Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Category: Commercial HVAC

 Ice Machine Repair

If you own and/or operate a dining establishment or a bar, regardless of whether or not it is a casual lunch spot or an upscale dining destination, your clientele with definitely have some expectations coming in. Among them is the chance to enjoy an icy cold beverage from the bar or soda fountain. If you cannot provide the customer with ice for his or her beverage–let alone your staff with ice for keeping food fresh leading up to preparation–then you are going to have serious issues to deal with.

That is why it is so important that your ice machine is kept in great working condition. Ice machines are relatively simple systems, charged with handling just one task: making ice! Just because they are simple in theory does not mean that they will operate perfectly, though. These systems work hard, and that wear and tear can take a toll. We have some tips to help you recognize the need for ice machine repair in Loveland, CO.

What to Look Out For

As is the case with any appliance or commercial refrigeration system, your ice machine may suffer from a number of different operational issues. Because of this, there are a number of potential warning signs to keep in mind. Not every problem will manifest in the same way, so be sure to keep these indicators in mind.

  1. Leaks: If you see water surrounding your ice machine, you need to contact us right away. This not only indicates that you may have a leak in the supply line, wasting water that you are paying for, but you may also have a damaged receptacle. It could be letting heat in and allowing ice to melt. Whatever the case, wet floors in your establishment are also a big reliability.
  2. Reduced output: Have you been flipping open the ice machine to grab a fresh scoop, only to find that it just is not filling up despite having been given what used to be adequate time for doing so? Then you could have an issue with incoming water temperature or water flow rates.
  3. Loud operating sounds: Your ice machine is not going to operate silently. You may hear water being delivered, and you’ll hear ice dropping into the collection bin. If your ice machine is making strange new sounds, though, or if it is just making louder noises than ever before, contact us. Ignoring the problem is only going to increase the risk of more serious repair needs.
  4. Foul taste or odor: If you notice that your ice tastes bad or has a foul odor, you may need to change a filter and/or give the bin a thorough cleaning. If that doesn’t seem to do the trick, though, you should contact a professional to have your water tested. You could have low-quality water, and that could have implications for the health of your patrons.

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning proudly installs and services Manitowoc Ice & Soda Machines. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

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Commercial property owners in our area commercial ice machineknow that they can turn to our team for great commercial refrigeration services in Timnath, CO. We are now proud to announce that we are also an authorized Manitowoc Dealer. We install and service ice machines and soda machines from this manufacturer, and we are proud to do so. They make some of the finest products on the market, and their dedication to excellence matches our own. It is important to remember, however, that even the best commercial refrigeration equipment on the market can run into trouble from time to time.

If and when you do run into issues with your commercial ice machine, keep the following information in mind. In some cases, you may be able to troubleshoot the issue on your own. In other instances, professional commercial refrigeration services will be necessary. If this is the case, you can always count on our technicians for a job well done.

Problems That You May Encounter

It will probably come as no surprise to hear this, but many of the problems that commonly affect ice machines have to do with the water the system uses. It may also have to do with the delivery system for that water. If water isn’t reaching the machine properly, or if there are issues with water quality, you can expect problems to develop.

  • Water is leaking into the machine. When you scoop ice out of your ice machine, is it a watery mess? If so, you may have a leak that is funneling water directly into the bin. This could happen if there is a leaky valve or loose connection.
  • Are your cubes too small, or of an uneven size? Does it seem like you generally don’t have a full supply of ice at the ready? This could be an issue with low water flow. You could have a blockage in your water line, or a leak somewhere in that line before it reaches the machine.
  • Is your system shutting down frequently or overheating? Where is it stored? If the air surrounding the system is too warm, then you may run into such operational problems. If this is the case, cooling that area or moving the ice machine may be necessary in order to resolve the problem.
  • Is your ice cloudy? Does it have a foul odor or a strange taste? You can try emptying out the system and cleaning the bin if so. However, if this does not resolve the problem, you may have an issue with the water quality on your property. A water treatment system may be needed.
  • Are there flecks or spots of discoloration in the ice? If so, you probably need to be more vigilant in changing the filter of your ice machine. These systems are straightforward in their operation, but they do need some basic maintenance completed regularly.
  • Is your system shutting down before filling the bin? Is it making strange sounds? You could have any number of issues with your compressor, or even a refrigerant leak. Such problems must be diagnosed and resolved by trained professionals.

Let Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning handle all of your ice and soda machine service needs. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

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If you own a small grocery or an eatery, then you likely have a fair amount of commercial refrigeration equipment in your property. Regardless of the size and scale of your operation, it is vital that your commercial refrigeration equipment, including your commercial coolers, are in great working condition. That is why you should learn some of the signs that there is a problem with your commercial coolers. That way, you can have any problems resolved before your system suffers serious damages.

Following are a few common signs of trouble with commercial coolers. Be sure to contact our technicians if you notice any such problems in your property.

 

Water Leaks

You definitely do not want to see any water pooling in or around your commercial cooler. Not only is this a safety hazard, but it could also indicate a potentially serious problem with your commercial refrigeration equipment. It could be a case of excessive condensation in the cooler, or it may be a sign of a subpar installation. Whatever the situation, count on us to resolve the problem.

Open Doors

Are you careful to completely close the doors of your commercial coolers whenever you are through with them, only to find them apparently popping open of their own accord time and time again? It is a seriously aggravating issue, and it can likely be repaired with relative ease by one of our technicians. The latch or closure assist may be compromised, or you may have problems with your gasket. Again, our team is here to ensure that the problem is correctly diagnosed and resolved.

Ice

Your commercial cooler or freezer is not an ice machine. If you see ice developing in your commercial refrigeration equipment, you need to contact us know right away. Perhaps you’ve got an iced-over evaporator coil, or gaps in the seals of your system are allowing for condensation to build and ice to develop. You don’t want to put the integrity of your system or its performance at risk, so prompt repairs are in your best interest.

Let Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning handle your commercial refrigeration services in Loveland, CO.

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No matter what type of business you may be in, you are responsible for ensuring that everyone within your commercial property, including your tenants, clients, and employees, are all comfortable at all times. That is why it is so important that you have a great commercial HVAC system installed on your property. If you have an old, ailing system, or you are just interested in replacing your existing system with something more efficient, give a member of our staff a call. One option that is well worth your consideration is the use of a rooftop unit.

What Is a Rooftop Unit?

A rooftop unit, as you’ve probably guessed, is a commercial HVAC system that is installed on the roof of a property. Generally, a rooftop unit will house most of the necessary heating and cooling equipment in one freestanding unit. There are a number of ways in which opting for a rooftop unit can benefit you and your property.

Accessibility is a major issue, and you may not want commercial HVAC technicians passing through your commercial space on the way to service your system during business hours. By installing the unit on the roof, you ensure that they won’t have to. The integral components of the system are easily accessible in a place that won’t interfere with the activities in your space itself.

Additionally, installing the HVAC equipment on your roof means that you don’t have to use up valuable real estate on your property in order to store these components. This is especially beneficial in areas where parking space is tight, or where an outdoor seating area may benefit from the removal of rather unsightly commercial HVAC systems.

If you are ready to schedule commercial HVAC services of any kind in Fort Collins, CO, be sure to give Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning a call.

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Whatever type of business you may be in, you need to know that any necessary commercial refrigeration equipment is in fine working condition at all times. This can be trickier than you may realize, though, as commercial refrigeration equipment is put to extremely heavy use, at all times of the day and night. All of this use will, naturally, result in some general wear and tear.

To ensure that serious problems do not develop with your system, routine maintenance is an absolute necessity. Of course, even well-maintained systems will run into operational problems from time to time. When you notice problems develop with your system, contact the Fort Collins, CO commercial refrigeration experts on our staff immediately. Let Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning know if you discover any of these common problems with your commercial refrigeration equipment.

  1. Frost or Ice Develops: If you notice frost and/or ice in your commercial refrigeration equipment, or on its various components, then you may wonder precisely what the problem is. After all, this equipment is designed to keep things cool. Doesn’t this mean, then, that frost and ice are good things? The answer, in fact, is no; you should not see frost or ice developing in your system. It may be the result of poor airflow, or you may have a refrigerant leak. Whatever the precise nature of the problem may be, though, you can count on our staff to resolve it entirely.
  2. Trouble Maintaining Temperatures: On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may find that the refrigerated space within your commercial refrigeration equipment is acually not cold enough. You may have bad seals on doors, a problem with your compressor, or, again, refrigerant leaks. It could also be a case of simple user error, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Again, it is always best to have a trained professional evaluate the system when problems develop.
  3. Loud Operational Levels: You can expect to hear some noise coming from your commercial refrigeration equipment. After all, it has fans, motors, a compressor, and other mechanical components. You should not hear excessive noise when it is running, though, nor should new, unfamiliar sounds develop. If you notice anything at all out of the ordinary with your system, schedule service with the pros on our staff immediately.
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You don’t need us to tell you just how many responsibilities you have on your plate when it comes to running your commercial ventures. No matter what sort of business you may be in, one thing is certain: your clients, employees, and/or tenants all expect a certain level of comfort upon stepping into the commercial property that you own. That is why you must have a great commercial air conditioning system installed in your property. One option that you are wise to consider is the rooftop unit. If you have questions, or are thinking about installing a rooftop unit on your Fort Collins, CO property, give us a call. Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning is the company you can count on for exceptional rooftop system services. 

It really doesn’t matter if you opt for a designated rooftop air conditioning system, or if you package your heating and cooling components together upon your roof: the benefits are universal. In order to determine if a rooftop unit is right for you, consider the following information. We think you’ll like what you see:

  • Accessibility: Space can be pretty tight in commercial settings. Many buildings are purchased by commercial property owners, rather than built from the ground up according to their specifications. Because of this, your HVAC equipment may not be ideally located for servicing. With everything stored on the roof, access to your system is a breeze.
  • Aesthetics: Your commercial HVAC system is a vital component of your property. It is also quite ugly, and there is no dressing it up. However, by keeping your commercial HVAC system stored upon the roof, you can keep it out of view and protect the visual appeal of your property.
  • Space: We’ve mentioned that space can be pretty tight in commercial properties, and that it can make accessing commercial HVAC systems difficult. It can also leave you without room for outdoor seating or sufficient parking spaces as well, though. When you choose to use a rooftop system on your property, though, you can free up valuable space for more beneficial uses. Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to get your rooftop unit project underway.
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You have a lot of responsibilities to take care of on your commercial property, so it can be difficult to keep track of which tasks are top priority and which can be put off for a while longer. If you’ve been putting off installing, maintaining, or repairing a ventilation system, however, you could be putting your employees and the future of your building in jeopardy.

Proper ventilation is vital in a commercial space, as it helps balance out the fresh outdoor air with the stale inside air and vents unwanted gases to the outdoors. The problem is that we tend to keep buildings sealed up tightly to improve efficiency, which could lead to a number of problems you may get in trouble for later on. We’ll go over how proper ventilation ensures better health and safety in today’s post.

Proper Ventilation for Indoor Air Quality and Better Health

Commercial ventilation is key to keeping the people on your commercial property safe from problems caused by pollutants in the air. It turns out that the air inside of a building may actually be much worse than the outside air. Those who suffer from asthma, allergies, or immune disorders are likely to become irritated by contaminants that frequently circulate through the vents. A good ventilation system installed in the ductwork allows fresh air to come into the building without affecting the efficiency of your heater or air conditioner. This can help to control humidity levels and prevent symptoms associated with respiratory issues or general illness.

Ventilating for Safety

You should also have a system in place to properly ventilate gases to the outdoors from a commercial heating system or from commercial kitchen equipment. An exhaust system helps to ensure that combustion gases and water vapor are vented safely outdoors, but this can only be guaranteed with regular maintenance of the fans and flue. Poor ventilation can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, so it’s important to have an expert inspect your heating equipment and ventilation system every year.

Call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to speak with an expert about your commercial ventilation needs in Loveland today.

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The properties that you manage have a lot of maintenance needs, some of which may be met if you plan to hire or have already hired an all-around handyperson, such as changing out a door lock or replacing a showerhead. But repairing an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system requires a level of expertise and some special certifications in order to do the job correctly. When a tenant calls you with concerns over the performance of their heating and air conditioning system, it’s best to trust a heating and air conditioning contractor who knows the ins and outs of these systems so as not to allow the problem to worsen due to a botched repair job.

For property management HVAC services, you should choose a heating and air conditioning company with experience on many different kinds of heating and AC units, a history of excellent service, and one that offers a residential rental service agreement. This protects your investment and gives you peace of mind over the state of your property’s AC and heating system.

Enroll in a Residential Rental Service Agreement

When choosing a company for property management HVAC services, it’s best to enter into a service agreement with the contractor, although not every heating and AC service contractor provides this. A residential rental service agreement guarantees your rental property two visits each year (usually one right before the heating season picks up and one in the spring). At each visit, the technician will check the indoor and outdoor portion of your property’s HVAC system for any wear and tear. If there is a part that needs replacement, the technician will let you know so that you can schedule repairs. The HVAC unit will also receive a thorough cleaning and adjustment of parts that could struggle if they’re not in top shape. This can extend the life of your equipment, prevent repairs, and improve efficiency.

With Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning you will get a 15% discount on all repairs, fast response times on service calls 24 hours a day, convenient scheduling, and professionals who treat your property’s HVAC equipment with the utmost care. Contact us today!

When you choose the professionals at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for property management HVAC services in Fort Collins.

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The term “Fourth of July” is the popular name for the U.S. federal holiday officially known as Independence Day. It isn’t surprising that we would come up with a different name from the official one, since “Independence Day” is one of the most common holiday names across the globe. Most of the nations in existence today won their independence from another power, whether through wars, treaties, or long transitions.

What might surprise many people is how old U.S. Independence Day actually is compared to the similar holidays of other nations. Although the U.S. is still considered a young nation, it was one of the first to make a full break for its colonial master with a new constitution. Most countries that celebrate a national Independence Day are commemorating events that occurred in the second half of the 20th century, when many older empires at last relinquished control over their colonies.

How substantial is the difference in time for the U.S.A. and the rest of the world? U.S. Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1776, making our country unusual in that almost no existing nations celebrate an independence event from the eighteenth century.

In terms of age, there is only a tiny handful current countries that celebrate an independence day that occurred earlier than the United States. Switzerland celebrates its independence from the Holy Roman Empire of the Germans in 1291 with “Swiss National Day,” held every August 1—although this only gained status as a national holiday in 1994. Sweden Celebrates “National Day of Sweden” to commemorate events in 1523 and the election of King Gustav I during the War of Liberation against Christian II of Denmark and Norway. Romania comes almost a hundred years after U.S. Independence, with its 1877 freedom from Turkish rule.

The most recent Independence Days to come into existence are for Montenegro, which gained independence from Serbia in 2006 and celebrates the day on May 21, and South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011 and celebrates the day only a day after the U.S., on July 5.

Does anyone else celebrate a literal “Fourth of July,” an Independence Day that also falls on the fourth day of the seventh month? Yes: Abkhazia, a small Central Asian country that declared its independence from the Republic of Georgia in 1999 (although not all countries recognize it). Coming a day (like South Sudan) on July 5 is the independence of the small Atlantic island nation of Cape Verde, which became free from Portugal through signed agreement in 1975.

Everyone at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning hopes you and your family enjoy a vibrant Independence Day/Fourth of July this year!

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The ventilation system in a commercial building serves a number of important functions: It’s the conduit for the conditioned air from the building’s HVAC system, bringing heated or cooled air to the different rooms. It serves to protect the indoor air quality. And it circulates air through the building to prevent it from becoming stuffy. If you have a substandard or damaged ventilation system in your building, it will result in an uncomfortable place for workers, clients, and customers, and will also cause an unnecessary energy drain due to inefficient HVAC system operation.

When you need installation, repairs, or maintenance for your commercial ventilation in Fort Collins, CO, you’ll find the quality work you need at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. We have many decades of experience with commercial and residential HVAC systems. Schedule an appointment with us today.

3 things to know about commercial ventilation

  1. Air leaks can lead to big bills: It only takes a small leak along a ventilation system to end up severely damaging an HVAC’s system’s efficiency. Commercial heating and cooling requires a large amount of energy to run, and you don’t want to waste any of that power. But leaks in the ducts will cause a drop in air pressure inside the ventilation system that will force the HVAC system to work harder to compensate. You may not notice a comfort change in the workspace (yet) but you will see jumps in electric bills. Professional duct sealing will take care of this problem.
  2. Damaged ductwork will lower indoor air quality: It’s vital that you protect the quality of the air inside your workplace; because modern buildings have heavy air sealing on them to make sure they maintain heating and cooling efficiency, very little fresh air circulates through them. Should your ducts become damaged, contamination will start to enter them and then get blown out into the air of the workspace. If your ventilation system can no longer maintain quality air because of damage (or if it was poorly installed in the first place) then you should arrange for a replacement of the system.
  3. Repair and replacement work requires specialists: The complexity of commercial ventilation is far beyond that of residential systems, which usually only has a single fan and small HVAC system. Should you need repairs or replacements for your commercial ventilation, you can’t simply call any contractor and hope for the best. Make certain that you only seek out professionals who can handle commercial work.

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning has served Northern Colorado’s heating and cooling needs since 1934.

To protect the comfort of your business and its budget, make sure you call us for all your needs for commercial ventilation in Fort Collins, CO.

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