If you own an establishment that uses an ice machine, you probably ought to know, even if it might seem illogical, that cold weather can actually cause an ice machine to perform poorly, or worse, stop functioning altogether. This is because water entering an ice machine at temperatures below 45°F can delay the time when ice is removed from its tray, slowing production. If the problem continues unabated, it can lead to the machine freezing up and the need for a service call. The best way to avoid the problem is to insulate the water lines to keep them warm and by cleaning the air filters periodically. For more tips on how to protect your ice machine in the cold weather, call the Orlando ice machine repair experts at All Temp AC and Refrigeration—we can fix your machine if it needs to be repaired and show you how to protect it properly.
Florida is considered a warm-weather state but there are times when temperatures can dip down to where it’s truly cold especially, at night—if your ice machine is outside or situated in an unheated facility, you may find that ice production becomes limited or your machine stops working. That can be a problem of course, if customers are expecting ice in their drinks.
Cold weather becomes a problem because it cools the water in the ice machine supply lines—in addition to being used as the ingredient in ice cubes, water is also used to help remove the frozen cubes from the evaporator. Hot gasses inside your ice machine heat the incoming water, which comes in contact with the evaporator, warming it and causing the ice cubes to dislodge. In order for this process to work properly, the water must be at least 48°F —if it’s not, then you must wait for the machine to heat up, which delays ice harvesting.
For more tips on how to get the most out of your ice machine, call the Orlando ice machine repair professionals at All Temp AC and Refrigeration—we can help keep your ice machine running in top condition and ensure it passes health inspections.
