vipu96rywvhltp7t-goldenstaterepair

Common Reasons for Commercial Deep Fryer Repairs

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 14:03:54 GMT

The deep fryer is among the most important workhorses in a commercial kitchen. Problems with the fryer can slow down food preparation and lose you money, especially if deep-fried foods are a major revenue earner for your facility.

If the performance of your deep fryer is less than optimal or the appliance will not work at all, you might be wondering what the problem is. Here are common issues that affect commercial deep fryers.

Broken Thermopile

The thermopile is the deep fryer's heating element. This device converts thermal heat into electric energy, which heats the oil in the fryer. Busy commercial kitchens heat up large quantities of oil for long periods, and this can take a toll on the thermopile.

The thermopile is part of the pilot light. The pilot light is a small gas flame that makes igniting a gas burner easier. A worn thermopile will be unable to convert thermal heat from the pilot light into electrical energy, and therefore, the fryer oil will not heat.

The most common sign of a broken thermopile is a pilot light that will either not go on or will not stay lit. A qualified technician can replace a worn thermopile and fix other possible problems with the pilot light.

Blocked Burners

Grease buildup, food particles, dust, and debris can clog burner orifices. Burners that will not light up at all or those that light up only partially or irregularly might have blocked orifices.

To unblock clogged burners, use a stiff brush over the burners to remove particles or debris that may be jamming the orifices. If the burners still produce fluctuating flames after you brush them, the problem could be low or inconsistent gas pressure. If the fuel supply is adequate, damaged fuel lines could be the reason why the fryer burners do not ignite.

Do not attempt to fix fuel lines on your own. Ask your technician to assess your fryer for potential problems with the fuel supply lines.

Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat regulates fryer oil temperatures. As the heating element delivers the requisite heat to the fryer basket, the thermostat monitors this heat transfer and cuts off the process when the oil attains a certain temperature. This mechanism ensures that the oil remains at the set temperature based on the food you are preparing.

A faulty thermostat will allow the oil to overheat, resulting in undesirably crispy food. Alternatively, the oil may not heat to the desired temperature, which can result in oil-drenched or soggy food.

Faults with the thermostat may be due to incorrect calibration or disconnected wires. You can fix this simply by reconnecting the wire or resetting the thermostat. If the problem does not resolve, the thermostat may need replacing. Let a qualified technician install a new thermostat for your fryer.

Malfunctioned High Limit Switch

In addition to a faulty thermostat, a defective high-temperature limit switch could also prevent the fryer oil from heating to the desired temperature.

The high-temperature limit switch monitors the fryer temperature and conveys this information to the thermostat, which then turns the heating element on or off based on the set temperature limits.

A bad high-temperature switch limit will fail to detect when the fryer temperature exceeds the set limit and this information will therefore not be available to the thermostat, which regulates the fryer temperatures. Replacing a faulty high-limit switch should solve the problem.

Preventative maintenance can extend the service life of your deep fryer and mitigate costly downtimes. While some fryer repairs may be straightforward, consider leaving extensive repair and replacement work to a reputable technician.

Whether you want to fix your deep fryer or you need a preventative maintenance plan for your restaurant equipment, you can trust the experts at Golden State Equipment Repair . Give us a call today to discuss your needs.

PROPER MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL CONVECTION OVEN

Tue, 22 May 2018 21:01:00 GMT

Building a commercial kitchen requires you to invest in costly equipment that will be used during food preparation. If your menu includes any baked goods, then you probably want to include a convection oven in your commercial kitchen's design.

Convection ovens can lose their efficiency if they are not properly maintained over time. This loss in efficiency could compromise the quality of the foods that you are feeding to your customers, and it could affect the reputation of your business.

If you want to ensure that your kitchen continues to function well into the future, then don't overlook regular maintenance when caring for your commercial convection oven.

Maintain the Door

It's essential that you invest time and energy into maintaining the door on your commercial convection oven. The oven door plays a central role in helping to maintain constant and steady temperatures within the oven during baking.
As a commercial oven sees repeated use throughout the day, the door can begin to malfunction. Regularly monitor the cook times of common products within your commercial oven. An increase in cook times could indicate problems with the oven door. Other signs that your convection oven's door is in need of repair can include rising utility costs and the presence of diffuse heat around the oven itself.

A professional equipment repair company will be able to help you replace a door seal that is not fitting tightly or repair a hinge that has come loose.

Monitor the Thermostat

Being able to set your commercial convection oven to the correct temperature is vital to the proper baking of your menu items. Over time, the thermostat that regulates your oven's temperature can require calibration in order to perform consistently.

One of the easiest ways to identify a problem with your oven's thermostat is to monitor the quality of the baked goods being cooked in the oven. If you are noticing that baked goods are consistently under-cooked despite being in the oven for an adequate amount of time, the internal temperature of the baking chamber may be off.

You can test your oven's thermostat by placing an independent thermometer inside the baking chamber. Set your oven to a specific temperature, allow the oven to heat completely, and then compare the temperature reading on the independent thermostat to the temperature you have set.

Any differences between the two temperatures should be corrected by having an equipment repair specialist calibrate your oven's thermostat.

Keep the Oven Clean

Routine cleaning is an important part of any commercial convection oven maintenance program. Since a commercial oven sees a significant amount of use on a daily basis, there is an increased potential for batter to spill out onto the interior surfaces of the oven.

If these spills are allowed to remain in the oven during baking, they can gum up the heating elements within your convection oven. Dirty heating elements affect temperature consistency and baking times, and they can pose a fire hazard as well. Take the time to clean up any spills immediately and give your convection oven a thorough cleaning at the end of each day to protect the appliance from damage.

Maintaining your convection oven ensures that your commercial kitchen will run safely and efficiently. Checking the quality of the oven door, monitoring the performance of the thermostat, and investing time in regular cleaning are all simple tasks that can help you better maintain your convection oven in the future.

Contact the experienced professionals at Golden State Equipment Repair for more information on simple ways to improve your convection oven's performance and extend the life span of your commercial appliances.

3 REASONS WHY BIGGER ISN'T BETTER IN A COMMERCIAL AIR CONDITIONER

Tue, 22 May 2018 20:59:00 GMT

Commercial buildings require much more intensive HVAC systems than their residential counterparts, thanks to the larger spaces involved and greater numbers of people to keep comfortable. The cooling needs of restaurants tend to be even greater still, thanks to all of the excess heat generated inside of a commercial kitchen, as well as the power needed to keep walk-in refrigerators cool.

For this reason, many restaurant owners decide to err on the safe side and install the most powerful air conditioning system they can find. Unfortunately, this tactic can often result in unanticipated problems. If you would like to learn more about why a correctly-sized HVAC system will be better in the long run, read on. This article will discuss three problems an oversized air conditioner can create.

Excessive Cooling

A good commercial air conditioner is essential in keeping both your customers and your employees comfortable and cool. Believe it or not, an oversized AC can actually make this task harder. This has to do with the system's cycle times. In other words, the average amount of time the air conditioner runs in order to meet a given cooling job.

In this respect, oversized air conditioners are simply too good at their job, resulting in freakishly short cycle times. This can create comfort problems in a number of different ways. For one thing, even the shortest possible cycle time may end up producing too much cold air. This will result in accelerated cooling to levels far below what you intended.

At best, this may lead to awkward swings from frigid to comfortable. At worst, such a sudden influx of cold air may even cause your furnace to kick on, in a desperate attempt to bring your space back up to the desired temperature.

Inconsistent Cooling

An oversized air conditioner also makes it hard to regulate the temperature from one part of your building to another. In general, the closer a room happens to lie to the air conditioner, the cooler it will be. This temperature gradient can be surprisingly high, with the parts of your building that lie the farthest away from the duct line being many degrees warmer than the rest.

Once again, the problem has to do with the short cycle times produced by an oversized unit. By the time the room containing the thermostat has come down to the desired temperature, your blower unit will have just gotten started distributing the air throughout your building. As a result, conditioned air will simply never make it to those rooms located at the far ends of the duct system.

Moisture Issues

The problems discussed so far all have to do with comfort. Yet an oversized air conditioner also creates problems when it comes to the quality of your air, especially where moisture is concerned. In short, an oversized air conditioner will result in an increased moisture content in the air of your restaurant. This increases the risk of mold and mildew growth, while also potentially putting wood furniture and other delicate items at risk.

Once again, short cycle times are at the root of the problem. Here those short cycles compromise your air conditioner's ability to fulfill its most important secondary duty: dehumidifying the air. Provided an air conditioner is able to run for long enough, the super cold evaporator coil will cause water vapor passing through the system to condense.

This condensation then funnels out of your building through special drain lines. Short cycle times prevent your air conditioner from running long enough to result in this condensation. The resulting increase in humidity can wreak all kinds of problems if allowed to persist too long.

Expert Advise

At the end of the day, an oversized air conditioning system can be just as problematic as an undersized one. For the best results, be sure to have your building load carefully calculated, so that an appropriately sized HVAC system can be selected. For more information about how to cool your commercial property effectively and efficiently, contact the experts at Golden State Commercial Equipment Repair .

4 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR WALK-IN COOLER RUNNING SMOOTHLY

Tue, 22 May 2018 20:53:49 GMT

Having your walk-in cooler fail can be a major disaster for your restaurant. Your product may spoil, and you will probably have to shut down service until you can have the cooler repaired. While not all cooler malfunctions can be prevented, there are four steps you can take to reduce the chances of a breakdown and keep your walk-in cooler in good, working order.

1. Check and Replace Gaskets as Needed

Gaskets are the rubber components that run along the edges of your cooler door, providing a tight seal. If the gaskets on the cooler become torn or loose, then warm air will seep into the cooler. When warm air gets into the cooler, it will have to work extra hard to keep your products cool. Over time, this additional wear and tear can lead to premature malfunctions.

Look over your gaskets every week or two. If you notice that any of them are beginning to break down, then order a new gasket from the cooler's manufacturer. If you give the manufacturer the model number of your cooler, they should be able to recommend the right gasket.

Once the gasket arrives, you should be able to install it yourself. Remove any screws holding the old gasket in place, then slide the gasket out. Some cooler gaskets do not have screws holding them in place. In this case, you can remove the old gasket just by pulling from the corner.

Soak the new gasket in hot water to soften it, and then wedge it into place, if you need to, you can use a rubber mallet to push it into place. Tighten the screws, and admire your work.

2. Keep the Condenser Clean and Free of Obstructions

Your cooler's condenser contains the refrigerant, and in order for the cooler to work, heat needs to easily pass out from the refrigerant, through the condenser coils, and into the air. If the condenser coils become too dirty, this process is prevented. Your cooler may not reach the desired temperature, or it may have to work excessively hard, causing wear and tear that leads to malfunctions. Dirty condensers can also accumulate ice and mold.

Clean your condenser about once a month simply by vacuuming the fins with a shop vac. You can also brush the dust away with a soft brush if you prefer. Make sure you leave clear space on all sides of the condenser so you do not restrict airflow to the unit. If your condenser is outside, make sure all trees and bushes near the unit are properly trimmed to permit airflow.

3. Have the Drain Lines Cleaned

It's common for walk-in cooler drain lines to become clogged with dirt, mold, and debris, causing icebergs to form on the cooler floor. Keeping the drain lines clear is a lot easier than removing ice accumulation.

Cleaning the drain lines is a pretty intense job, so you might want to hire a trained technician, like those at Golden State Repair, to tackle the job. It's usually a good idea to have your drain lines cleaned annually, but your technician may have different recommendations based on your individual cooler.

4. Do Not Stack Items on Top of the Walk-In Cooler

The top of your walk-in cooler may seem like a convenient, out-of-the-way storage space. However, stacking items there can cause the cooler's ceiling to bow or seams to burst open. In addition, six inches of above airspace is required for indoor coolers. This will lead to air leaks, which may keep the unit working overtime to maintain its temperature.

If you have trouble with employees placing items on top of the cooler, then consider posting a sign on the cooler to remind them of this rule.

When you follow the four steps above, your walk-in cooler should continue to operate smoothly and efficiently. Contact us if you're in need of any cooler repairs or maintenance. We're available to help you take the necessary preventative steps and prevent an emergency cooler failure.

6 SIGNS YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR BUSINESS'S HVAC SYSTEM

Tue, 22 May 2018 20:50:47 GMT

Most businesses rely heavily on their furnace and air conditioner to keep their building comfortable for staff and customers. You should keep your HVAC system up to date to maintain a good reputation and encourage clients or customers to return.

For this reason, you need to recognize the signs that your HVAC system needs to be replaced. The following six warning signs can help you decide whether or not it's time to replace your commercial A/C and furnace.

Equipment Has Reached or Exceeded Its Expected Service Life

Air conditioners and heat pumps last ten to fifteen years, while furnaces last around fifteen to twenty years. Although these units may last longer (sometimes much longer) than their expected service life, an old appliance can fail at any time. Your business needs reliable heating and cooling in order to serve your customers properly.

Buying a new air conditioner and furnace before the units break down for the last time can help ensure there is no break in climate control in your commercial building. You can also shop around for the best deal and make a reasoned, thoughtful purchase, instead of a last minute decision when you purchase a unit on your own time.

Heating and Cooling Costs Are Rising

As your air conditioner and furnace begin to age, you'll notice your business heating and cooling costs begin to rise. This happens because furnaces and air conditioners naturally become less efficient over time.

Not only does this cost you additional money, but the decreased efficiency is also worse for the environment. A new air conditioner and furnace can help reduce your costs and your business's carbon footprint.

Service Calls Are Frequently Needed

You shouldn't have to call an HVAC repair person more than once annually for a tune-up. If you're calling for repairs on a regular basis, you could be fighting a losing battle. All new equipment can save your company money in the long run and can also prevent the unpleasant surprise that comes with realizing your air conditioner or furnace has broken down.

Temperature and Humidity Is Hard to Control

Your system running regularly should result in lower indoor humidity and comfortable temperatures. Uneven temperatures and high humidity can lead to mold growth, discomfort and loss of business.

If your HVAC system is unable to keep up with the demand of your commercial business, your air conditioner or furnace may be inappropriately sized for your building or that your equipment is too old to do the job. Either way, replacing the unit can help you take care of your building, your staff and your customers.

Customers Are Complaining

It's always disturbing when customers complain about discomfort. If your customers complain regularly about your business being too hot or too cold, look into this problem as quickly as possible. Word gets around when a business is unable to meet its clients' needs, so fixing this problem sooner rather than later can prevent this problem from hurting profits.

Eco-friendly Customers Have Concerns

An eco-friendly HVAC system can attract customers who prioritize businesses with environmentally friendly practices. If customers know that your current system isn't eco-friendly, they may want to choose another business.

To ensure that customers know what steps you have taken to make your business more environmentally-friendly, put up signs or write about your new system in your company newsletter. Keeping customers informed will help them appreciate your business more and may deepen their loyalty.

At Golden State Commercial Equipment Repair, we're happy to answer customer questions as needed. To find out more about how you can improve your business with a new HVAC system, contact us today .

PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE WITH A COMMERCIAL WALK-IN FREEZER

Tue, 22 May 2018 20:46:47 GMT

Like any other piece of equipment in a commercial establishment, a walk-in freezer requires regular maintenance in order to continue to function properly. Some repairs may appear minor but when neglected, they may worsen. In addition, problems with your refrigeration unit can jeopardize the safety of your workers and your patrons.
Here are a few problems that can arise with a commercial walk-in freezer and the reasons why you should have them remedied as quickly as possible.

Frost Accumulations

A build-up of frost on the items within the freezer typically indicates that temperatures within the unit are fluctuating. As the temperature inside the freezer drops, the contained items may thaw. In turn, the moisture from the thawed contents form frost as the temperature drops to refreeze the items again.

Frost may also appear on the freezer walls. This is often due to frozen condensation, which may be caused by improper humidity levels within the freezer.

Frost may also accumulate near the freezer door. This zonal buildup is usually associated with seal issues. If the door does not seal sufficiently, the warm air from outside of the freezer can seep into the unit, affecting the walls and items that are close to the leak.

Keep in mind that freezer burn can set in at temperatures above 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, simply lowering the temperature setting on the unit to try to maintain adequate temperatures will not remedy the problem. Instead, you will likely be left with inventory that has a less-than-palatable taste, color, and texture.

Inconsistent Temperatures

If the setting of your walk-in freezer remains the same but the temperature inside the unit does not, there could be a sensor problem. The freezer may not consistently detect the internal temperature to make the needed adjustments.

Temperature fluctuations can also be due to employee errors. Workers who prop open the freezer door for prolonged periods allow cold air to escape and warm air to enter.

If the erratic temperatures of the freezer regularly rise above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the safety of the freezer's contents may be at risk. The danger zone for the food rests between 41 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit. By leaving the freezer unrepaired, you run the risk of having to discard large amounts of inventory or being liable for people becoming ill after ingesting the freezer's contents.

Unusual Odors

Foods can have a wide variety of odors, but most people in the food industry can quickly discern smells that are not food-borne. Strange chemical odors within a freezer may be due to leaking coolant, which may be an indication that the condenser is failing. Coolant often smells like nail polish remover or ammonia.

Since foods sometimes absorb odors, leaking coolant could ruin the items within the freezer. In addition, low levels of coolant can prohibit the freezer from cooling properly.

Water Leaks

Water leaks can occur due to a number of issues, such as a worn seal or aging insulation. The leaks can be particularly bothersome because they can invite the development of mold around the unit. If the mold invades the walls and other areas of your establishment, a costly remediation may be required.

Odd Noises

Odd noises coming from your walk-in freezer are likely due to a mechanical issue. Components of the freezer may be loose, vibrating, or otherwise malfunctioning. To save time, inventory, and money, it is important to have the problem repaired before it worsens.

By addressing issues as they surface with your walk-in freezer, you can avoid having to replace the unit earlier than expected. If you have noticed that your freezer is not operating properly, contact Golden State Commercial Equipment Repair to schedule an appointment.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU PURCHASE AN ICE MACHINE

Tue, 22 May 2018 20:43:11 GMT

If you own or manage a restaurant or other food service establishment, an ice machine is an essential piece of equipment for your operations and will undoubtedly be one of your first purchases. However, before you buy an ice machine, take time to learn about the various options available to you.

Below is some helpful information about the different types of ice machines as well as ice cube types.

Ice Types

Before you begin evaluating the various machines and make a purchase decision, it is important to decide what type of ice types you will need in your business. The choice of ice type is not a random matter; instead, it is based on the type of customer served as well as your business model.

Below are the most common ice types available and some information about usage characteristics.

Crescent Ice

The most used ice shape, crescent ice is formed as half-cylinders and is designed to be an all-purpose type. Crescent ice melts relatively slowly, which prevents dilution of drinks and also doesn't take up an inordinate amount of room inside cups.

In addition, crescent ice is suitable for both dispensing machines or for hand-scooped dispensing. However, crescent ice doesn't pack well, so it is less preferable than other options.

Chewable (Flaked) Ice

Ice in this category is shaved or crushed and is an excellent option for use with soft drinks and in other circumstances where ice is likely to be chewed. Chewable ice also packs well, which makes it suitable for use in ice chests and other containers.

The downside of chewable ice is that it melts quickly and will rapidly dilute a beverage, especially if not dispensed into an insulated cup.

Square Ice

Square ice is the classic cube and is found in numerous environments. However, its most appropriate use is often in bars and other areas where alcohol is served. The extremely slow melt rate of square ice makes it ideal for use with alcoholic beverages when dilution is particularly undesirable.

Square ice also takes up more space in a glass, and this can save your business money by lessening the amount of beverage used to fill the container. Keep in mind that square ice is the least chewable type of ice and doesn't conform to packing, so understand it will be somewhat less versatile than crescent and chewable ice.

Machine Types

Once you decide on an ice type, you can shift your attention to the type of machine you wish to purchase. Ice machines produce ice at varying capacities, and you will need to base this aspect of your purchase on your expected business volume.

In addition, always consider that it is better to buy a bigger machine than you think you'll need. Your ice machine should be able to grow with your business, and it should also be able to handle unexpected demand levels. For example, more ice is likely to be dispensed during the warmer months.

Another factor to consider when looking at ice machine types is how the machine is cooled. Ice machines produce a considerable amount of heat, which is extracted from the incoming water supply. This heat must be dispersed or the ice machine will eventually break down as a result.

Ice machines are commonly cooled by ambient air or water. Ambient air-cooled machines need to be kept away from other objects and should be provided plenty of space for operation.

Water-cooled machines use a separate water line to provide cooling, which makes their use convenient when you don't have the luxury of providing a lot of room around the machine. Keep in mind, though, that watercooled machines can cost more than air-cooled units, and they also consume more water. In fact, in some locales, water-cooled ice machines are prohibited due to their water consumption.

If you have questions about ice machines, including which type may be right for you, be sure to contact Golden State Repair for help. Our team of professionals can make recommendations and also perform valuable maintenance and service on your machine when necessary.

THREE WAYS THAT BUSINESS OWNERS CAN LOWER HEATING AND COOLING COSTS

Tue, 22 May 2018 20:36:14 GMT

Energy waste is a costly problem for many businesses. On average, close to one-third of the energy used in a commercial structure is wasted.

Much of that loss occurs because practices related to heating and cooling the building. This means business owners can greatly reduce waste by rethinking how they view and utilize those systems.

Below are 3 ways that business owners can drastically cut their heating and cooling bills.

Upgrade Obsolete or Inefficient Equipment

The first place to begin the process of reducing heating and cooling costs is with the equipment itself. Many businesses use outdated or defective equipment that costs them hundreds or thousands of dollars per year in avoidable expenses.

If you find your equipment is old or fails to function efficiently, then the best step is to replace it with newer, energy-efficient systems. Advances in heating and cooling technology greatly reduce operating costs for businesses that install up-to-date equipment.

Though buying an updated system costs money, there is little doubt that it is an expense worth bearing. The investment in new equipment will pay for itself through significant energy savings and a reduction in repair costs.

Install and Use Automated Controls

Another way you can save on heating and cooling costs is through the use of automated controls. For smaller facilities, replace ordinary thermostats with "smart" units that can be programmed, enabling you to decide when to turn heating and cooling on and off.

As a result, heating and cooling cost are lowered by eliminating periods of needless usage. For example, if your business operates only from Mondays through Fridays, a programmable thermostat will reduce or shut down usage during the weekend. Simply set up a schedule once, and the thermostat will take care of the rest.

Larger facilities will benefit from automated controls as well, but will likely require more than a simple thermostat upgrade. The complexities associated with heating and cooling a larger building will dictate the use of controls with greater flexibility and capabilities.

As such, you will want to consult with a heating and cooling professional to determine how more sophisticated automated controls will meet the needs of your facility. For example, such controls may be computer operated and include zoned heating and cooling to better distribute conditioned air as needed.

Change Filters on a Regular Basis

The last way business owners can decrease energy waste associated with heating and cooling is simple and inexpensive, but no less important: replacing filters. Periodic replacement of these filters in your system is critical to efficient operation.

These filters capture dust and all kinds of particles that would otherwise enter the system and accumulate on ducts, blower equipment and evaporator coils. Dirty filters increase the strain placed on your heating and cooling system by making airflow difficult.

This increases operating times to achieve the same level of comfort, and it also shortens equipment life by forcing it to work harder. Both of these circumstances will lead to needlessly higher energy costs.

That is why it is important for you to replace your filters on a regular basis. You can facilitate this by placing filter replacement on the maintenance calendar or by assigning this as a regular, reoccurring task to an employee.

Alternatively, you can also contract with your HVAC repair professional to provide filter replacement services. This will provide an added benefit by having a trained eye take a periodic look at your heating and cooling system to help ensure it is functioning properly.

If you have questions about how to lower costs associated with your heating and cooling systems, contact Golden State Commercial Equipment Repair for assistance. The professionals at Golden State Commercial Equipment Repair can provide expert services that will help you prevent wasteful operation of your climate control systems.