should include: scheduled inspections at manufacturer-recommended intervals, cleaning of condenser coils and filters, calibration of temperature controls, inspection and testing of safety systems, lubrication of moving parts, replacement of wear items (gaskets, filters, belts), refrigerant level checks, combustion analysis for gas equipment, and detailed documentation for each visit. Avoid programs that are just a visual inspection without hands-on service.

Reduced ice production is usually caused by: mineral scale buildup on evaporator plates reducing heat transfer, dirty condenser coils reducing refrigeration efficiency, warm ambient temperature in the equipment room, low refrigerant levels, or water flow problems. The fix for scale buildup is professional cleaning and descaling. Other issues require a technician. Never ignore reduced production — it often progresses to complete failure.

Emergency repair typically costs 1.5-2.5x normal rates. After-hours service calls usually run $150-$300 for the diagnostic fee, plus parts and labor. Weekend and holiday rates can be higher. However, the cost of downtime — lost revenue, food waste, and staff idle time — almost always exceeds the emergency service premium. Most providers charge $100-$200 diagnostic fees that apply to the total repair.