Keep Your Cool With Handy Commercial HVAC Checklist
In the warmer months, your commercial HVAC system works hard to keep your facility comfortable as the temperature rises.
Dirty filters, loose connections or malfunctioning parts impact your industrial HVAC system’s performance, or worse, cause it to fail. It’s hard to keep your cool when your air conditioning system is down.
Before the mercury rises, you need to ensure all components of your cooling system are operating properly. You don’t want to have to call for an emergency commercial air conditioning repair in the middle of a heat wave. Hiring an HVAC service professional can prepare your system for the summer months to make sure your facility is comfortable.
Here’s a checklist of maintenance a service pro should perform on your HVAC system:
Change Air Filters
Air filters remove dirt, dust, and airborne contaminants, such as mold and pollen that can negatively impact your facility’s air quality. As filters collect these particles, they build up and impede air flow. It is also important to ensure you get the right type of filter for your system. A service pro will replace the filter before summer and make a recommendation of how frequently they should be changed.
Clean Evaporator and Condenser Coils
The condenser coil is exposed to unfiltered outdoor air, so it deteriorates due to dirt. The dirt on coils can reduce the system’s ability to cool your building and cause the system to run longer, which increases energy costs and impacts the life of your equipment. Cleaning and lubricating the coils and evaporator help your system operate more efficiently.
Clean Around Outdoor Condenser
Outdoor debris can build up around the cabinet that contains the condenser unit and other components during the winter months. Remove any grass, leaves, and sticks away from the coil and vents so nothing inhibits air flow. Also, take a walk around the area where the outdoor equipment is located. Has anything been damaged by winter weather that could land on or damage your units? Is it time for a tree trimming so branches don’t fall on your unit?
Clean and Adjust Blower Components
A thorough cleaning of all the cooling system components, including the blower, coils and control panels, will help provide optimum airflow and improve energy efficiency.
Check Refrigerant Level
Your cooling system needs the right amount of refrigerant to capture and release heat. Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system work inefficiently, which can increase energy costs. An HVAC contractor should also check for leaks before the cooling season.
Calibrate Thermostat and Other Controls
Since the cooling system hasn’t been used for a while, it’s important to calibrate the thermostat to ensure correct temperature readings. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, your air conditioner may run more frequently than necessary, which increases energy consumption. Contractors should make sure all other controls are working correctly as well.
Clear Drain Lines and Pans
A service professional should make sure drain lines and drip pans are clear of any obstructions. Obstructed drain lines can cause moisture to back up into your facility, causing mold or mildew growth.
Check Electrical Connections
All connections should be cleaned and tightened. Vibrations in your commercial HVAC system can loosen connections, which can cause damage or prevent the system from operating properly.
Checking your commercial cooling system before summer is not only crucial to avoiding emergency repairs, but also for improving energy efficiency so you can save money. A maintenance service contract with an industrial HVAC contractor can ensure your system is ready for any season. Find a contractor near you today.
