BayCity Appliance Service

NFPA 96 (Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations) requires cleaning frequency based on cooking volume: monthly for solid fuel cooking (wood, charcoal); quarterly for high-volume cooking (24-hour operations, charbroiling); semi-annually for moderate-volume cooking; and annually for low-volume cooking (pizzerias, churches, seasonal businesses). Your local fire marshal may have additional requirements. Failure to comply can void your fire suppression system coverage.

Chemical dispensing problems are typically caused by: clogged or faulty chemical pumps, incorrect dilution ratios, empty chemical containers, broken injection lines, or control board issues. In low-temperature machines, proper chemical concentration is essential for sanitization — test strips should verify concentration after every repair. Many chemical distributors offer free testing; alternatively, a technician can verify and repair the dispensing system.

Consider replacement when: repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost, the equipment is over 75% of its expected lifespan, parts are no longer available, the equipment frequently breaks down, or energy costs are significantly higher than modern alternatives. Repair when: the equipment is relatively new, the repair is straightforward, and the total repair cost is well below replacement value. A qualified technician can help evaluate your specific situation.