Diagnosis
The 26 lb/day rating is under ideal lab conditions (70°F room temp, 60°F water). In a real kitchen, it's always slower. But a big slowdown usually means it's too warm, too dirty, or you're interrupting the cycle.
How to Fix It
Check the environment. Is it in direct sunlight or next to a stove/oven? Move it to a cooler spot (under 80°F is best). Ensure the air filter on the back is clean and the vents aren't blocked. Then, run a full cleaning cycle with vinegar to remove scale, which massively reduces efficiency.
If That Didn't Work
You might be checking too often. Each cycle takes 6-13 minutes depending on cube size. If you open the lid mid-cycle, it pauses for safety, adding significant time. Set it and leave it alone for at least an hour to judge output.
Heads Up
The first cycle of the day is the slowest as the compressor cools down from room temperature. Subsequent batches, made back-to-back, will be faster. Don't judge the daily output by the first hour's production.