Appliance Repair Technician Blog

Blocked or frozen defrost drains create ice slabs, puddles, and repeat high-temp alarms. This field guide shows how I clear the line, restore heat tape and insulation, correct slope and venting, and tune defrost/fan-delay and door behavior so meltwater leaves the box every time—no refreeze, no slip hazards, no callbacks.

Improper loading blocks airflow, starves the evaporator, and creates hot/cold pockets, heavy frost, and long runtimes. This field guide shows the fixes that work—clearances around coils and walls, open aisles, staged deliveries, wire shelving, and proper defrost/fan-delay checks—so your walk-in pulls down fast and keeps product safely at temperature.

Propped or frequently opened doors flood a walk-in with warm, wet air. Moisture freezes on coils and frames, temps spike, runtimes climb, and product quality slips. This field guide shows how I fix door-driven issues fast—timed hold-open, curtains, gaskets, alignment, frame heat—and then commission the system by the numbers so the box pulls down quickly and stays clear and cold.

Cracked or flattened walk-in gaskets let warm, wet air flood the box—frost builds, runtimes spike, and compressors overheat. This field guide shows exactly how I diagnose leaks, realign doors, replace seals, restore frame/threshold heat, and recommission by the numbers so temps stay steady and ice disappears.

Broken, slow, or backward-spinning fans wreck airflow, creating hot/cold spots, long runtimes, and high head pressure. This field guide shows how I diagnose evaporator vs. condenser fan failures, replace the right parts (motor/capacitor/blade), restore ventilation, and recommission by the numbers so your walk-in holds steady temps and your compressor lives longer.

Dust, grease, or a stifling mechanical closet push head pressure sky-high, stretching runtimes and cooking compressors. This field guide shows how I diagnose and fix the real cause—deep-cleaning the condenser from the clean side out, repairing fan/capacitor issues, restoring ventilation, and verifying charge/controls only after airflow is right—so your walk-in pulls down fast and stays efficient.

Walk-in freezing too hard or not cooling at all? The culprit is often the temperature controller—bad sensor, wrong parameter, or failed relay. This field guide shows how I diagnose controller problems, verify probes, set proper differentials and defrost/fan-delay logic, and commission the box so temperatures stay steady and compressors live longer.

Frost-packed coils, snowy ceilings, or an iced threshold mean moisture is entering the walk-in and defrost isn’t clearing it. This field guide shows how I diagnose and fix the real causes—defrost heaters/termination, fan delay, door gaskets and curtains, drain heat, and airflow—then recommission the box by the numbers so it stays clear, cold, and efficient.

Refrigerant loss starves the evaporator and forces long, hot compressor runs—your walk-in won’t pull down and product temps drift. This field guide shows how to spot leak symptoms, separate them from airflow/defrost issues, find and repair the leak, replace driers, deep-evacuate, and weigh in the charge. Clear numbers, real cases, and a maintenance plan from ALANSY Appliance repair & Refrigeration.

Compressor running hot or nonstop and the walk-in won’t pull down? This guide explains how airflow, refrigerant charge, and electrical issues push compressors past their limits—and what to check before product is at risk. Field tips and a prevention checklist from ALANSY Appliance repair & Refrigeration

From a working technician: how to decode and eliminate unusual noises in commercial ice machines. Learn the sound-to-component map (fan growl, pump cavitation, valve buzz, panel rattle, gearbox grind), the 10-minute triage to localize noise in a busy kitchen, and the component-specific fixes that last—fan blades and capacitors, pump cleaning and seals, valve mounting and pressure control, isolation for panels and piping. Includes safety notes, a full SOP, preventive maintenance cadence, a decision tree for rush-hour emergencies, and field case studies. Quiet machines run cooler, make more ice, and avoid expensive failures.

From a working technician: why commercial ice machines freeze over and how to stop it fast. Learn the real causes—harvest heat failures (hot-gas, low charge, weak compressor), sensor/timing errors (thickness probes, thermistors, conductivity), water geometry (scale, uneven distribution, overfill), and installation issues (level, airflow). Follow a step-by-step on-site routine: safe defrost → descale/sanitize → observe a full cycle → test hot-gas and sensors → fix refrigeration/airflow → verify two clean cycles. Includes prevention (PM cadence by water hardness, RO blend targets, condenser care), case studies, a triage decision tree, and the exact tools that keep ice releasing cleanly every time.

From a working technician: a deep, practical guide to refrigeration failures in commercial ice machines. Learn how to tell a refrigerant leak from a compressor problem, separate true low-charge from restrictions, and use pressure, superheat, subcooling, amps, and discharge temperature to prove the fault. See leak-finding methods (electronic, nitrogen, bubbles), the right repair workflow (drier replacement, deep evacuation, standing vacuum, charge by weight), and full compressor replacement protocol—including burnout cleanup and hydrocarbon (R290/R600a) safety. Includes harvest/hot-gas interactions, root causes (dirty condenser, TXV bulb errors, floodback, water-cooled scaling), verification steps (two good cycles, log numbers), PM schedules, case studies, and a fast decision tree to get production back without guesswork.

From a working technician: a complete manual for stopping and preventing water leaks in commercial ice machines. Learn how to triage safely (power/water off, contain), identify the true source (inlet valve, dump valve, filter head, hoses/fittings, recirculation pump, distribution tubes, drains, bin and door), and fix it correctly with the right sealants, parts, and tests. Includes step-by-step diagnostics (supply vs process vs drain), component-specific repair SOPs, pressure and water-hammer control, air-gap and drain-slope standards, verification across full cycles, PM schedules by water quality, and case studies to match your symptoms. Keep your machine dry, your floor safe, and your production steady

From a working technician: a complete, practical guide to faulty sensors in commercial ice machines—bin switches, optical/ultrasonic bin controls, conductivity and mechanical thickness probes, water level devices, and thermistors. Learn failure symptoms, contamination causes (scale, slime, sugar), exact multimeter and service-mode tests, OEM-safe cleaning/descaling methods, replacement and calibration steps, environmental fixes (RO blend, steam control), and PM checklists. Includes case studies, a triage decision tree, and staff habits that prevent callbacks.

A working tech explains how thermostat/sensor faults derail freeze and harvest cycles in commercial ice machines, how to diagnose (placement, resistance tests, board checks), what to replace, and how to calibrate and verify steady production.

From a working tech: how dirty condenser coils choke heat rejection in commercial ice machines, the exact cleaning SOP (safe for fin-and-tube and microchannel), fan/airflow fixes, placement rules, maintenance cadence, and a checklist to prevent high-pressure shutdowns.

From a tech’s perspective: how slime and mold take hold in commercial ice machines, the exact SOP to remove them (wash→descale→sanitize), the fixes for drains/sensors/valves, and a prevention program with staff habits, cadence, and inspector-ready logs.

From the tech’s bench: why hard-water scale cripples commercial ice machines, where it hides (valves, probes, evaporators), how I descale safely, what to replace, and the filtration/service schedule that keeps production up—plus a printable field checklist.

Commercial ice maker slowing down? Clogged filters or weak water flow are the usual culprits—causing small/hollow cubes, error codes, and shutdowns. Quick checks and a simple prevention plan from ALANSY Appliance repair & Refrigeration.

Your commercial oven is blowing hot greasy air in your face, leaking smoke around the door, or filling the line with a burnt smell during normal cooking — not just when you open it. That usually means the oven’s internal airflow and sealing have failed. In the article I explain the real causes: weak or failing convection fan, heavy grease/carbon buildup inside the cavity air path, a crushed/burned door gasket that can’t seal, or a failed cooling fan that’s letting the unit overheat and vent smell into the kitchen. I also cover what we do on site — restore fan performance, clear airflow, replace the door gasket, and realign the door — so vapor and odor stay in the oven instead of rolling across the cookline and into dining.

Loud grinding, rattling, or high-pitched squealing during operation is almost never “just old equipment.” It usually means a failing fan assembly: bent fan blades scraping the housing, loose or vibrating motor mounts, or bearings that are about to seize. In the article I explain how to tell the difference between grinding, rattling, and squeal, why noise often starts once the unit heats up, when it’s actually unsafe to keep running, and how we fix it by replacing convection/cooling fan motors or blades and securing the mounts so the unit runs smooth and doesn’t cook itself.

Equipment heats up, runs for a few minutes, then shuts itself off in the middle of a cook cycle? That’s almost always overheating protection, not “the unit being dumb.” In this post I explain why hot equipment (ovens, warmers, combis, etc.) trips mid-cycle: dead or weak cooling/convection fans, blocked vents, bad airflow, or a high-limit safety opening because the unit is cooking itself. I cover what we check (fans, high-limit, wiring heat damage, ventilation/clearance), why you should not keep resetting it, and how we get it to finish a full cycle without dying.

Oven door won’t stay closed or you feel hot air leaking from the edge? That’s not “just annoying,” that’s lost heat and inconsistent food. In this post I explain why commercial oven doors stop sealing: crushed/burned gasket, sagging hinges, weak latch that won’t pull the door tight. I cover how this hurts preheat, recovery, cook times, and energy use — and how we fix it by fitting a new high-temp door gasket, realigning or replacing hinges, and adjusting the latch so the door seals and holds temperature like it should.

Breaker or GFCI keeps tripping when you turn equipment on, or the unit goes dark with no display? That’s not “weak power,” that’s protection doing its job. In this post I explain the real causes: short-to-ground from damaged wiring or failed heating elements, moisture or grease inside electrical sections, overloaded circuits, and burned control components. I also cover what we test (insulation/ground fault, wiring, relays, boards), why you should NOT keep resetting the breaker, and how we get the unit running again safely without popping the panel every 30 seconds.

Smell gas in the kitchen? This isn’t “finish the rush and we’ll look later.” In this post I explain what to do first (shut off gas, ventilate, clear people if the smell is strong), why leaks happen — loose fittings, bad regulators/valves, pilots or ignition that’s dumping raw gas, dirty combustion — and what we do on site: pressure/leak testing, repairing or replacing the leaking connection or regulator, and verifying the burner is lighting and burning clean before it goes back in service.

One burner won’t light, one side of the griddle is stone cold, or one oven element won’t heat? That’s a classic “dead zone.” In this post I explain why individual zones fail: burned-out electric elements, clogged or non-igniting gas burners, bad relays/thermostats feeding that section, or safety lockouts. I walk through how we diagnose power/gas to that zone, test the element/valve/igniter, and get that section heating again so you’re not cooking everything on half the equipment.

Control panel dead, stuck, or throwing error codes? In this post I explain what’s actually failing on commercial ovens/fryers/steamers when the panel won’t respond: low-voltage power issues, worn keypads/touch panels, and damaged control boards. I walk through how we diagnose the fault (power, keypad, board, sensors), when it’s unsafe to keep running, and how we get the unit back so it turns on, takes input, and runs normally during service.

Product keeps coming out uneven — edges burned, center still raw, back corner darker than the rest? That’s almost always an airflow problem, not a recipe problem. In this article I explain the real causes of uneven cooking in commercial ovens: weak or failing convection fans, blocked airflow (pans/foil choking circulation), bad or missing baffles, and control/probe behavior that favors one hot spot and ignores the rest. I also cover how we restore even airflow, replace/repair the fan, fix gaskets, and tune controls so trays cook consistently without constant rotation.

Oven can’t hold a steady temperature — it spikes hot, then drops cold, and every batch cooks different? That’s usually control failure, not “old oven.” In this post I explain why you get big swings: sticking relays that keep dumping heat, a bad temperature probe feeding false readings, and an out-of-tune PID/thermostat that’s overcorrecting. I also cover how we stabilize the heat output, replace or recalibrate the probe, tune the controller, and get the oven holding a consistent cook temp again.

Oven won’t get past 250–300°F or takes forever to preheat? In this post I explain the real reasons: blown door gasket leaking heat, weak burners/elements, bad temp probe lying to the control board, or safety/airflow issues that shut heat off early. I walk through how we load-test the heat circuit, replace gaskets, and recalibrate the sensor so the oven actually reaches and holds the set temperature during service.

Burner keeps clicking but never lights? This article (written from a working tech’s point of view) explains why commercial stove burners won’t ignite, what’s safe and not safe to do, and how we usually fix it in one visit — cleaning clogged ports, servicing the igniter, and setting proper air–fuel mix. Clear, practical info for kitchen managers and chefs.

This guide provides insights into common ice machine problems, offering troubleshooting steps and repair tips to help businesses maintain their equipment effectively.

This guide provides insights into common stove and oven problems, offering troubleshooting steps and repair tips to help homeowners fix their appliances effectively.

This article addresses the top five questions regarding gas smells from ovens, providing essential safety tips and insights from a technician's perspective.

This article explains the common reasons why refrigerators may not cool properly, including thermostat issues, dirty condenser coils, and faulty fans. It provides troubleshooting steps and maintenance tips to prevent future problems.

This article provides essential tips for restaurant owners on managing power outages, focusing on equipment safety and food preservation during emergencies.

This article discusses common issues that can cause a wine cooler to not cool properly, including thermostat malfunctions, dirty condenser coils, and blocked fans. It provides troubleshooting tips and emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance.

This article discusses common issues that can cause a washing machine to not spin, including worn belts, faulty lid switches, and motor coupling problems. It provides troubleshooting tips and emphasizes the importance of timely repairs.

This article discusses common issues with washer-dryer combos, including overheating, clogged vents, and operational failures. It provides troubleshooting tips and emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance.

This article discusses common issues with walk-in freezers not being cold enough, including compressor failures, leaks, and insulation problems. It emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance contracts to prevent these issues.

This article provides a guide on the importance of walk-in cooler door seals, the impact of worn gaskets, and steps for inspecting and replacing seals to prevent energy waste and food spoilage.

This article explores common causes of vending machine cooling problems, including compressor failures and fan malfunctions. It provides maintenance tips to ensure efficient operation.

This article provides a detailed overview of troubleshooting vacuum sealers, including common causes of sealing failures, simple fixes, and advice for when to seek professional repair. It is essential reading for anyone facing vacuum sealer issues.

This article outlines the top seven mistakes people make with their dryers, providing insights and advice from a technician on how to avoid these common pitfalls.

This article provides a detailed overview of troubleshooting moisture-sensing dryers, including common causes of sensor failure, testing methods, and advice for homeowners. It is essential reading for anyone facing dryer sensor issues.

This article shares insights from a technician on the most common freezer problems, offering tips on prevention and maintenance to help homeowners keep their freezers running smoothly.

This article compares the pros and cons of repairing versus replacing a washing machine, providing insights and recommendations from a technician's perspective.

This article explains the causes of fogging in refrigerated display cases, including high humidity and inadequate airflow. It provides solutions for improving visibility and product presentation.

This article discusses common issues that can cause an oven to not heat, including broken heating elements, blown fuses, and faulty thermostats. It provides troubleshooting tips and emphasizes the importance of timely repairs.

This article discusses common issues that can cause range burners to not ignite, including blocked igniters, faulty switches, and gas supply problems. It provides troubleshooting tips and emphasizes the importance of timely repairs.

This article discusses the issue of uneven heating in pizza ovens, focusing on calibration and fan problems. It provides maintenance tips for pizzerias to ensure consistent cooking results.

This article discusses the causes of juicer motor overheating, including overloading and poor ventilation. It provides practical prevention tips to maintain juicer performance.

This article provides a step-by-step guide for troubleshooting a dishwasher that won’t drain, covering common issues and safe checks to help homeowners fix their dishwasher.

This troubleshooting guide covers common reasons why ice makers fail to produce ice, including water line problems, clogged filters, and electrical faults. It provides steps for troubleshooting, cleaning tips, and advice on when to seek expert service.

This article explains how poor maintenance leads to ice machines producing dirty ice. It provides cleaning advice for restaurants, including filter changes and sanitizing steps.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to clean and maintain refrigerator coils, emphasizing the importance of fridge maintenance and appliance care.

This article provides a troubleshooting guide for fryers not heating oil, discussing common causes like faulty thermostats and heating elements. It includes safety warnings and maintenance tips.

This article discusses common issues that can cause a garbage disposal to jam, including bones, utensils, and grease buildup. It provides troubleshooting tips and emphasizes the importance of timely repairs.

This article discusses common electrical issues with kitchen equipment, including wiring faults, safe checks, and when to hire a licensed electrician. It is essential reading for anyone facing electrical repair challenges.

This article discusses the importance of fire suppression system maintenance and inspections in commercial kitchens. It outlines key inspections performed and how they protect kitchen safety.

This article discusses common issues that can cause a freezer to run but not freeze food, including failing evaporator fans, broken seals, and defrost system problems. It provides troubleshooting tips and emphasizes the importance of timely repairs to prevent food spoilage.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of electrical issues with kitchen equipment, detailing common wiring faults, safe checks, and when to hire a licensed electrician. It is essential reading for anyone facing electrical repair challenges.

This article discusses common issues that can cause a dryer to not heat, including failed heating elements, thermal fuses, and vent blockages. It provides troubleshooting tips and emphasizes the importance of timely repairs.

This article discusses common issues that can cause a dishwasher to not drain, including drain pump failures, hose clogs, and sensor problems. It provides troubleshooting tips and emphasizes the importance of timely repairs.

This article provides insights into diagnosing common issues with steamers not producing steam, including scale buildup, water supply problems, and heater failures. It emphasizes the importance of timely repairs for efficient kitchen operations.

Real-world story from a service call: I find clogged baffle filters, a slipping roof-fan belt, and starved make-up air—and walk you through the simple routine that fixes it. Use my daily/weekly/monthly checklist, red-flags, and quick wins (spare filter sets, labeled belts, current suppression tags) to keep airflow strong, staff safe, and inspectors happy. Service by ALANSY Appliance repair & Refrigeration.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to commercial hood installation, detailing essential steps, common mistakes, and relevant codes. It is a must-read for anyone looking to set up a kitchen hood.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of troubleshooting conveyor oven belt issues, including common causes, diagnosis methods, and preventive maintenance tips. It is essential reading for anyone facing conveyor oven repair challenges.

This article discusses common issues that can cause a commercial restaurant oven to not heat, including burned-out heating elements, gas supply issues, and control panel failures. It provides troubleshooting tips and emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance to avoid kitchen downtime.

This article provides troubleshooting tips for blenders not blending properly, discussing common causes like dull blades and motor failures. It includes safe tests customers can perform at home.

This article provides insights from a professional technician on common issues with commercial ice makers, including water supply problems, clogged filters, and maintenance tips to ensure optimal performance.

This article explores the top benefits of local appliance repair services, emphasizing faster response times, cost savings, personalized service, and community support.

This article discusses the critical role of technicians in appliance repair, highlighting their expertise, the services they provide, and why hiring a professional is essential for effective repairs.

This comprehensive guide on how to repair your dishwasher covers common issues, troubleshooting steps, and when to call a professional, ensuring efficient operation and longevity of your appliance.

This comprehensive washing machine troubleshooting guide helps homeowners identify and fix common issues, ensuring efficient operation and longevity of their appliances.

Explore the appliance upkeep guide 2025 for households and businesses to ensure your appliances run efficiently and last longer.

Explore why appliance repair needs certification and its importance for safety, quality, and professional standards in the industry.