Author: Developer

How to Tell if Your Water Heater Might be Failing

Having a water heater fail suddenly can be incredibly frustrating. Here some ways you can tell that your water heater may be failing. If you think this is the case, then call a professional immediately to assess the situation.

Age

Always keep track of how old your water heater is. It should have a sticker on it that displays important information, including when it was installed. In most cases, you can find this on the serial number. While they are all similar, each manufacturer uses a different code to represent the date, so check with yours to see how old your unit is. If it is more than 10 years old, then you should start thinking about replacing it. Do not wait too long, or you may end up with a leak.

Rusty-Colored Water

If your water looks rusty when you run it on hot, then it may be that the inside of your water heater is rusting and may fail soon. However, it could be that your pipes are rusty, and not the heater. To test which, drain the water from your water heater to see if it is rusty.

Moisture Around Your Water Heater

If you have noticed water collecting around your heater, or even moisture nearby, then it may be that there is a leak. The metal of your water heater will expand when it heats up, which will only make cracks get worse. However, test out the fittings and pipes around the heater to make sure it isn’t one of them that is the culprit.

No matter what, the best thing to do if you notice any of these symptoms is to call a professional for help. You may be tempted to try to fix your water heater yourself, but without the proper training and expertise, you may end up making the problem worse inadvertently.

3 Signs That Your Commercial Freezer May Need a Repair

There are many things that a restaurant or catering service operator needs to keep track of. Health and safety should be one of the top priorities of any business that prepares and serves food. The freezer is a big part of that, since it where food is kept to keep it safe and fresh. If a freezer is malfunctioning and it affects the food, then patrons could get sick and that business will suffer for it as well. This does not even take into account the cost of the food that ends up wasted. That is why it is important to be able to spot the warning signs of a malfunctioning freezer so you can get it fixed right away. Your customers and your business will thank you.

Constantly Running

If you notice that the freezer does not stop running, then it is a big tell-tale sign that something is wrong. It may be the most common and obvious indications. Properly functioning freezers cycle through refrigeration periods and then shut off after the compartment is properly cooled. Sometimes the cause may be a malfunctioning thermostat. If the thermostat is not properly relaying the message that the temperature is low enough, then the unit will keep working to get down to a level that it has already reached. You may also have a broken gasket or seal. This can cause cool air to leak out, which makes the unit keep working hard to cool the compartment.

Compressor is Loud

If the unit is not only running for long periods, but also seems to be running louder than usual, then you might have a compressor problem. Unfortunately, the compressor is the most expensive component of a freezer. That means that if you suspect a problem with it, then you should get it repaired as soon as possible to prevent you from having to replace it altogether. In some cases, it is more affordable to simply buy a new unit than to replace the compressor.

Frost in the Freezer

You may notice that too much of it has built up inside your unit. There are several possible causes of this. It might also be caused by a thermostat issue. If could also be that the defrost timer is damaged and cause the defrost cycles to be too short. Most likely, though is that you have damaged door gaskets. If the gaskets are damaged, then warm air could be seeping into the freezer. This warm air can cause frost on your evaporator coils. This will make the temperature inside the compartment dramatically drop which can cause the compressor to overwork and malfunction.

It is important that you do not risk the health of your customers by having food that has not been properly stored in the freezer. You also certainly do not want to waste food or effort having to discard of it. Make sure that you recognize the signs that your freezer is malfunctioning, and make sure to address any issues right away. If you are unsure, then it is best to err on the side of caution and contact a repair technician right away.

Altemp Mechanical offers a variety of commercial repair services with professionals who always deliver a quality experience. Get in touch online or call us at 651-275-9111

A Guide to Selecting and Purchasing a Commercial Ice Machine

Ice is a great way for an establishment to create some extra value for their clients and make some extra money on drinks. However, if your ice is not good or there is something that alters the flavor of your drinks, you might start losing customers. That is why good maintenance and sanitation of your ice machine is so crucial. You never want something as seemingly simple as ice to cost you money and damage your reputation. Choosing the right ice machine can go a long way towards making sure that your ice is always refreshing and complements your drinks perfectly.

Factors to Consider

Before shopping for a new ice machine, there are some factors you need to consider. For instance, you need to calculate the amount of ice you need so that you get a unit that makes enough for your operation. You will also need to consider the entire cost of owning an ice machine, not just the upfront cost. You must consider the energy, water, and even the amount of staff time needed to clean and maintain the unit. There are some ice machines that require a professional to handle all maintenance, which would be a large additional cost.

Types of Ice Machines

There are a few different types of ice machines that you should be aware of. For instance, there is the top-mounted ice dispenser. This machine is mounted, as the name would suggest, on top of a fountain dispenser. There is also the satellite-fill unit. This ice machine fills automatically. Ice is moved to different spots through a conduit, and is not touched by a human hand at all during the process. This cuts down on the risk of contamination and the risk of slipping and falling on dropped ice. There are also remote manual machines, which are the traditional ice machines that many of us used in the past. You simply make the ice and scoop it out.

Types of Cooling

There are couple of different ways that water can get cooled into ice. Some use water-cooled condensers. With this system, cold water is used to cool the ice. It generates less heat, but it uses a lot of water, and your bills will reflect that. Air-cooled machines are generally more energy efficient than water-cooled units. They still produce heat, but not as much. They are the only type of ice machines that can be certified by Energy Star.

Issues With Ice Machines

There are some issues for which you should always be on the lookout. Scale is what it is called when calcium and magnesium build up too much. This is often caused by hard water. Scale can affect the taste of the drink and can even cause harm to the machine if left too long. If mold or fungus are allowed to build up, then it can create a slime that is difficult to remove. This slime can greatly affect the taste of the water as well, and could cause people to get sick.

Cleaning and Sanitation Tips

There are several things you can do to keep your ice machine working properly and to extend its life as well. Make sure to keep any condensers clean, and clear away obstructions quickly. Many recommend checking condensers at least every two weeks. If there are obstructions, then the machine will have to work harder, meaning it will strain the unit and your utility bills. Once a week, make sure the ice chutes are clear and clean them thoroughly. There are also sanitizing products you can purchase to keep your machine safe from bacteria. Run it through twice to help remove blockages and sanitize the system.

Choosing the right ice machine can have a major impact on your business. For some, they want chewable ice, for instance. Make sure you get the right machine that will make ice your customers will appreciate.

Altemp Mechanical offers a variety of commercial repair services with professionals who always deliver a quality experience. Get in touch online or call us at 651-275-9111

How to Get the Best Commercial Fryer Possible

Fried food is unbelievably popular. There is no doubt about it. There are more french fries, onion rings, and any other type of fried dish eaten every day than there is anything else in this country. For the most part, these foods are eaten at restaurants, since most people do not own their own fryer. That means that investing in a fryer is a great way to expand your business and keep your customers happy. While some might say that you can’t really go wrong when frying foods, the fact is that there are differences between the fryers available. Those differences can absolutely show up in the taste of the food. Here is how to choose the best fryer for your establishment.

Types of Fryers

Open Pot Fryer

Open pot fryers might be the most common type of fryer. They are easy to clean and are relatively affordable. The element is located on the bottom, and it heats the food from there. They are easy to clean because they are usually equipped with easily accessible sediment zones. A sediment zone is small, however, so these fryers work best with lightly breaded products like mozzarella sticks and french fries.

Tube Fryer

Tube fryers are more expensive than pot fryers, and are harder to clean. You would want a tube fryer when you need to do more heavy duty frying. That means it can handle things like chicken and fish. Tube fryers heat up the oil using tubes on the bottom of the basin. They have a larger sediment area than pot fryers, but they are tough to clean because you have to get in and around the tubes themselves.

Flat Bottom Fryer

The flat bottom fryer is not as versatile as the previous options, as it serves very specific functions. It is a good option when you have delicate frying needs. That means it works well with tortilla chips and battered doughs like donuts. They do not come with sediment areas, so you should not use it with heavier battered items because it would become very difficult to clean. They can be difficult to clean in any case, though. Since what little sediment there is will not collect in one handy place, and instead float around everywhere.

Factors To Consider

Price

Commercial deep fryers can come in relatively affordable units, such as $500, or much more expensive at $5000, and everywhere else in between. With such a big gap, you can imagine that there is also a gap in quality and options. One of the biggest things that can affect the price is the size of the unit. The larger the unit, the more batches you can make and customers you can serve quickly. If your menu isn’t heavy on fried foods, then a smaller unit may be just fine. For places that serve pub food, a larger unit may  be the most appropriate. You do not want to get stuck with a unit that’s too small. Pot fryers are generally the cheapest, with tube and flat bottom fryers being similar in cost depending on the size. Don’t forget that along with the upfront cost of purchasing the unit, there is also the cost of fuelling the fryer. There are electric fryers available as well.

Size

Size is important not just for the amount of food you can make, but also for fitting inside your kitchen. You need to make sure that it doesn’t end up crowding your kitchen, and it needs to be placed in a safe space. Splattering boiling oil is a major safety hazard, so it needs to be placed somewhere that staff can work but not be in danger of getting burned. The key is to balance out the need for efficiency with the need to have a functioning and safe work space for everyone.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Kitchens are often judged by their speed. There can be a lot of orders coming all at once, so the staff must be efficient with everything that do to keep up. That means you’ll want a unit that is easy to use so things can keep moving. Also, if you have a newer staff member, you want it to be as simple as possible for them to get up to speed. Cleanliness is also a major part of running a kitchen. Having a unit that is easy to clean makes it a simpler process, and will keep the staff happy as well.

If you are considering purchasing a commercial fryer, make sure to take as much into consideration as possible. That way, you can end up with the perfect fryer for your needs

Altemp Mechanical offers a variety of commercial repair services with professionals who always deliver a quality experience. Get in touch online or call us at 651-275-9111.

A Guide To Commercial Heat Lamps and Strip Warmers

One of the most important things a restaurant has to get right is the temperature of the food. A wonderfully cooked dish can be ruined if it’s cool when it gets to the customer. This can be a challenge when certain components of the dish have to wait while others are prepared. Here is a guide to heat lamps and strip warmers. These tools will help keep food warm before it is served.

Heat Lamps

Heat lamps work well in several situations. They are very popular with buffets, since food can easily get cold. Heat lamps are unobtrusive and don’t pose a danger to the public. They are not appropriate for long periods of time, however. Heat lamps emit a dry heat, which can dehydrate food and ruin its taste and texture after a while. They are also handy if you are raising chicks or other animals that have to be kept warm at all times.

Heat Lamp Varieties

Heat lamps come in different varieties. You can get hanging lamps, which will heat from directly above and need to be hardwired. There are also clamp or screw warmers, which can be moved around and are perfect for carving stations. Countertop bulb warmers can be moved around, and will provide enough warmth for whatever can fit under a light bulb.

Strip Warmers

Strip warmers are made up of rows, and use reflectors to increase the heat being transmitted to the food. They can provide more heat than a bulb warmer. They are also more appropriate for longer periods, as they will not cause food to dry out.

Element Types

Strip warmers also have several element options available. A calrod of metal sheath warmer provides a decent amount of heat, but not as much as other varieties. It may need to be kept closer to the food to give the right amount of warmth. Ceramic warmers give off more heat and should be kept higher from the food so it does not burn or overwarm it. Halogen is probably the most expensive type, but it will last longer and provide the most heat. They are also more environmentally friendly.

If you are in the food services business, then finding the right warmer for your food is absolutely crucial. This guide is a good starting point to find what is right for you.

Altemp Mechanical offers a variety of commercial repair services with professionals who always deliver a quality experience. Get in touch online or call us at 651-275-9111

How to Find The Right Tilting Kettle For Your Business

Tilting kettles are great if you are in the business of making soups, sauces, and stews in huge quantities. They are constructed so that you do not need to supervise them too closely, since their steam-jacket will prevent food from burning and sticking to the bottom. If you are in the market for one, then here is a quick and handy guide on purchasing the right one for your needs.

Size

There are many size options for tilting kettles. Countertop versions hold as little as six gallons. Floor models can get up to 150 gallons. The smaller versions have simple levers for tilting, but the larger sizes often have a hydraulic lift system so the user is not too strained. Essentially the size you want will depend on how big the batches you make are going to be. There is no need to waste power using a larger model when you are only making 5 gallons at a time.

Heating Method

Tilting kettles can either be heated by steam from water that is factory installed inside the jacket, or from an external boiler that sends steam into the jacket. Almost all kitchens should be equipped to be able to accommodate the self-contained version, while the direct heat version requires additional maintenance. Condensation can build up in the line leading to the interior jacket, which needs to be cleaned out several times a day.

Controls

Some newer models feature electronic controls, where in the past most used solid state controls. The electronic controls allow the user to program cooking times, temperature limits, and other options.

Special Features

Some kettles come with extra features, such as an extra connection so that you can cool the unit with incoming cold water. This helps for meeting food temperature guidelines. As well, many now also have measurements etched on the pot, so adding ingredients is very simple. You can also get special supports that make pouring the food out easier and less likely to make a mess. Other features can help prevent clogs and better measure out water.

A tilting kettle can be a wonderful addition to a commercial kitchen that serves a lot of soups and stews. Make sure you get the model that works best in your kitchen.

Altemp Mechanical offers a variety of commercial repair services with professionals who always deliver a quality experience. Get in touch online or call us at 651-275-9111

Varieties of Commercial Pizza Ovens

Choosing a commercial pizza oven can be a daunting task. There are so many models and options from which to choose that it can be a bit overwhelming. For starters, a pizza oven is different from a conventional oven in that it can cook at much higher temperatures. Some can go up to 700 degrees fahrenheit, while wood fired ovens get can up to 1000 degrees. Here are some other things to know about choosing a commercial pizza oven.

Sizes

There are some options when it comes to sizing. They can come in triple or double deck options, along with a half size. They can usually hold at least 2 pizzas at once, and should be able to make twelve pizzas every hour on each deck. The available widths can be as small as eighteen inches, and as wide as seventy-eight. They can also vary between fifteen and seventy eight inches front to back, and eight to sixty-five inches high.

Deck Ovens

The deck oven is currently the most popular pizza oven. It comes either electric or gas powered. The deck can be made of tile, brick or stone, and they can bake six twelve inch pies at a time. Several deck ovens can also be stacked on top of one another to increase pizza capacity.

Conveyor Ovens

Conveyor belts in pizza ovens make it easier to cook the large amount of pizza that many restaurants need. They can increase capacity to the point where they are baking dozens of pizzas at the same time. They can be purchased as floor models, which are generally used by chain restaurants. Countertop models are also available for smaller outfits. If a business grows, they can always stack another countertop unit on top of their existing one for more capacity.

Fuel

A pizza oven needs fuel, and there are a few options. There are wood-fired, for instance, which are very popular with certain establishments that are looking for charm and a more rustic feel and taste. There are also gas-fired ovens and dual fuel ovens that combine the two. As mentioned, wood-fired ovens can burn hotter than gas-fired, if that is something you are looking for.

Using the right oven is a big part of selling pizza to hungry customers. Make sure you find the right one for your establishment’s needs.

If your pizza oven ever breaks down, keep in mind that Altemp Mechanical offers a variety of commercial repair services with professionals who always deliver a quality experience. Get in touch online or call us at 651-275-9111

Troubleshooting Your Glycol Cooling System

There are few things a beer-drinker hates more than beer that is not cold. Room temperature is simply not acceptable if you are looking for refreshment. That is why glycol systems exist. They keep beer cold so that bars can serve the frostiest beverages possible to their clientele. Unfortunately, if the glycol system is not working, then customers will not be happy, and business will suffer. It is important to keep your system maintained at all times to prevent it from breaking down. That means checking every component on a regular basis. There are lines, there is the chiller, the bath, and even the glycol. Even then, there may be a time that it does not seem to be working properly. Here are some troubleshooting tips to get your beer back to its coldest state possible in a hurry.

Is Air Getting in Your Glycol?

If you do not have the cover closed on your glycol bath, then it will get exposed to the air. The water vapor will dilute the glycol. This will weaken it, meaning that it will not have its full cooling power, resulting in warmer beer.

Bath Set At The Right Temperature?

Make sure to check the temperature of your glycol bath on a regular basis. It should always stay within the manufacturer’s recommended range. While most come with a built-in temperature gauge, it is never a bad idea to use your own thermometer in case there is an issue with the gauge.

Is The Dispensed Beer The Right Temperature?

Like the bath, check the temperature of the dispensed beer on a regular basis as well. The chiller might show the right temperature, but if there is a problem in the lines as the beer gets to the faucet, then it may be warm by the time it comes out.

Smooth Operation?

You can often hear if there is a problem with the system’s motor. Give it a listen every once in a while to make sure there are no unexplained noises. You may also feel heat from a place where you should not.

If you detect any issues that are not easily repaired, then it is best to contact a professional technician to assess and solve your problem. The faster it gets fixed, the faster you can get back to keeping your customers happy.

Altemp Mechanical offers a variety of commercial repair services with professionals who always deliver a quality experience. Get in touch online or call us at 651-275-9111

Why You Should Not Try Appliance Repairs Yourself

There is no doubt that it is a benefit to be handy around the home. You can save time and money by doing your own repairs and maintaining your home. However, when it comes to appliance, DIY is not always a good idea. There are many components to most appliances, plus there is the electrical aspect to worry about. All too often, DIY appliance repair attempts end with a call to a professional in any case because the problem was exacerbated by the repair attempt. In the end, trying to save money by fixing something yourself might end up costing you more in the long run. Here are some reasons why it might not be a good idea to try to fix an appliance yourself.

Diagnostics
It can be difficult to find out what is causing the problem in the first place. If you have mis-diagnosed the problem, then your fix might end up not only not fixing the problem, but causing another one. Not only will you spend time and money on parts and tools, but your appliance still will not be fixed. A professional will be able to quickly diagnose and repair the problem.

Safety
There are definite safety risks that come with appliance repair. First of all there are electrical components that can pose a risk if not handled properly. Plus, even if you are safe during the repair, if an appliance is not properly reconnected there could be gas leaks or an electrocution risk. Even if the appliance works properly immediately after the repair, there may be an underlying problem that will manifest itself down the road and put you and your family in danger.

Lack Of Experience
With any project, you cannot put a price on experience. There is too much that could go wrong when a first-timer tries to fix something they are not familiar with. It seems that with amateurs, the end result is too often not what they were expecting. It could be that after reassembling, there are parts left over, or the components do not seem to fit together properly.

DIY projects are a great way to save money and feel a sense of accomplishment. When it comes to appliance repair, however, it is a good idea to put your tools down and pick up the phone to call a professional.

Altemp Mechanical offers a variety of commercial repair services with experienced professionals who always deliver a quality experience. Get in touch online or call us at 651-275-9111