Top Maintenance Practices for Ice Making Machines
Ice makers come in handy during special occasions such as parties when ice is needed in plenty. To keep these devices in good shape, certain regular maintenance practices need to be conducted. These practices go a long way in increasing the longevity of the devices. Besides this, regular maintenance prevents contamination of the ice and also saves you a lot of repair and replacement costs in the long run. The following are top maintenance practices that need to be carried out on ice makers.
Changing the Water Filter
The quality of water that enters an ice maker determines how long it will last. Before you start using your appliance, ensure that your carry out an analysis of water conditions to establish the type of filtration system that you need. This will help you choose the best filter for your appliance. Also, ensure that your filter is changed regularly to guarantee the flow of debris-free water into the unit. It is advisable to change the filter twice every year. However, this is dependent on the quality of water that you use, how frequent you use your ice maker and the type of appliance that you use. Changing the filter regularly helps you produce clean, fresh, and odorless ice.
Maintaining the Recommended Temperatures
Most ice makers break down as a result of improper freezer temperatures. Very few individuals who own ice makers understand that using the correct freeze temperatures ranks among the most significant maintenance tips. You should always ensure that the temperatures are kept above -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Besides this, the temperature needs to be lower than zero degrees to avert any form of buildup within the system. When using an ice machine, you are advised to check on it regularly to ensure that it is operating within the specified temperature. This helps maintain it in an optimal condition.
Cleaning
Cleaning is another significant maintenance practice. This maintenance aspect should not be overlooked by individuals who own ice machines. To clean the appliances, you should first ensure that you empty it of any ice remnants. Each model comes with a user manual that stipulates how it should be cleaned. You should make sure that you follow these guidelines to the letter. When cleaning an ice maker, only use cleaners and sanitizers that have been recommended by manufacturers. You must equally adhere to cleaning frequencies and methods that have been prescribed by manufacturers. Cleaning helps prevent the accumulation of unwanted debris on the internal parts of an ice maker. This keeps it functioning maximally.
Changing the Condenser
The condenser is one of the most significant components of an ice making machine. With continued use, this component might become ineffective and restricts the flow of air through the system. This might, in turn, cause a drastic drop in ice production and the restriction of the unit’s longevity. If this is the case, it needs to be replaced. If the condenser is still functional but ineffective, it should be cleaned using fresh water to remove dust and dirt fragments.
Troubleshooting Ice Making Machines
An ice maker has the capability to produce up to thirty pounds of ice within 24 hours. However, you should carry out the aforementioned maintenance practices once you notice that production has dropped drastically. These appliances also experience glitches just like any other household devices. Such problems often affect their production. Luckily for individuals who own ice machines, the problems have simple solutions.
The following are some of the ways that you can use to pinpoint hitches in an ice maker.
Check the Connections
At times, ice machines malfunction due to poor electric and water connections. When your unit starts producing below its capacity, you should first check its water and electric connections to ensure that they are working properly. This should be of concern to individuals who own units that have direct water and electric line connection. Consider taking your unit to a technician if it is under producing despite having secure connections.
Check the Water Levels
Establishing the amount of water in the reservoir is another way of determining why your unit is malfunctioning. Inappropriate water levels might cause your unit to stop making ice. In some cases, it causes the appliance to produce smaller or larger ice cubes. To check the level of water in the system, turn off the unit and thereafter, check the reservoir. In case the level of water is low, you should refill the unit. If there is a direct water connection line to your appliance, ensure that water can flow freely into the unit. This often involves turning on the water properly and removing any debris in the reservoir.
Check for Blockages and Overflow
One of the commonest problems is an ice maker is the overflow of ice in the collection tray. On the other hand, blockages are common in the valves. Always remove ice from the unit in case the collection tray becomes filled up. At times, ice may accumulate on the edges of the collection tray. This might cause the icemaker to stop producing and collecting ice. If this is the case, break up ice layers that form on the collection tray.
Examine Water Sensors
An ice machine may experience glitches due to the breakdown of its water sensor. This component is located either below the water reservoir or below the water spout. The sensor is a small wire whose role is to indicate whether water is available in the system or not. The accumulation of debris in the unit might disrupt the sensor because. It prevents the sensor from coming into contact with water flowing in the reservoir or from the spout.
Maintaining your ice machine keeps it functional for a long time. It similarly saves you costs that are associated with taking the appliances to the technician for repairs in case they break down completely. Going through the manufacturer’s manual will help you have the requisite technical knowledge about carrying out the maintenance practices from home. If you are not sure about it, you should seek the services of a technician.