The Sheet Metal Shop

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.

Yes — most food service operators find PM contracts reduce total repair costs by 30-50% compared to reactive-only maintenance. Benefits include: reduced emergency repair calls (the most expensive type), extended equipment lifespan, maintained food safety compliance, priority scheduling for PM customers, and detailed maintenance records for health inspections. The ROI is especially strong for high-volume operations where any downtime is costly.