If you have a modern ice machine, there are probably a ton of available options on it. The modern technology is constantly advancing which means there are more and more custom options on every ice machine. However, if you’re experiencing a drop in production, there are some things you can do about it. You shouldn’t expect a miraculous result, but it should be noticeable, especially if you own an older generation unit. If these tips don’t show any results, make sure to check out our handling article, there is some useful advice in it.
The Ambient Temperature Plays a Major Role
Keeping your ice machine in a cool environment is your safest bet. Every degree in temperature decreases the production rate of the unit. However, no one wants to spend time in a cold kitchen. Therefore, you should think about the position of the unit. The first thing you should do is keep it away from sunlight and windows in general. If you have floor tiles in one part of your kitchen, it’s a good idea to install the unit in that area. Don’t put any isolation between the floor and the unit because it will prevent the device from cooling down. The quickest way of losing heat is through the bottom of the machine. Therefore, try causing the heat loss through the bottom by putting something cold in between the floor and the device. Ceramic tiles work best.
Keep the Condenser Clean
Dirty condenser coils have the same effect as the unit being in a hot environment. Even though you should take care of the hygiene in general, don’t forget to keep the coils clean. Apart from causing a drop in production, dirty coils also use more power than clean ones. It’s the same situation with dirty air filters as well. The biggest negative effect of dirt is the fact that it significantly shortens the lifespan of the unit. If you’re not sure about how to take care of the coils, don’t hesitate to hire a professional. It’s a pretty delicate process, and you might end up breaking something and jeopardizing the efficiency of your ice machine. Hiring a professional might cost you a bit of money, but you can rest assured the job will get done properly.
Keep the Income Water as Cool as Possible
We wrote about heat exchangers in one of our articles. They are one of the best tools for keeping the income water cool. Heat management is crucial in any ice machine, especially if it has a high production rate. Apart from causing the machine to make more ice, heat exchangers also prolong its lifespan. The concept is pretty simple – the cooler the water is, the less power is required. However, installing an exchanger can be a delicate process, and you might need to hire a professional. There are some other ways of cooling the water before it enters the system, but they aren’t as effective.
Adjust the Cube Size
You should pay special attention to this step and get informed about the specifications of your unit before taking any action. The reason is pretty simple – you can do more harm than good. Also, if you mess something up, there is a high chance you’ll break some of the crucial parts of the machine like a condenser. If the ice cubes are too thick, they will freeze slowly at the end of the cycle. On the other hand, if they are too thin, they might melt before you get a chance to use them. Therefore, fine-tuning the cube size is a pretty delicate and demanding task, so pay special attention to it. Once again, if you’re not sure about it, feel free to consult a professional so that you don’t end up regretting your decision.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
The most important thing for a flawless performance is regular maintenance; it’s as simple as that. If your unit is underperforming, it’s a good sign that something’s wrong with it. Before deciding to call a repairer, try using some of these tips, and you might save some money, time, and effort.
