Do you work on my brand?

Yes, we likely service your brand! Check out our comprehensive list of supported brands here and if you don’t see yours listed, feel free to reach out to us for confirmation.

What if the property is vacant?

If your property is vacant, no worries! We work with many property managers and landlords in similar situations. If there’s a lockbox or someone else can grant us access, we’ll take care of the rest. We’ll send you e-sign documents for your approval, then visit the site to assess the situation and propose a solution. If you’re unavailable by phone, it’s ok – we’ll send an email estimate for your review and approval before proceeding with any services or repairs. Just give us a call so we can walk you through any questions you have to figure out the right solution for you.

What if you don't have the part on the van?

No problem at all! If we don’t have the part on hand, rest assured there are no extra trip fees for us to return. We’ll order the necessary part and keep you informed every step of the way. You’ll receive updates via phone and automated notifications regarding the estimated arrival date of your appliance part(s). Once we have the part, we’ll promptly reschedule your appointment at the next earliest convenience for you. And here’s the best part – you won’t pay a cent until all the work is completed. You can trust that we’re committed to seeing the job through to completion.

Is it cheaper to buy a new unit?

That’s a great question! While every situation is unique, when it comes to repairs, we typically advise against costs exceeding 50% of a new unit’s price unless special circumstances apply. Replacing an appliance involves various expenses like purchase, delivery, and installation fees, plus potential costs for old appliance removal and warranties. Disposing appliances improperly can harm the environment, release pollutants, and waste valuable materials. We’re here to assist you in making the best decision for your needs and budget, ensuring convenience and sustainability. Feel free to reach out for further assistance!

Do you service my area?

We cover a wide service area, spanning from Frankfort to Gurnee in the north and from Chicago to Rockford in the east-to-west direction. Our technicians live near you and are in your communities daily, so you don’t have to worry about paying someone to travel a far distance or take a long time to get to you. Follow this link to find your city or zip code on our full-service area list. Chances are, we’ve got you covered! Feel free to reach out if you’re unsure; we’ll be happy to confirm. We also offer virtual meetings with a technician for those who prefer a DIY approach, need advice, or are in another state and don’t require on-site support. Click here to learn more!

Do you service my appliance?

We understand the importance of having reliable appliances, and we’re here to help. We specialize in servicing major home appliances, including refrigeration, cooking, laundry, and dishwashers. However, please note that we do not service water heaters (a plumber’s job) or heating and air conditioners (handled by HVAC companies). Additionally, we’re equipped to work on specialized laboratory equipment such as warmers and flask scrubbers. For a complete list of appliance types we service, feel free to call us to get your questions answered. We’re here to assist you every step of the way!

What if you cause damage?

We understand your concern, and please rest assured that our technicians prioritize avoiding any damage during service calls. We take every precaution, using floor glides, padding, and tape to safeguard your space. Sometimes, we even bring extra personnel or specialty equipment to ensure the utmost care. Accidents are why we have insurance if we ever need it. We’re fully insured for that will meet the requirements for certain buildings or facilities to be an approved servicer. If we cause any issues, we take responsibility and will make it right.

Do you work with my extended or home warranty?

We partner with various home and extended warranties, including Best Buy’s Geek Squad and SquareTrade. If you’re unsure whether we’re in network with your warranty company, give them a call and request for us to receive the work order or claim directly. You can also streamline the process by having them conference call us. Don’t worry if we’re not currently in the network! You might have the flexibility to choose your service and seek reimbursement from your warranty company afterward. It’s all about finding the best repair company for your needs rather than just going with the next one on their list.

Do you send the same technician every time?

Absolutely! We understand the importance of consistency and clear communication. That’s why we assign the same technician to your service call from start to finish. This way, you’ll have familiarity and direct communication with your technician throughout the process. However, if you have a preference for a specific technician, whether it’s someone you trust who speaks Spanish or for any other reason, we’re more than happy to accommodate your request. Just let us know, and we’ll ensure you’re paired with the right person for the job. You must be comfortable.

Labconco Lyophilizer Annual Preventive Maintenance

Real Service Portfolio | St. Charles, Illinois

Manufacturer: Labconco
Equipment: Lyophilizer (Freeze Dryer)
Model: 710201000
Location: St. Charles, Illinois
Service Performed: Annual Preventive Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance Helps Protect More Than Your Equipment

When a laboratory freeze dryer is working properly, it’s easy to postpone maintenance. After all, if nothing seems wrong, why spend the time or money?

The challenge is that many wear items don’t show obvious warning signs until performance begins to suffer or a component fails.

That’s why routine preventive maintenance is an important part of protecting laboratory equipment and helping reduce unexpected downtime.

Recently, our technician completed an annual preventive maintenance service on this Labconco Lyophilizer in St. Charles, Illinois.

Service Snapshot


Manufacturer	Labconco
Equipment	Lyophilizer (Freeze Dryer)
Model	710201000
Location	St. Charles, Illinois
Service Type	Annual Preventive Maintenance
Finding	Vacuum pump oil had begun to foam
Maintenance Performed	Vacuum pump oil replaced and annual maintenance completed
Equipment Status	Tested and operating normally

The Customer’s Goal

This service visit wasn’t scheduled because the lyophilizer had stopped working.

It was scheduled to help keep it working.

Routine maintenance provides an opportunity to inspect key components, identify normal wear, and perform manufacturer-recommended maintenance before small issues become larger repairs.

During this visit, our technician found that the vacuum pump oil had begun to foam, indicating it was time for replacement.

What Is Included in Annual Lyophilizer Maintenance?

Every laboratory has different operating conditions, and maintenance recommendations can vary by manufacturer and equipment model.

Depending on the equipment and service schedule, annual preventive maintenance may include:

Inspecting the vacuum pump
Replacing vacuum pump oil when needed
Inspecting vacuum hoses and fittings
Checking the vacuum system for proper performance
Cleaning accessible components
Removing dust and debris that may affect airflow or cooling
Inspecting electrical components for signs of wear
Verifying proper equipment operation after maintenance

The purpose of preventive maintenance is to identify developing issues before they interrupt your work.

What We Found

During the inspection, the vacuum pump oil showed signs of foaming.

Vacuum pump oil naturally ages as it is exposed to heat, moisture, and contaminants during normal operation.

Over time, contaminated oil can lose its ability to properly lubricate and protect the pump.

Replacing the oil helps maintain vacuum performance and supports long-term reliability of one of the most important components in the freeze drying system.

What Maintenance Was Performed?

During this scheduled service visit, our technician completed the annual preventive maintenance and replaced the vacuum pump oil.

After maintenance was completed, the lyophilizer was tested to verify normal operation before the equipment was returned to service.

Routine Cleaning vs. Preventive Maintenance

One question we hear from laboratory staff is:

“Can we just perform the maintenance ourselves?”

Routine cleaning is an important part of equipment ownership and should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Typical routine care may include:

Cleaning shelves and product contact surfaces
Wiping interior and exterior surfaces
Removing ice buildup as recommended
Keeping air passages free of dust and debris

Preventive maintenance goes a step further.

It includes inspecting components that naturally wear over time, evaluating vacuum system performance, replacing service items such as vacuum pump oil, and identifying potential concerns before they affect equipment performance.

Both routine cleaning and preventive maintenance play an important role in keeping laboratory equipment operating reliably.

Why Does Vacuum Pump Oil Matter?

The vacuum pump is one of the hardest-working components in a lyophilizer.

Its oil provides lubrication, helps create a proper vacuum, and protects internal components from unnecessary wear.

As the oil ages, it may absorb moisture and contaminants from normal operation.

Replacing the oil at appropriate service intervals can help:

Maintain vacuum performance
Reduce wear on the pump
Improve long-term reliability
Extend equipment life
Reduce the risk of unexpected downtime

Like changing the oil in a vehicle, replacing vacuum pump oil is a relatively small maintenance task that helps protect a much larger investment.

Before We Left

Before completing the visit, we verified:

✔ Annual preventive maintenance completed

✔ Vacuum pump oil replaced

✔ Equipment inspected

✔ Lyophilizer operating normally

Maintenance Tip

Keeping a simple maintenance log can make future service easier.

Recording oil changes, preventive maintenance visits, repairs, and operating concerns helps laboratories identify trends, plan future maintenance, and maintain a more complete service history for critical equipment.

Need Labconco Lyophilizer Service?

Whether you need annual preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, or repair, keeping laboratory equipment operating reliably starts with regular service and timely inspections.

AAA Appliance Service Center provides service for many types of laboratory equipment, including:

Labconco Lyophilizers
Laboratory Refrigerators
Laboratory Freezers
Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) Freezers
Biomedical Refrigeration
Environmental Chambers
Laboratory Glassware Washers
Laboratory Ice Machines