"The ice machine is broken.... again"

Commercial ice machines are temperamental pieces of equipment, and need to be serviced, cleaned, and repaired regularly. At what point is it time to replace the ice machine that you have with a different unit?

1.) The machine is falling apart.

An ice machine doesn't have to look pretty to work well. At Automatic Ice we see equipment older than some of our techs but that doesn't mean it needs to be replaced. However, there does become a point of no return and it's time!

If your ice machine is taken apart so you can mess with a sensor or probe that "intermittently" doesn't work... it's time to replace the ice machine. If you have used zip ties and paperclips (I have seen this) to hold your water curtain on. It is time to replace your ice machine.

It's normal to want to get the most out of your ice machine but sometimes it's just time to replace the machine.

Are you hesitant to spend thousands of dollars replacing your machine? Check out our Full service agreement!

https://automaticicecompany.com/fsa/

We provide the equipment, service, parts, and labor! Starting at less than $5 a day!

Wanting to try and fix your Manitowoc Ice machine check out this post:

https://automaticicecompany.com/blog/7_most_common_issues_with_manitowoc_ice_equipment/

2.) Refrigerant is outdated

As the world changes we continue to see tighter regulation around refrigerant and safer alternatives. As of 1990 all CFC's "chlorofluorocarbons" were banned like R12. But we are also seeing the phase out more common refrigerant (likely what's in your current ice machines) like 404a.

Though you can purchase these refrigerants, they can no longer be manufactured which means the price of repair will continue to rise until it is no longer a viable or affordable option.

Phasing out refrigerant takes a long time, but it's something to consider. If you have an ice machine with a CFC it's probably time to replace the ice machine.

3.) Compressor is seized

If your ice machine has a failed compressor that doesn't mean it can't be repaired, it just means you are going to have to invest a fair amount of money replacing the heart of your equipment. An ice machine compressor is what pushing and moves the refrigerant around your ice machine to create the ice we all love! If this part breaks you may want to consider a few options.

1. What will this cost to repair?
2. How old is my ice machine?
3. Is the value of the repair greater than the value of my ice machine?

Your ice machine has hundreds of components, sensors, and switches that are all going to slowly wear out. If you put a new compressor into a tired machine you might be spending too much trying to fix something that isn't worth fixing.

4.) Evaporator fins are falling out

On a commercial ice machine there is a plate or cylinder that ice is formed on. This is called your evaporator. There are a few signs that your evaporator may be worn out.

1. If your evaporator plating is falling off and you can see copper coming through
2. The welds holding your fins together have come loose and fins are sliding out of place
3. Your ice no longer drops

Just remember! If you ever had a block of ice on your evaporator DON'T chip it off or try to pull it off! If you are removing ice from an evaporator melt it off!

5.) You are buying ice to supplement

Ice continues to get more expensive, at first we watched the price raise from $2 to $3 and now almost $4 a bag! Not only are the bags of ice getting more expensive, but they are getting smaller from 10 lbs. to 8 lbs. and now 7 lbs. of ice!

Stop buying ice for your business!

If your ice machine keeps breaking down and you have to buy ice to supplement it can cost you hundreds of dollars while you wait for a repair. This doesn't have to be the case!

At Automatic Ice we not only offer same day repairs, but we deliver ice while we repair our FSA customers equipment. If you are spending too much on ice and waiting way too long for a repair it's time to have Automatic Ice bring you equipment.

6.) You don't want to mess with the ice machine anymore

If your ice machine is requiring more attention then your spouse or kids its time to consider other options.

Ice machines are temperamental, and can be a challenging piece of equipment so why not give away that hassle and headache to a company that works exclusively on commercial ice equipment?

Just a thought... or you can continue to try and fix your own!

Trying to consider what ice machine to get? Check out this article:

https://automaticicecompany.com/blog/the_power_of_choice_the_best_commercial_ice_equipment_you_can_get/

7.) Can't get parts for your ice machine anymore

There comes a time when your ice machine has gotten so old you can't find parts for it anymore. The older your ice machine gets the harder it can be to find parts for it. At Automatic Ice we believe in keeping equipment running and functional as long as possible, but there is a time when we all have to agree it's not worth fixing anymore. If a reputable technician from your area says they can't find parts for your ice machine, it is a good idea to consider other options.