Is Your Air-Conditioning System Ready for Warm Weather?

This is the focus I’ll be tackling here on this post, enjoy.

While cooling is essential for facility comfort and productivity, it accounts for nearly 15 percent of the electricity used in residential homes & commercial buildings. Facilities can save on energy costs and increase equipment life by properly maintaining air-conditioning systems. Use the following checklist to structure a preventive maintenance program for cooling equipment:

Key Points

Air conditioning accounts for 15 percent of electrical use in commercial facilities.
A regular preventive maintenance program can save on energy costs and extend equipment life.
Clean and inspect equipment regularly following all manufacturers’ recommendations.

Refrigerant circuit and controls

Inspect the moisture liquid indicator to ensure that no moisture is in the system
Check for and repair refrigerant and oil leaks around equipment seals, pipe joints, valves and other instrumentation
Check and balance refrigerant levels
Inspect the liquid line leaving the strainer
Check all gauges regularly to ensure that design conditions are being met
Listen to the system operate for a few minutes to determine the cause of any unusual sounds
Inspect the tension and alignment of all belts and adjust as needed
Lubricate motor bearings and all moving parts
Inspect the insulation on suction and liquid lines and replace as necessary
Calibrate digital-based controls and check for software updates

Compressor

Check for unusual compressor operation, including continuous running or frequent stopping and starting
Inspect the compressor and check amp draw
Listen to the compressor operate for a few minutes to check for unusual sounds
Check to see that the compressor and motor are securely fastened to the base
Check all compressor joints for leaks
Clean compressor housing; any dirt or debris affects air flow
Inspect instrumentation regularly to ensure that the oil pressure and temperature match the manufacturer’s specifications
Lubricate the compressor and its components to manufacturer’s specifications

Air-cooled condenser

Check the fan belt drive and motor to make sure they are aligned and lubricated properly
Ensure that refrigerant piping connections to the condenser coil are tight
Clean condenser coils, fins and tubes
Determine if hot air is being bypassed from the fan outlet to the coil inlet
Check for the proper temperature difference between the outside air and the condenser fan discharge air

Evaporative condenser

Inspect piping joints and check for leaks
Check for dirt on the coil surface
Inspect the air inlet screen, spray nozzles, water distribution hoses and the pump screen
Check to see if the water supply leaves surface deposits on the coil
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for fan and pump maintenance

Cooling towers

Conduct a chemical analysis to determine if solid concentrations are maintained at acceptable levels
Check the clearance of the overflow pipe from the normal operating water level
Listen to the fan and determine the cause of any unusual noise or vibration
Inspect the V-belt and the alignment of the fan and motor
Ensure that the tower and intake strainer are clean
Determine if air is bypassed from the tower outlet back to the inlet
Inspect spray-filled and gravity distributed towers for proper nozzle performance; be sure the nozzles are clean
Inspect gravity distributed towers for even water depth in the distribution basins
Monitor the effectiveness of any water-treatment programs

Chillers

Have all large tonnage chillers inspected once a year by a trained professional
Check and change compressor oil and refrigerant filters regularly
Monitor refrigerant charge
Test water quality and adjust as needed
Check purge operation in the case of low-pressure refrigerants
Keep water-side tubing clean and the refrigerant side free of non-condensable materials
Check drive alignment, wear, seating and operation

Absorption equipment

Clean condenser and absorber tubes annually
Clean the strainer and seal tank regularly
Lubricate flow valves regularly
Replace the rubber diaphragms in the service valves every three to five years
Self-contained units (window and through-the-wall units and heat pumps)
Clean evaporator and condenser coils, air intake louvers and filters
Keep airflow from units unrestricted
Replace worn caulking in openings between the units and windows or wall frames
Check the voltage to ensure that the unit is operating at full power
Follow applicable maintenance guidelines for compressors, condensers and fans
Check for proper operation of the heat pump’s reversing valve

All control box and electrical parts (contacts, relays, wiring, and connections) should also be checked for wear or damage. In all cases, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding proper maintenance and operation. Service and repairs should be done by a licensed professional and never attempted by a none trained person.

https://energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner

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