Author: Developer

What is the Climate of Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is known for its natural beauty and its cheese, and its climate reflects that. It features beautiful hot summers that are not too hot to go outside, and snowy winters that are a delight for winter sports enthusiasts. It truly boasts the best of all worlds when it comes to climate. Here are some other facts that might interest you.

Overall Climate

Wisconsin features a continental climate, that varies a little by the shores of Lakes Superior and Michigan. As mentioned, it has hot summers and cold winters. Most of the precipitation comes during the period when the most growing can take place without freezing, so it is healthy for vegetation. The climate is perfect for dairy farming because it favors grains, hay, vegetables, and corn. This is why dairy is such a big part of Wisconsin’s reputation.

Temperatures

Wisconsin has an average temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year in the northern regions, and 48 degrees in the south. Temperatures will often get down as low as -40 in the winters, especially in the north. In the summer, it can get up to 90 for two to four days, but there can also be cool breaks throughout. The freeze free period when most of the precipitation falls lasts for about 100 days in the north, but can be up to 180 days in other parts of the state.

Precipitation

In the Western Uplands and Northern Highlands of Wisconsin, precipitation can range from 30-34 inches. Most of the rest of the state expects about 28 inches a year. The higher the elevation, the more rain has been recorded. In the summer, thunderstorms can be quite common. Usually about 30 days of the year experience some kind of thunder. In the south, it can be as much as 40 days out of the year. During the winter, snowfall can reach as high as 160 inches in the north country, but just 30 inches at Beloit.

Relationship to the Economy

The climate in Wisconsin is ideal for dairy farming, which remains a major part of Wisconsin’s economy. 45 percent of the land in the state is farmland, with primary crops of oats, corn, hay, and soybeans. The largest source of farm income is milk, which is more than all the other farm products combined.

References:

CLIMATE OF WISCONSIN, www.aos.wisc.edu/~sco/clim-history/state/stateclimate.html. Accessed 16 Sept. 2017.

6 Commercial Dishwasher Mistakes You Are Probably Making

Having a dishwasher is probably one of life’s great pleasures. Who wants to deal with a mountain of dirty dishes at the end of a long day when it could be better spent with family, a favorite book, or that evening’s television offerings? However, if you are not using your dishwasher properly, you may be creating more work by having to scrape or rinse dishes before using them, or re-washing dishes that did not clean properly. Here are some common dishwasher mistakes you might be making.

You are placing carb-covered dishes in the least ideal spots

Dishes that had potatoes, pasta, and other carbs on them shouldn’t just be placed anywhere on the rack. Ideally, they should be in a circle spreading out from the middle of the washer. That way, the sprayer arm can hit the most effectively. Carbs can be handled by the water, and don’t need as much chemical intervention, so this placement is perfect.

You are placing crusted dishes in the wrong spots

Protein-crusted dishes, however, do need some chemical reaction help. These are dishes stuck with cheese and eggs, for example. They should be placed to the edges, so they are not constantly sprayed with water, which allows them to soak.

Spooning

Allowing your spoons to spoon means that there will not be enough space for the water to get in between them. Hopefully you have a rack that gives a spot for each individual piece, but if not, alternate heads up and heads down to make sure water can get between everything.

Your bowls are facing outwards

The most important place to clean a bowl is inside the bowl itself. If a bowl is facing outward, then the water stream will be concentrated on the outside of the bowl, which will not help clean the spot that actually gets dirty while eating.

Overloading

Overloading might be the worst thing you can do. If a dishwasher is too full, the water will not be able to effectively clean every surface, which means you’ll have lots of re-cleaning to do.

Your containers are facing up

It should be common sense, but many people leave their containers in the washer facing up. All this does is make sure that they are filled with dirty water at the end of the cycle.

Avoid these common mistakes and you can make the most of the amazing time saver that is the dishwasher.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Refrigeration System

Choosing the right commercial refrigeration option for your business can be an intimidating task. There are so many varieties and options at so many different price points that making a decision can be difficult. Having the proper refrigeration that allows you to run your business smoothly while satisfying any health regulations is massively important, so it’s not a choice to be taken lightly. Here are some things to think about when going over the options.

Size

In the food service industry, size matters. When it comes to commercial refrigerators and freezers, there are a variety of shapes and sizes that might meet your needs. Bakeries and grocery stores probably need walk-in refrigeration that can hold a lot of product at once. Restaurants may be able to get away with smaller sized units depending on the type and amount of food they serve. As well, many restaurants or other food service establishments want food to be displayed while it is being kept cool, so it is certainly another factor to consider.

Price

Obviously, whatever you choose should fit in your budget. However, you definitely don’t want to skimp on the costs when poor or improper refrigeration can cost you in time, energy, and even reputation if something goes wrong. If you’re looking to keep costs lower but still get a quality unit, try working with wholesalers or the factories themselves to eliminate or lessen the cost of middle-men.

Type

Many business owners are shocked when they realize the sheer amount of options out there from which to choose. In fact, you can even have your refrigeration unit custom-built to make sure that all of your needs are met. The sky is truly the limit.

Rent or Buy?

If buying seems like it might be difficult for your current situation, then renting might be a good option. This works well for new businesses that are testing out the market and getting their feet wet. Once they are established they can then invest in a permanent unit that will meet all their needs.

Deciding on a commercial refrigeration unit for your business should not be done on a whim. After doing some research and taking these factors into consideration, you should be able to make the right choice.

If you are in need of commercial refrigeration services, do not hesitate to contact us online or by calling 651-275-9111.

10 Common HVAC Terms

Your HVAC system is more complicated than you might think. There are many components, all of which come together to regulate the temperature in your commercial structure. If you have a problem and need to call a professional, it helps to understand what they are talking about. If you do not know some of the more common terms, then it might be difficult. Here are some things you might hear if you are talking to a commercial HVAC professional.

  • Air Handling Unit – This unit pushes the air through the system and mixes it with the hot or cold air. The unit is comprised of the fan, the coils, air filter, and drain pans.
  • Compressor – A compressor is the pump that transfers the refrigerant into the condenser and back again. The refrigerant starts off in the evaporator coils before making its journey.
  • Condenser – The condenser is located outside, and comes as either a scroll, rotary screw, reciprocating, or centrifugal compressor. It removes the hot or cold air from the air inside by turning the gaseous refrigerant into a liquid.
  • EER – The EER stands for the Energy Efficient Ratio. This is the ratio of the electric output compared to the cooling. The higher the ratio, the more efficient your system is.
  • Split System – This is what an HVAC system is called when it has components outside the building. The outside portion is connected to the inside through lines.
  • Duct – The air ducts are the conduits built into the frame of your structure to move the temperature controlled air through the building.
  • The ACCA – ACCA stands for the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. When you are looking for someone to service your system, make sure you choose a contractor certified through this organization so you know you will be getting qualified service.
  • Air Balancing – This is the process of making sure that each room in a building is getting an appropriate amount of air.
  • Evaporator Coils – Whereas the ducts circulate the conditioned air, the evaporator coils absorb the heat from the air in the building. They are attached to the furnace.
  • Variable Speed Motor – Using variable speeds can improve the air circulation in the building. These types of motors use less energy and are not as noisy.

Hopefully with the help of this guide, talking to your HVAC professional about your system will not be quite so intimidating.

How You Can Keep Your Business Open When Your HVAC System is Getting Fixed

Businesses can lose customers any number of ways, and an uncomfortable climate inside the store is just one of them. Discomfort that bothers staff can also affect productivity, and therefore the bottom line. Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, there are going to be times when the HVAC system needs to be repaired or serviced. Here are some tips for how you can keep your business open when that happens.

Hire Trusted Professionals

This is probably the biggest one right here. Always use trusted professionals for this type of job. Getting your cousin’s friend to do it because he fixed his furnace at home just isn’t acceptable. Professionals will get the job done right the first time. You don’t want to affect your business for this, only to have to do it again shortly thereafter because something in the system has failed again. If you don’t know which professional you trust, then ask around for recommendations and get the job done correctly and quickly.

Try Creative Scheduling

Sometimes it is hard to schedule repairs, since if it is an emergency you need to get things fixed as quickly as possible. A lot of HVAC professionals can offer after hours work, so you’ll need to find one who does. Even if the work is not able to be done after hours, you can perhaps schedule it so that it is near the end of the work day, or at a time when few of your staff or clients will be in the building. Also, HVAC technicians are generally very experienced at staying out of people’s hair, so that will make it even easier to lessen the disruption.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

You can always avoid many inside repairs by having a rooftop unit installed outside. This way, most repairs will be done on the roof and won’t bother your staff or clients at all. The building may still be uncomfortable because of the heat or cooling loss, but no one will be bothered, and the repair will be quicker since the unit is so compact.

You can get through HVAC repairs with as little disruption as possible. Just use these tips, or install a rooftop package to keep your staff and clients as comfortable as possible.

Why You Should Get Your Commercial HVAC System Serviced Every Spring

“Out of sight and out of mind” is what they say, but with your commercial HVAC system in the spring, it is out of use and out of mind. The best HVAC system is one that you forget you have, because it does not cause any problems. Springtime is generally the quietest time of year for HVAC use, so people can be forgiven for forgetting about their system. Unfortunately, when the summer comes, that forgotten necessity becomes more needed, and you do not want to be caught without it. Here’s why you should get your commercial HVAC system serviced every spring.

The Condenser

During the colder months, the condenser coils are at risk of getting clogged with leaves, branches, and other debris. This pressure, or the pressure from ice and snow, can put pressure on the coils and damage them. In the spring you can remove that debris to give your system a fresh start and reduce the pressure.

It is during the winter time when pesky critters like mice are more likely to hide in your A/C unit and get into the wiring. Once the freeze is over, check for signs of a nesting rodent, since they can chew through wires and cause loose connections.

Refrigerant Levels

If the levels of your refrigerant are low, then you might have a leak. Any leaks have to be fixed before you can add more refrigerant. Make sure to inspect for any leaks.

Lines, Fan, and Coils

You’d be amazed at what can block up your lines. Mold, dust, and dirt are all blocking hazards. Clean out all of these components so the air can flow freely and keep your system running efficiently. Along these lines, always make sure to have a clean filter. You can do it every 3 months if you have pleated filters, so every season is a good schedule for the change.

If your HVAC system is not running at it is peak efficiency, it can cost you not only performance, but also money. Keep the air flowing and do not get stuck in a heat wave with these spring maintenance tips.

Refrigeration Gasket Replacement Services

Altemp Mechanical offers commercial refrigeration gasket repair and replacement services. Over the years, we have provided critical services to grocery stores, hotels, convenience stores, and a variety of other facilities that utilize commercial refrigeration systems.

Contact us for a consultation

Altemp Mechanical offers inspections of freezer and refrigeration gaskets, followed by detailed and practical estimates and recommendations.

Altemp Mechanical has a highly experienced staff on hand that can accurately scrutinize your situation-and-offer an affordable solution to your refrigeration problems. During the repair and/or installation process, we take all measures to avoid unnecessary project costs.

What we offer

  • The replacement of commercial refrigeration gaskets.
  • The reduction of the refrigeration load.
  • The installation of gaskets to prevent outside air from getting inside by. We secure a viable seal around the refrigerator door.

When door gaskets get too old or suffer damage, it can result in outside air leaks that cause higher refrigeration loads and excessive frost buildup on the evaporator. By replacing your damaged gasket, you will be able to achieve a stronger seal and lessen the refrigeration load.

If you are in need of refrigeration gasket replacement services, contact Altemp Mechanical online or by calling 651-275-9111.

4 HVAC Problems That Primarily Occur During Winter

Heating problems during Minnesota’s harsh winter season can make your office or commercial structure inhospitable. Below you can learn about the most common HVAC issues that we see during winter.

Rooms that are “too cold”

If some of the rooms in your commercial structure cannot retain heat (even when the heating system appears to be running properly), the issue could be two-fold. The first issue could be a draft problem brought on by poor insulation from improperly sealed windows and inadequately fitted doors. The second issue could be an airflow problem. A simple adjustment of the vents can resolve this. If the air filter is dirty, it should be cleaned.

Carbon monoxide (CO) issues

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as a “silent killer” due to the fact that is very hard to detect. The emission of CO usually occurs via cracks in a rusted heat exchanger. In the case your heating system or furnace is more than 10 years old, it is probably time to permit a professional to inspect it and determine whether it is a threat. We recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your commercial structure regardless of how old your heating system is.

Having a properly-maintained HVAC system in your building is critical for cost reduction, energy efficiency, and for the safety of your staff. If you suspect issues with your system, call a professional immediately.

Rapid and sudden heat loss

If your furnace suddenly stops working despite the presence of power, the problem could lie with the circuit breaker. It could have tripped, leading to the malfunction. If you find that this is not the case, the issue could be with your electrical system, a damaged thermostat, or the pilot light.

On-and-off cycles of heat

A furnace that cycles on-and-off could be major safety issue. Such a situation is usually caused by a faulty thermostat. To resolve this, you may have to replace the thermostat.

Another cause of on-and-off cycling could be a damaged furnace. Whenever the components heat up too quickly due to lack of proper airflow, the furnace’s emergency stop system will activate itself. You could try to resolve the problem by changing its air filters. If it persists, you should call on an HVAC repair professional to help ascertain the cause of the problem.

If you are experiencing heating problems in your commercial structure this winter, get them resolved by contacting Altemp Mechanical’s team of experienced HVAC repair technicians. You can reach us online or by phone at 651-275-9111.

Meat Slicer Repair Services

Altemp Mechanical understands that when your meat slicer becomes inoperable, so does your business. This is one of the primary reasons why we employ technicians skilled in meat slicer repair who are more than capable of updating your appliances quickly and effectively.

The staff members of Altemp Mechanical are specialists at what we do. This is because we undergo thorough training to ensure we stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the commercial HVAC industry.

Meat slicer repair services from Altemp Mechanical

Commercial meat slicers are an important aspect of any restaurant that serves large amounts of deli meats and cheeses. Having to cut these items by hand would take an enormous amount of time and would most likely result in less consistent thickness. If your commercial meat slicer is giving you headaches, Altemp Mechanical can alleviate your stress by restoring it to its proper working condition.

Some of the main issues we see with meat slicers include (but are not limited to):

The slicer not spinning fast enough. If your meat slicer is not spinning fast enough when you turn it on, the problem could be that the power supply is not letting in enough electricity for the motor to operate as it should be. Another reason could be that the motor’s bearings and gears are too old and deteriorated. Also, failing to regularly clean your slicer can lead to clogging, thereby preventing it from operating as it should.

The slicer making odd noises. If your meat slicer starts to make strange noises every time you turn it on, the reason could be that your motor gears and bearings have not been serviced in a while and therefore need some lubrication. Altemp Mechanical can deal with such problems quickly and effectively, so that you do not have to stand those noises any more.