Frequently asked questions

We service walk-in coolers and freezers, reach-in refrigerators, ice machines, HVAC rooftop units, exhaust hood fans, make-up air units, commercial fryers, griddles, ovens, ranges, steamers, broilers, char-broilers, and more. We also handle control board diagnostics and replacement, minor electrical wiring, faucet and pre-rinse unit repair, floor drain service, gas hose and regulator installation, and equipment gas connections.

Yes. We service all major commercial kitchen equipment brands. Brand is not a limiting factor — if it's commercial equipment, we can diagnose and service it.

Not currently. PM contracts are scoped to refrigeration (walk-ins, reach-ins, ice machines), HVAC (rooftop units, make-up air units), and ventilation (exhaust hood fans). Cooking equipment, electrical, plumbing, and gas are available as repair and call-out service only.

Standard labor is $150/hour with a 1-hour minimum. After the first hour, time is billed in 15-minute increments. A trip charge of $50 applies for clients without a PM contract. Parts are billed separately. All active PM contract clients have the trip charge waived.

After-hours and emergency labor is $300/hour (2× the standard rate) with a 1-hour minimum. Premier PM contract clients receive a guaranteed 2-hour emergency response at a flat rate — no overtime surcharge — per their contract terms.

Yes. For repair calls, we'll diagnose the problem and provide an estimate before proceeding with any significant repair. Parts costs are communicated before ordering.

All PM tiers include two scheduled maintenance visits per unit per year and a written condition report after every visit. PM clients also have the trip charge waived on all repair calls throughout the year. Priority tier adds priority scheduling, same business day response, flat $150/hour labor with no overtime, and 10% off repair labor. Premier adds 2-hour emergency response 24/7, 15% off repair labor, an annual capital planning report, and a complimentary refrigerant top-off (1 event, 1 unit, 1 lb max per year).

PM contracts are priced per unit per year. You pay a flat annual rate for each piece of equipment on contract — two PM visits included. See the PM plans page for per-unit rates by equipment type and tier.

Priority is our recommended tier for most operations — it hits the best balance of cost and coverage. You get same business day response, flat labor rates with no overtime, and 10% off all repair calls throughout the year. Essential is a good entry point if budget is the primary concern. Premier makes sense for high-volume operations where any downtime is very costly — the 2-hour guaranteed response and 15% labor discount justify the premium quickly.

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. An after-hours emergency line is available 24/7 except on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, when we are fully closed.

Yes. Weekend emergency calls are accepted. These are billed at the after-hours rate of $300/hour. Premier PM contract clients receive 2-hour guaranteed response on weekends and holidays at flat contract rates.

KitchenGuard holds EPA 608 Universal certification — the required federal credential for purchasing, handling, and recovering refrigerants of all types. We carry general liability insurance and are registered as a Virginia Beach business. Cooking equipment, minor electrical, plumbing, and gas services are performed under Virginia general contractor exemptions and minor repair thresholds. We do not hold separate trade licenses for electrical, plumbing, or gas at this time.

EPA Section 608 Universal is the federal certification required to purchase and handle refrigerants used in stationary refrigeration and air conditioning systems. It covers all refrigerant types — high-pressure, low-pressure, and very high-pressure systems. Without it, a technician cannot legally purchase or handle refrigerants. Your refrigeration and HVAC tech must hold this credential.