What is winterization?

Winterization is the process of removing all water in the condensing lines of your Electro Freeze frozen dessert equipment. 

Why winterize your equipment?

In the winter, when temperatures get close to freezing, the water inside your equipment can freeze causing the internal plumbing lines of the machines to crack.  This allows water to enter your system which will destroy the major components (compressors, condensors, etc) of your machines.   Winterization prevents this by removing all water from the system

Dangers of not winterizing?

Extremely expensive repairs to your equipment – thousands of dollars at risk for a small winterization fee.  At times, the repairs can be so bad and expensive, that machines cannot even be repaired.  That is not a great way to start your season.  Even if you have heat in your building over the winter, you should still winterize.  I’ve seen many instances where the heat in a building breaks or stops working for a time period.  By the time the owner realizes it, it is too late.   You also want to have the confidence that when your season picks back up again in the spring, you don’t have to worry about water in your system. 

Why Sentry Equipment?

At Sentry, we know our Electro Freeze brand and the proper procedure in winterizing the equipment.  We will professionally winterize your equipment and guarantee the job.  Should there be any issues caused by the winterization upon startup the next spring we will cover any and all repairs. 

How do you schedule winterization?

Simply call the office at 800-853-8026 or email to service@sentryequipment.net to schedule a full winterization.  There we can discuss the costs and process and accommodate a time for our technicians to come out to your location. 

Steps For Machine Shutdown

Proper Soft Serve & Shake Machine Shut Down

1. Completely break down and clean unit—Do not reassemble
2. Remove all O-rings and transfer hoses and discard as needed. If hoses and/or O-rings are still usable, keep in separate bag for use next season
3. Brush clean the cylinders and mix transfer lines
4. Allow all equipment parts to completely air dry and place all parts either in mix tanks in cabinet or outside the machine in a cool, dry area.
5. Do not reassemble head over the winter
6. Clean cabinet door gasket and allow to dry
7. Ensure that refrigerated cabinet door is open over the winter to avoid mold buildup
8. Water cooled equipment should be winterized to blow out water lines and prevent possible damage. Even if you have machine in heated building, winterization is still recommended.
9. Unplug the machine, shut circuit breaker and shut off any water supply to the unit
10. Review all spare parts inventory and make a list of what is needed for following year startup.

Proper Batch Machine Shut Down

1. Completely break down and clean unit—Do not reassemble
2. Remove all O-rings and discard as needed. If O-rings are still usable, keep in separate bag for use next season
3. Allow all equipment parts to completely air dry and place all parts on top of unit or outside the machine in a cool, dry area
4. Leave door open over the winter to prevent mold
5. Water cooled equipment should be winterized to blow out water lines and prevent possible damage. Even if you have machine in heated building, winterization is still recommended.
6. Unplug the machine, shut circuit breaker and shut off any water supply to the unit
7. Review all spare parts inventory and make a list of what is needed for following year startup