Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Samco Facilities Maintenance commercial HVAC services, preventive maintenance programs, emergency response, and service areas in Southeast Michigan.

General Questions

What services does Samco Facilities Maintenance provide?

Samco provides commercial HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance; commercial refrigeration service (walk-in coolers, freezers, reach-in units); food equipment repair; preventive maintenance programs; window cleaning; and manufacturing HVAC systems. We serve restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, schools, industrial facilities, and commercial office buildings throughout Southeast Michigan. Every service is handled by our own W-2 employees – we do not subcontract any work.

What areas does Samco serve?

We serve Southeast Michigan, covering Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties, including Metro Detroit and surrounding communities. If you are unsure whether your location falls within our service area, call us at (734) 838-6300 and we can confirm before scheduling.

What are your business hours?

Our office is open Monday through Friday, standard business hours. Emergency dispatch is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. Commercial facilities do not stop operating because it is 2 a.m. – neither do we.

How fast can you respond to an emergency?

We dispatch a technician within 15 minutes of your call. In most cases, we are on-site within 60 to 90 minutes. Response time depends on your location within Southeast Michigan and current call volume, but emergency calls always take priority over scheduled work. Reach our emergency line at (734) 838-6300.

How long has Samco been in business?

Samco Facilities Maintenance was founded in 1997 and is based in Livonia, Michigan. The Saad family brings over 90 years of combined industry experience to the company. We are BBB A+ rated and have maintained an active presence in the Southeast Michigan commercial service market for nearly three decades.

Does Samco work with large commercial clients?

Yes. Our client base includes national and regional brands such as KFC, Taco Bell, JLL, Bosch, and ArcelorMittal, along with independent restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities. We are set up for multi-location accounts and can coordinate service schedules across sites.

HVAC Questions

How long do commercial rooftop units (RTUs) typically last?

A commercial rooftop unit that is properly maintained will last 15 to 20 years. Units that run without a preventive maintenance program typically fail in 8 to 12 years – often earlier if they operate in demanding environments like restaurants or manufacturing facilities. Factors affecting lifespan include refrigerant charge, filter changes, heat exchanger condition, and coil cleanliness. ASHRAE recommends quarterly inspections for most commercial RTU applications.

How do I know whether to repair or replace my commercial HVAC unit?

The standard industry rule is the 5000 rule: multiply the unit’s age (in years) by the estimated repair cost. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacement is usually the better financial decision. Other factors that favor replacement include R-22 refrigerant systems (phased out and now costly to service), persistent efficiency losses, frequent repeat failures, and units older than 15 years. Our technicians will walk you through the numbers before recommending either path.

Can Samco integrate with our building automation system (BAS)?

Yes. Our technicians are experienced with BACnet, Modbus, and proprietary BAS platforms. We can service HVAC equipment connected to existing automation systems and, in many cases, help optimize setpoints and scheduling to reduce energy consumption. If you are considering adding automation to an existing facility, we can assess compatibility and recommend approaches based on your equipment inventory.

What energy efficiency improvements can Samco recommend for our facility?

Common improvements we evaluate include refrigerant charge optimization (an undercharged unit can lose 15 to 20 percent efficiency), economizer repair and calibration, variable frequency drive (VFD) retrofits for fan motors, programmable setback controls, and coil cleaning. The DOE estimates that neglected commercial HVAC systems consume 25 to 40 percent more energy than properly maintained ones. We document baseline performance and track improvements over time through our PM reporting.

Refrigeration Questions

Do you service walk-in coolers and freezers?

Yes. Walk-in cooler and freezer service is a core part of our business. We handle compressor repair and replacement, evaporator and condenser coil service, refrigerant leak detection and recharge, door gasket replacement, and defrost system diagnostics. We work on both self-contained units and remote condensing systems. For food service clients, we understand that a walk-in failure is an immediate food safety and revenue issue – we treat it accordingly.

Do you service commercial ice machines?

Yes. We service commercial ice machines including cleaning, sanitizing, component repair, and refrigerant service. Ice machines are one of the most maintenance-intensive pieces of commercial food equipment and are frequently cited in health department inspections when not properly maintained. We recommend cleaning and sanitizing every six months at minimum, more often in high-use environments.

What is the R-410A phasedown and how does it affect my business?

Under the EPA AIM Act, R-410A refrigerant is being phased down starting in 2025. New equipment manufactured after January 1, 2025 must use lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B or R-32. If you have existing R-410A equipment, it can continue to operate and be serviced with reclaimed or stockpiled refrigerant, but costs will rise as supply tightens. If you are planning equipment replacements in the next two to three years, we recommend specifying R-454B compatible units now. We are fully stocked and certified for both legacy and new refrigerants.

Can you monitor refrigeration temperatures remotely for our locations?

Yes. We can recommend and install temperature monitoring systems that send real-time alerts to your facility manager (and to us) if a unit drifts outside safe ranges. This is particularly valuable for multi-location food service and grocery operators where a failing unit overnight can mean thousands in product loss before staff arrive in the morning. Ask about monitoring options when you speak with our team.

Preventive Maintenance Programs

What does a Samco preventive maintenance program include?

Our PM programs cover inspection and cleaning of all major components: filters, coils (evaporator and condenser), belts, electrical connections, refrigerant charge verification, thermostat calibration, drain line clearing, and safety control testing. We document condition findings and flag items approaching failure before they cause downtime. Clients receive a written report after every visit. Programs are available on quarterly and monthly frequencies depending on equipment type and usage intensity.

How much do preventive maintenance programs cost?

PM program pricing depends on the number of units, equipment type, facility size, and visit frequency. A typical small commercial facility with two to four rooftop units on a quarterly program runs in the range of a few hundred dollars per quarter. Multi-location accounts and facilities with refrigeration or food equipment alongside HVAC are priced accordingly. We provide a written quote after a site walkthrough at no charge. The ROI case is straightforward: PM programs reduce unplanned breakdowns by up to 70 percent and extend equipment life by 5 to 8 years compared to run-to-fail maintenance.

How often should our commercial HVAC equipment be serviced?

ASHRAE Guideline 36 and most equipment manufacturers recommend at minimum two inspections per year for light commercial applications, and quarterly service for equipment in demanding environments (restaurants, manufacturing, grocery). Refrigeration equipment should be inspected at least quarterly. Ice machines should be cleaned every three to six months. High-use equipment in restaurants or food processing facilities may warrant monthly visits. We will recommend a schedule based on your specific equipment and operating hours.

What is the ROI on preventive maintenance versus reactive repairs?

Facilities that run reactive-only maintenance spend two to five times more on repairs over a 10-year period than facilities on structured PM programs, according to DOE facility management benchmarks. Beyond repair costs, the bigger exposure for most commercial operators is downtime: a failed walk-in cooler or a restaurant without air conditioning during a Michigan summer generates losses that dwarf any PM program cost. Our clients on quarterly PM programs report dramatically fewer emergency calls compared to their pre-Samco experience.

Food Equipment Questions

What commercial food equipment brands does Samco service?

We service a wide range of commercial food equipment including fryers, ovens, steamers, griddles, dishwashers, warming equipment, and refrigeration units from manufacturers such as Manitowoc, Hoshizaki, Vulcan, Hobart, True, and others. If you have a specific piece of equipment you are unsure about, call us and we can confirm serviceability before scheduling a visit.

Do you perform commercial hood cleaning?

We can coordinate hood cleaning as part of a broader facility maintenance program. Contact us to discuss your kitchen ventilation needs and we will outline the right approach for your facility type and cooking volume. NFPA 96 requires hood cleaning at intervals ranging from monthly to annually depending on cooking type and volume.

Certifications and Qualifications

What certifications do Samco technicians hold?

Our technicians hold EPA 608 Universal certification, which is required by federal law for anyone handling refrigerants in commercial systems. We also employ NATE-certified technicians (North American Technician Excellence), the industry’s leading independent certification program for HVAC professionals. Samco is Michigan state licensed, BBB A+ rated, and fully insured. We carry both general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.

Does Samco carry insurance?

Yes. We carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Certificates of insurance are available upon request. If your facility management company or property manager requires specific coverage limits or additional insured status, contact us at service@samcofm.com and we will work with our carrier to accommodate your requirements.

Does Samco use subcontractors?

No. Every technician dispatched to your facility is a direct W-2 employee of Samco Facilities Maintenance. We do not use subcontractors. This means every person who enters your building has been vetted, trained, and is covered under our insurance policy. For clients in regulated industries like food service, healthcare, or manufacturing, this matters for both compliance and accountability.

Scheduling and Process

How do I schedule service with Samco?

Call us at (734) 838-6300 or email service@samcofm.com. For emergency service, always call – do not email. When you call, have your equipment type, location address, and a description of the issue ready. We will confirm your service window and dispatch the right technician with the parts most likely needed based on your equipment and symptoms. You can also use the Schedule Service form on this website to submit a non-emergency request.

What should I expect during a service visit?

Our technician will arrive within the scheduled window, identify themselves, and review the reported issue with your on-site contact. After diagnosis, we will explain what we found and get your approval before proceeding with any repair. We document everything: the initial condition, what was done, parts used, and the post-repair condition. You receive a written report at the end of every visit. For PM visits, the report includes condition ratings for all inspected components and flags any items to watch.

What warranty do you provide on repairs?

We stand behind our work with a 90-day parts and labor warranty on all repairs. If the same issue recurs within 90 days, we return and make it right at no charge. Warranty coverage applies to the specific repair performed, not to unrelated equipment failures. For questions about warranty on a specific repair, contact us at (734) 838-6300 or service@samcofm.com.

More Questions People Ask About Commercial HVAC and Refrigeration in Metro Detroit

Who fixes commercial refrigeration in Detroit?

Samco FM handles commercial refrigeration repairs throughout Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties. Our technicians are trained on walk-in coolers, reach-in units, display cases, and ice machines from brands like True, Manitowoc, and Hoshizaki. Call us at (734) 838-6300 any time, including nights and weekends.

How fast can someone get here to fix my commercial AC?

We dispatch within 15 minutes of your call and typically arrive on-site within 60 to 90 minutes anywhere in our Metro Detroit service area. For urgent situations like a rooftop unit down during a heat wave, we treat that as an emergency and move it to the front of the queue. Call (734) 838-6300 and let us know it’s urgent.

Does Samco FM work on Trane and Carrier rooftop units?

Yes, we service Trane, Carrier, Lennox, and most other major commercial HVAC brands. Our technicians are trained across multiple manufacturers, so you’re not locked into a single-brand contractor. Whether it’s a Carrier RTU on a retail strip or a Trane system in a warehouse, we have the parts and experience to handle it.

Is there a commercial HVAC company near Livonia that does 24/7 service?

Samco FM is based in Livonia and offers 24/7 emergency service across Southeast Michigan. We’ve been serving the area since 1997 and keep a fully staffed service team available around the clock. Reach us any time at (734) 838-6300.

How much does it cost to repair a walk-in freezer in Michigan?

Walk-in freezer repair costs vary depending on the problem, from a failed evaporator fan motor to a refrigerant leak or a bad compressor. Minor repairs often run a few hundred dollars, while component replacements can be higher. Samco FM provides upfront diagnostics so you know what you’re looking at before we start work. Call (734) 838-6300 to schedule a service visit.

Who can service commercial kitchen equipment in the Detroit area?

Samco FM services commercial ovens, fryers, steamers, dishwashers, and hood systems throughout Metro Detroit. We work with brands like Vulcan and Hobart and handle both repairs and preventive maintenance for full-service restaurants, cafeterias, and institutional kitchens. Call (734) 838-6300 or email service@samcofm.com to get on the schedule.

What certifications should a commercial HVAC company have in Michigan?

At minimum, look for EPA 608 certification, which is required by federal law for anyone handling refrigerants. NATE certification is an industry standard that indicates technicians have passed independent testing on HVAC knowledge. Samco FM holds both, carries full liability insurance, and has an A+ rating with the BBB.

Can you fix a Manitowoc ice machine that’s not making ice?

Yes, Manitowoc is one of the brands Samco FM regularly services. Low ice production is usually caused by a dirty condenser, a failing water inlet valve, a worn harvest cycle component, or a refrigerant issue. We diagnose the root cause rather than just clearing a fault code. Call (734) 838-6300 to schedule a service call in the Metro Detroit area.

Do you service HVAC for grocery stores and supermarkets in Michigan?

Samco FM works with grocery and retail food businesses throughout Southeast Michigan, covering both HVAC systems and refrigerated display cases. We understand the compliance and uptime demands that come with food retail environments. Reach out at (734) 838-6300 or service@samcofm.com to discuss a service agreement.

How do I find a reliable commercial refrigeration contractor in Oakland County?

Look for a company with verifiable certifications, a physical presence in the area, and documented customer reviews. Samco FM has served Oakland County since 1997, carries EPA 608 and NATE certifications, and has over 255 Google reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5. Call us at (734) 838-6300 or check our profile on Google to read what other businesses say about our work.

What happens if my commercial freezer goes down overnight in Macomb County?

Call Samco FM at (734) 838-6300. We provide 24/7 emergency service throughout Macomb County and will dispatch a technician within 15 minutes of your call. Protecting your inventory is a time-sensitive situation and we treat it that way, not as a next-business-day problem.

Does Samco FM handle both HVAC and refrigeration, or just one?

We cover both, plus commercial food equipment and hood systems. Many of our clients are restaurants, schools, and retail chains that need a single contractor who can handle the full mechanical scope of their building. Samco FM has been that single-source contractor for businesses across Southeast Michigan since 1997. Call (734) 838-6300 to talk through what you need.