Ice Machine Troubleshooting

Has your ice machine stopped working? While there's no one answer to why your machine's stopped making ice, we can help ascertain what could have gone wrong. To begin, use this ice machine troubleshooting guide.

What could be causing your ice machine to malfunction? It's likely caused either by external factors -- like temperature and mineral deposits -- or human error.

There are many external factors that could be affecting your ice machine's performance. For one thing, if your ice machine is kept in a high-temperature area, it can't perform its best. Water temperatures will rise, which will slow the ice making process.

Another reason your machine may no longer be producing ice is the presence of mineral deposits. Low-quality water can leave behind deposits that affects ice quality. You can usually clean your ice machine in order to fix this problem.

Sometimes what appears to be a defective ice machine is actually a human error. Check your machine's settings and be sure that it's plugged in!

If you can't seem to figure out what's gone wrong with your ice machine, turn to the experts. East Coast Refrigeration services a range of ice making products and ice storage systems. Visit us online or dial (631) 249-4556 to learn more! Plus, don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

3 Foods That Should Not Be Refrigerated

Whether you run a restaurant or a coffee shop, you want to provide your customers with the freshest ingredients possible. You might be surprised to learn that keeping items refrigerated isn't always the best way to do so. Below we'll cover three foods that should not be refrigerated:

1. Certain types of produce

According to Food Network, fruits and veggies don't always go in the refrigerator. Tomatoes, whole melons, and uncut onions prefer to stay out of the cold and humid fridge. Keeping them refrigerated can affect taste and texture.

2. Sauces and condiments

Vinegar-based hot sauces, soy sauce, and even ketchup and mustard don't require refrigeration. For the most part, these processed foods will stay fresh on their own. Having said, that, if your customers prefer their sauces and condiments cold, then feel free to store them in the fridge.

3. Peanut butter, bread and honey

Unless you're using natural peanut butter, keep it out of the fridge. Bread should never be refrigerated; the cold can make it tough and flavorless. Honey will stay fresh for an eternity -- literally -- thanks to its acidity, low levels of water and hydrogen peroxide.

Keep these foods anywhere but inside your commercial refrigerator! Your food will taste fresher, your customers will be happier, and you'll have more room in your fridge for items that do need to be kept cold.

Learn more about commercial refrigeration by calling East Coast Refrigeration at 631-249-4556. Plus, don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

What Is Industrial Refrigeration?

East Coast Refrigeration specializes in both commercial and industrial refrigeration. Today, we'll focus on the latter.

There are a variety of applications for industrial refrigeration. Generally speaking, however, its purpose is to extend equipment life, reduce costs and keep your business energy efficient.

The expert design team at East Coast Refrigeration is adept at customizing unique industrial refrigeration systems for various uses. No matter what your standards for quality, reliability and efficiency, we can meet them.

Our industrial refrigeration products include:

• Reciprocating and screw compressors
• Pressure vessels
• Evaporative condensers
• Cooling towers
• Chillers

Whether you need your manufacturing plant kept at an optimal temperature or simply need cold storage, we'll get you set up with the right system. Applications include:

• Manufacturing
• Food processing
• Food packaging
• Cold storage

To learn more about industrial refrigeration and how East Coast Refrigeration can help you, give us a call at (631) 249-4556. You can also get more information by visiting us online. Plus, don't forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

How Parallel Racks Help Eliminate Leaks

East Coast Refrigeration has teamed up with Hillphoenix to offer its one-of-a-kind Parallel Rack system. What makes this Parallel Rack system unique is that all designs take advantage of a Zero Leak Initiative, which requires less refrigerant over time. Let's take a closer look at how parallel racks help eliminate leaks:

Photo courtesy of Hillphoneix

Zero Leak Initiative

Hillphoenix's Zero Leak Initiative aims to eliminate leaks in your store, and that's something we can get behind. These systems use pre-bent tubing, which means fewer brazed connections are used. Only certified brazing experts handle brazed connections. Furthermore, components from outside suppliers must also be leak-free. Finally, quality control ensures that all fittings and joints must be tested for leaks.

Refrigerant Management Options

There's plenty of flexibility when it comes to your refrigerant options. These are designed to not only reduce the initial refrigerant charge, but also decrease leak rate in your locations. Options include:

• Split condenser controls and valves
• Receiver rupture disc and gauges
• Leak detection systems
• & More!

To learn more about East Coast Refrigeration's Hillphoenix Parallel Rack system designs, click here. If you'd like to speak with one of our expert technicians, dial (631) 249-4556 today! Plus, don't forget to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

East Coast Refrigeration is Live on Social Media

We at East Coast Refrigeration are committed to superior customer service. In fact, that's what sets us apart from our competitors. We often work with clients who are frustrated with the response times they are receiving from their current provider.

To that end, our service team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to ensure we meet your commercial and industrial refrigeration needs. We've recently taken it one step further: East Coast Refrigeration is now live on social media!

That's right, we've made getting in touch even easier. Like us on Facebook for tips, news and much more. Follow us on Twitter @EastCoastRefrig to stay on top of updates and specials. Are you a Google+ user? If so, follow East Coast Refrigeration and leave us a review!

Last but certainly not least, we'd love for you to subscribe to East Coast Refrigeration's YouTube Channel. Keep an eye on this one -- we're planning to add more videos in the near future.

Again, East Coast Refrigeration is live on social media! Connect with us today to stay in the loop with our updates and news. Visit East Coast Refrigeration online or call us at (631) 249-4556 for more information about our business.

3 Commercial Refrigeration Cleaning Tips

Whether you own a small cafe or a hot new restaurant, the same rule applies: You've got to keep your refrigerator clean. A dirty fridge will generally have a shorter lifespan -- something your business can't afford. Adhere to these three commercial refrigeration cleaning tips to extend your unit's life.

Note: Before you clean, be unplug the machine!

1. Clean the condenser coil

Refer to your commercial refrigerator's manual to determine where its condenser coil is located, as it varies from machine to machine. It's important to keep this part clean if you want to keep your refrigerator healthy. Brush the condenser fins with a commercial condenser coil cleaner to remove dust, dirt and lint.

2. Dust fan blades and motor

Again, these pieces need to be wiped down about once a month. Be sure to use a dry, soft cloth and keep water out. Otherwise, the moisture could cause damage to your commercial refrigeration unit's motor.

3. Maintain its interior

 

Keeping the inside of your commercial refrigerator clean is probably the last thing on your mind. However, maintaining its cleanliness will ensure that your food tastes the way it's supposed to. Tip: Avoid using cleaning chemicals, which could leave an unpleasant odor and taste.

Practicing these commercial refrigeration cleaning tips will help keep your kitchen tidy and your food healthy. Call East Coast Refrigeration at (631) 249-4556 with questions or concerns about the performance of your commercial refrigerator. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ as well!

Source: Food Service Warehouse

Why CO2 Refrigerant Is Ideal for Supermarkets

Back in 2012, Supermarket News called CO2 the "refrigerant of the future." At the time, the food distribution magazine suggested that switching to CO2 refrigerant could be a great way to limit the effect of supermarkets on global warming. Today we know this to be true. Let's take a closer look at why CO2 refrigerant is ideal for supermarkets:

1. Energy savings

According to MACED.org, "Refrigeration accounts for at least 60% of the average grocery's energy
use." CO2 makes for an energy- and cost-efficient refrigeration system. That's because the refrigerant is widely available and has a high volumetric cooling capacity, setting it apart from more traditional refrigerants. We anticipate annual savings of as much as one-fifth of your energy bill when you switch to transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems, for example.

2. Environmental responsibility

"It is ironic that CO2, which is the most common greenhouse gas and much vilified in the media as the main cause of global warming, should in fact be regarded as an environmentally benign refrigerant," states the Green Cooling Association. But because most HFC refrigerants have higher a Global Warming Potential, CO2 is less threatening to the environment.

3. Proven success

Across the world -- and specifically in Europe -- transcritical CO2 systems have proven to reduce energy costs and global warming impact. In fact, almost two-thirds of large grocery stores surveyed in western and northern European nations now opt for natural refrigerants like CO2. It's time to bring this trend to the U.S.!

If you're still not clear on why CO2 refrigerant is ideal for supermarkets, give East Coast Refrigeration a call at (631) 249-4556 today. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ as well!

Commercial Refrigeration: Facts vs. Myths

Your foodservice business depends on its commercial refrigerator every day. Still, you'd be surprised by how much you don't know about it.  Below we take a look at three commercial refrigeration facts versus myths:

1. Your commercial refrigerator should be kept at 35-39 degrees.

Fact. For the sake of your customers' health and safety, it's of utmost importance that your commercial refrigerator stays between 35 and 39 degrees. Any lower and food can start freezing. If your commercial refrigerator's temperature exceeds 39 degrees, bacteria could begin to grow.

2. Diary products should be stored on the commercial refrigerator door.

Myth. Because your commercial refrigerator's doors are constantly being open and closed, temperatures there tend to be higher. Keep dairy products towards the back of your unit to prevent premature spoilage. What can you keep on the door? Use it to store condiments like ketchup and mustard, instead.

3. CO2 refrigerant is unsafe.

Myth. CO2 is actually categorized as an "A1" refrigerant, meaning it's the safest available. It's neither toxic nor flammable. To learn more about CO2 refrigeration, visit East Coast Refrigeration online.

What other commercial refrigeration myths have you heard? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter! For more information on East Coast Refrigeration and how we can help you with your commercial and industrial refrigeration needs, give us a call today at (631) 249-4556.