What Happens During a Commercial Kitchen Planned Maintenance ?

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What Happens During a Commercial Kitchen Planned Maintenance Visit?

October 12, 2022

Planned maintenance is often one of the most beneficial services you can invest in for your commercial kitchen. By proactively addressing issues as they arise, you can better manage your operating budget, reduce downtime, and ensure your kitchen is operating at peak performance. After more than 25 years of serving restaurants in commercial kitchens in Tennessee, we’re proud of the affordable and flexible Planned Maintenance Programs that we’ve designed to help our customers extend the life of their equipment and improve the energy efficiency of their kitchen.

One of the most common questions we get when developing a customized maintenance plan is, “What are all the tasks ATECH completes during a planned maintenance visit?” In this article, we’re highlighting the most common areas of focus for our technicians.

What Happens During a Planned Maintenance Visit?

While ATECH works with each customer to design a plan based on their needs, here are the most frequent routines we incorporate into our planned maintenance program for restaurants and commercial kitchens in Tennessee:

1. Check and Clean Coolers, Freezers, and Ice Machines

Your restaurant's coolers and freezers are crucial for storing different ingredients at the correct, food-safe temperatures. Over time, the condenser coils on these machines become covered with grease and dust, which can create strain on your equipment. Without proper maintenance and care, your equipment’s components will have to work harder and consume more energy. This extra strain adds up over time costing more money to run the equipment and it can eventually cause units to break down.

ATECH’s technicians conduct a thorough inspection and cleaning routine for your cold-side equipment. This includes everything from checking gaskets and cleaning coils on your walk-ins and reach-ins to cleaning and sanitizing ice machines and replacing water filters.

2. Check and Clean Ventilation, Exhaust, and Supply Fans

Your ventilation hood is a piece of commercial kitchen equipment that often needs extra attention.
As part of our planned maintenance program, our technicians regularly work to check and assess the health of your ventilation system. Typical tasks include checking the blower wheel and system balance, oiling motor bearings, greasing blower shaft bearings, and replacing belts.

3. Inspect Kitchen Equipment

There are dozens of different equipment pieces your kitchen uses every single day. Making sure they’re operating at peak efficiency is key to avoiding serious issues that could cost you significant time and serious money.

At ATECH, our technicians have experience with conducting planned maintenance on equipment from more than 100 different manufacturers. Our planned maintenance program helps to inspect ovens, ranges, dishwashers, deep fryers, steamers, broilers, skillets, and other equipment that are critical to your commercial kitchen.

4. Check Heating & Cooling Systems

Our team also provides HVAC repair and maintenance services for kitchens. In addition to inspecting and optimizing your kitchen equipment, our planned maintenance programs include in-depth inspection of your heating and cooling systems.

Our planned maintenance routine for HVAC includes more than 20 different tasks such as cleaning condenser coils, checking refrigeration and operating pressures, securing terminal connections, and checking your electric or gas heat to make sure it’s ready for seasonal changes.

Knowing When to Scheduled Planned Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining your commercial kitchen equipment, it’s important to remember that the more frequently it’s used, the more regularly it will need to be maintained. So how often do you need scheduled planned maintenance appointments for your kitchen? Here are some general guidelines we encourage our customers to consider as part of their planned maintenance program:

Combi Oven or Convection Oven—Quarterly
Refrigerators and Coolers—Quarterly
Oven Hoods and Ventilation System—Professionally Clean Every 3 to 6 Months, Inspect Quarterly for Kitchens that Run 24 Hours a Day, or Twice Yearly for Most Restaurants
Dishwashers—Quarterly
Ice Machines—Quarterly with Filter Changes Every 6 Months

By scheduling maintenance based on equipment usage, you’ll extend the lifespan of your equipment and reduce the chance of an unexpected breakdown. ATECH can assist you with questions about frequency of planned maintenance visits based on your equipment usage.

Customize Your Kitchen’s Planned Maintenance Program with ATECH

At ATECH, our team is committed to repairing and maintaining your equipment quickly, efficiently, and effectively. Whether you are searching for a preventative maintenance program for 10 or 100 pieces of equipment, we can help! We offer bi-monthly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual maintenance programs for your convenience.

Reach out to us for a free consult and quote for your planned maintenance program.

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Spring into Cleanliness: Essential Tips for Restaurant Spring Cleaning

By markl • March 20, 2024

As the season changes and springtime blooms, it's the perfect opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate your restaurant space. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up; it's about ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for your patrons and staff. In this blog post, we'll explore some essential tips and best practices for restaurant cleanliness in the springtime. Embrace Deep Cleaning : Spring cleaning is the ideal time to tackle those deep cleaning tasks that may have been neglected during the busier seasons. From scrubbing floors and walls to deep cleaning kitchen equipment, thorough sanitation ensures a hygienic environment for food preparation and service. Focus on High-Traffic Areas : Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as dining areas, restrooms, and entryways. These areas are prone to accumulating dirt, dust, and germs, making regular cleaning essential for maintaining a pristine appearance and preventing the spread of illness. Refresh Outdoor Spaces : If your restaurant has outdoor seating areas, spring is the perfect time to freshen them up. Clean outdoor furniture, sweep away debris, and power wash outdoor surfaces to create an inviting atmosphere for al fresco dining. Check and Replace Equipment Filters : Don't forget to inspect and replace filters in HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and ventilation hoods. Clean filters help maintain air quality and prevent the buildup of contaminants, ensuring a healthy indoor environment for both customers and staff. Engage Staff in Cleaning Initiatives : Encourage staff members to take pride in the cleanliness of the restaurant by involving them in spring cleaning initiatives. Assign specific tasks and provide training on proper cleaning procedures to ensure consistency and effectiveness. Implement Regular Maintenance Schedule : Establish a regular maintenance schedule to keep up with cleaning tasks throughout the year. By incorporating daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines, you can maintain a high standard of cleanliness and prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime. Invest in Quality Cleaning Products : Choose cleaning products that are effective yet environmentally friendly. Look for products that are certified as safe for use in foodservice establishments and follow manufacturer recommendations for proper application and usage. Monitor and Adjust Cleaning Protocols : Continuously monitor cleaning protocols and adjust as needed based on feedback, customer traffic, and changing regulations. Regular evaluation ensures that your cleaning practices remain effective and in compliance with industry standards. Spring cleaning is an essential aspect of restaurant maintenance that goes beyond just aesthetics. By implementing thorough cleaning routines, engaging staff members, and investing in quality cleaning products, you can create a safe, hygienic environment that enhances the dining experience for your customers and promotes a healthy work environment for your staff. As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that ATECH is here to support you with a wide range of cleaning and maintenance solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your restaurant. Happy spring cleaning!

Mastering Winter with ATECH: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

By markl • January 26, 2024

Winter is here, and at ATECH, we understand the unique challenges businesses face in keeping their commercial equipment running smoothly during the colder months. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the strategies, tips, and success stories that can help your business navigate winter effortlessly. From equipment maintenance to emergency services, consider this your go-to resource for mastering winter with ATECH. Winter Equipment Maintenance Tips Checklist for Winter-Ready Equipment: Inspect Seals and Gaskets : Ensure a tight seal to prevent cold air leakage. Check Insulation : Evaluate the insulation of walk-in coolers and freezers. Clean and Sanitize : Thoroughly clean and sanitize all equipment surfaces. Temperature Adjustment : Set optimal winter temperatures for each piece of equipment. ATech Maintenance Tips for Different Equipment: Fryers and Grills : Clean and inspect burners for efficient operation. Ice Machines : Check water lines for insulation and replace filters regularly. Heating Systems : Schedule preventive maintenance to optimize efficiency. Electronic Equipment : Keep spaces well-heated and clean to prevent malfunctions. Businesses often grapple with specific equipment failures that can disrupt operations. ATECH understands the challenges posed by heating system malfunctions, electronic equipment performance, and other issues during the colder months. To tackle these common winter-related failures, businesses should prioritize preventive measures. Regular heating system maintenance checks and air filter replacements can prevent malfunctions. For electronic equipment, maintaining ambient room temperature and conducting routine cleaning are key strategies to ensure optimal performance throughout winter. ATECH's Winter Services: A Lifeline for Your Business Winter demands a proactive approach to equipment maintenance, and ATECH stands as the lifeline for businesses navigating the challenges of the season. Our comprehensive winter services go beyond mere repair and include prompt equipment repairs, planned maintenance, and emergency services. With a commitment to same-day service for urgent winter emergencies, ATECH ensures that businesses can rely on swift resolution during critical times. What sets us apart is our team of factory-trained and CFESA-certified technicians, offering not just reliability but a dedicated partnership to keep your business running smoothly through the coldest months. Trust in ATECH, your lifeline in the winter business landscape. Winter doesn't have to be a season of uncertainty for your business. With ATECH by your side, you have a reliable partner dedicated to providing top-notch equipment repairs and maintenance services. Master winter with confidence, knowing that our comprehensive guide and expert services are here to support your business every step of the way. For personalized winter readiness assessments and expert guidance, contact ATECH today. Let's navigate winter together, and keep your business thriving.