Summary
Cold weather creates predictable problems in commercial kitchens—from dishmachines missing sanitizing temperatures to ice machines freezing up and walk-ins sweating or icing. This guide explains the most common winter equipment failures, quick fixes operators can try, and clear signs it’s time to call Aldevra for service.
1. Why Is My Dishmachine Not Hitting Temperature?
Common Winter Causes
- Cold incoming water lowers final rinse temperature
- Frozen or restricted water lines slow down fill cycles
- Booster heater overworked due to temperature drop
- Scale buildup causing heat-transfer issues
- Increased hot-side demand from kitchen workflow
Quick Fixes
- Let the dishmachine run a few cycles to warm up
- Verify hot water supply is above 120°F
- Check the booster heater reset switch
- Inspect spray arms for blockages
- Ensure no cold drafts are hitting machine or water lines
- Remove scale from jets, rinse arm, and heater
When to Call Aldevra
- The machine fails to reach required sanitizing temps consistently
- Booster heater is tripping resets
- Water inlet is frozen, slow, or inconsistent
2. Why Is My Ice Machine Not Making Ice in Winter?
Common Winter Causes
- Frozen inlet or drain lines
- Low water pressure caused by cold temps
- Mechanical rooms too cold (below manufacturer minimums)
- Blocked air intake from snow or debris
- Scale buildup from inconsistent water temps
- Bin thermistor errors triggered by temperature swings
Quick Fixes
- Check that the machine is not in a cold draft or near an exterior wall
- Inspect drain and inlet lines for freezing or slow flow
- Replace water filter (winter reduces flow rate)
- Remove scale from evaporator plate
- Make sure the bin sensor is clean and unobstructed
- Verify ambient temperature is within the manufacturer's spec
(Most require 40–90°F ambient)
When to Call Aldevra
- Ice machine repeatedly shuts off
- Water flow is inconsistent or frozen
- Ice is forming in sheets instead of cubes/chewable nuggets
3. Why Is My Walk-In Sweating or Icing?
Common Winter Causes
- Warm interior air meeting cold surfaces
- Door left open too long
- Failed or damaged door gaskets from cold contraction
- Strip curtains missing or damaged
- Poor airflow around evaporator coils
- Defrost cycle issues
Quick Fixes
- Inspect the door gasket for cracks, gaps, or suction failure
- Ensure the door closes fully—adjust hinges if needed
- Replace or reinstall strip curtains
- Remove ice buildup on floors and ceilings
- Make sure evaporator fans are unobstructed
- Check defrost timer settings
- Do NOT use heat guns or boiling water inside the walk-in
When to Call Aldevra
- Condensation continues after fixing gaskets and strips
- Door won’t stay closed or seal fully
- Ice buildup returns within 24–48 hours
- The walk-in is warming or cycling excessively
4. Why Does My Steamer or Combi Oven Show Low Water?
Common Winter Causes
- Cold incoming water causing slow fill
- Frozen or partially frozen inlet lines
- Scale buildup in the boiler or generator
- Blocked sensors or probes
- Drain lines too cold, triggering safety shutoffs
- Erratic water pressure from facility-wide winter demands
Quick Fixes
- Check that the water inlet line is not frozen
- Run warm water through nearby faucets to increase flow
- Clean the water level probe (scale causes false readings)
- Descale the boiler or steam generator
- Ensure the drain is unobstructed and not freezing
- Verify that ambient temperature is above 40°F
When to Call Aldevra
- The unit repeatedly trips the low-water alarm
- Boil-over, steam loss, or temperature inconsistency occurs
- Water inlet line continues to freeze
- Visible scale buildup persists after descaling
5. Quick Winter Equipment Checklist (Fast Reference)
Before Calling for Service
- Is the equipment exposed to cold drafts?
- Are walk-in or equipment-room doors sealed?
- Are water lines insulated?
- Is ambient temperature above minimum spec?
- Is the machine scaled, dirty, or overdue for cleaning?
- Are inlet/drain lines flowing correctly?
- Did a breaker trip or reset switch activate?
If the Power Went Out
- Keep walk-in doors CLOSED
- Check product temperatures immediately once power returns
- Inspect floor for meltwater or leaks
- Check for frozen lines near exterior walls
- Restart equipment one unit at a time
6. When It’s Time to Call Aldevra
Aldevra supports commercial kitchens, VA hospitals, federal facilities, schools, and restaurants nationwide with:
- Troubleshooting
- Preventive maintenance
- Emergency dispatch
- Equipment upgrades & replacements
- Fast-turn parts orders
Aldevra Service & Support
(269) 350-1337
