Ice Machine Problems Solved with Our All-Inclusive Program
Our commercial ice maker lease program is unique, and if you have any questions, we’re here to help! We’ve included some of the most frequently asked questions regarding common ice machine problems and the Automatic Icemakers Lease Program.
Not everyone is eligible for an Automatic Icemakers lease. We have a few standard qualifications before we sign off on leasing one of our machines. They include:
- You desire to have a long-term need for an ice machine
- You expect to stay in business and have a reliable record of running a business
- Your workplace conditions (controllable temperature, water, air quality) can sustain an ice machine.
Although we will work with customers to be as flexible as possible, we may have to decline a business relationship if you don’t meet these qualifications. However, we will sell an ice machine to any business, regardless of workplace conditions or ice needs.
Yes, but there are additional qualifications customers must meet for us to lease out a water-cooled or remote ice machine. If your workplace conditions seem better suited for a water-cooled or remote unit, feel free to give us a call at 773-975-2005, and we will work with you to find the best solution.
We rarely, if ever, lease an ice machine for outdoor use. Installing an ice machine outdoors is a very risky proposition since it’s impossible to control the environment and temperature outside. Outdoor machines result in a high financial burden to us to keep them operating within our requirements.
However, if you wish to take the risk, we will gladly sell you an ice machine.
We don’t offer additional discounts for long term agreements. We do offer discounts if you’re interested in leasing 6 or more machines.
There may be additional costs to your lease if any of the following situations occur:
- Your electronic payment is returned
- We determine that your service call ends up being a non-machine related issue
- If you mistreat or damage the equipment in any way
We do charge for additional services such as equipment relocation, non-standard equipment, etc., but we will always communicate those charges before we perform any work. We won’t charge you without your approval.
Finally, in very rare circumstances, we may install an ice machine in a non-standard environment for an additional monthly charge. This is namely due to additional service and cleanings we will provide to keep the machine in operating condition. Again, we will let you know of any additional prices for these exceptions before you sign the lease.
We offer three payment options. They include:
- Automatic debit authorization from your bank account
- Electronic monthly charges to your debit or credit card
- eCheck or Electronic Funds Transfer (issued on the first day of the month)
Automatic Icemakers keeps track of your next service and cleaning events. When the machine is due for service and cleaning, we will reach out by phone and work to schedule the best time for you. We also offer this with our standalone service program as well. Here’s what you’ll expect:
- An Automatic Icemakers representative will call to inform you that your ice machine is due for service and look to schedule a visit from a technician. We’ll also let you know of any preparations you need to make before the technician arrives.
- When one of our technicians arrives, they’ll inspect the ice equipment. If you’re on a lease, they’ll notify the responsible party if there is any equipment damage or if the machine’s condition suggests the environment may be causing issues.
- For leased equipment, the technician approves the condition of the equipment and completes the service and cleaning, making a note of any unexpected or unusual conditions.
- When service is complete, the technician reviews the completed work with the responsible party and asks for a completion signature.
Your first step should be to give us a call. Our team can work to help you find the perfect ice machine for your business. There are three decisions we consider when choosing an ice maker for a business:
- Ice Shape: Crescent, Dice, Square, Cubelet, or Flaked?
- Condenser: Air-cooled, Water-cooled, or Remote?
- Usage/Capacity: How much ice will you need each day?
Any area with temperature control and plenty of ventilation is a good choice. Places you should steer away from include:
- Closets
- Cubbies
- Hot Kitchens
- Outdoors
Yes. Your ice machine will operate much better and limit the possibility of contamination if you do some regular light cleaning from time to time. An Automatic Icemakers deep cleaning can make an ice machine like new, but it doesn’t prevent dirt or contamination afterward. A regular cleaning schedule of air filters, bin, and exterior will help keep your ice supply safe and clean.
Ice contamination generally occurs during two stages: when the machine produces ice and when users handle ice. Proper service and cleaning take care of the first, but customers and their staff need to know how to properly handle the ice to avoid the second.
At Automatic Icemakers, we keep ice production clean and sanitary with:
- Site Surveys – We make sure environmental conditions can produce safe and clean ice.
- Water Filtration and Treatment – To prevent hard water or contaminated water from entering the ice machine.
- Regular Maintenance, Cleaning, and Sanitizing – We keep equipment running at efficiently and prevent contamination in ice bins.
After the ice maker drops a batch of ice, it becomes the users’ responsibility to handle the ice properly. That means users must know how to handle ice bins, ice containers, scoops, etc., in a manner consistent with your city’s health department guidelines.
The best place to install an ice machine is in a temperature-controlled room with plenty of ventilation. Aside from that, there are some things you can do to make sure your ice machine stays within its normal operating temperatures. They include:
- Installing the unit away from appliances like ovens and furnaces that create a lot of heat
- Maintaining a room temperature around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit
- Making sure the unit clear of clutter or boxes
To clean your ice bin:
- Turn off the ice machine
- Wipe dirty areas with a solution of 90% water and 10% chlorine
- Let the solution air dry before turning the machine back on
Normally, spraying it with hot water will be enough to eliminate ant dirt stuck to an air filter, but if it’s clogged with grease, you’ll need to use an industrial strength degreaser in addition to rinsing it with water.
Small ice cubes are also common ice maker problems we see. Normally, small ice cubes are a sign of water-related issues in your ice machine. These can include:
- Not enough water is entering your ice machine.
- A leak within your machine that lowering the overall water needed to make ice.
- The float switch is adjusted to the wrong setting.
If you own a Hoshizaki ice machine, they will sound an alert to the user if they encounter a few common ice machine problems. In most standard cubers, there are 7 different “Beep Codes” that alert the user to potential problems. They include:
- 1 Beep – High temperature measured at the evaporator outlet
- 2 Beep – Long Harvest Cycle
- 3 Beep – Long Freeze Cycle
- 4 Beep – Shorted Circuit on Mechanical Bin Sensor
- 5 Beep – Open Circuit on Mechanical Bin Sensor
- 6 Beep – Low Voltage supplied to Machine
- 7 Beep – High Voltage Supplied to Machine
Yes. Your ice machine will operate much better and limit the possibility of contamination if you do some regular light cleaning from time to time. An Automatic Icemakers deep cleaning can make an ice machine like new, but it doesn’t prevent dirt or contamination afterward. A regular cleaning schedule of air filters, bin, and exterior will help keep your ice supply safe and clean.
Yes, leaks are a relatively common ice machine problem and can cause all kinds of damage to the machine and surrounding area if they aren’t taken care of quickly. First, figure out if the leak is originating from the front or behind the shut-off valve (normally located behind the machine).
If you notice water leaking from behind the shut-off valve, it’s most likely coming from the water line. That repair will require a plumber.
If the leak is coming from the front of the valve, it’s most likely from the ice machine. For all leaks coming from inside the machine, call us, and we’ll send a technician out as soon as possible.
We Know Ice Machines
We’ve been servicing ice machines in Chicago since 1960 and are ready to solve your ice machine problems. Got a question? Contact us below!