Ice Machine Repair - Refrigeration

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.

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.

Most commercial kitchen equipment installations require permits: gas appliance permits for any gas connection work, electrical permits for new circuits or panel changes, plumbing permits for water and drain connections, and health department approval for new food service operations or major renovations. Requirements vary by jurisdiction — your installer should know local requirements. Operating without required permits can result in fines and forced closure during inspections.