Ask yourself this critical question: is your commercial HVAC unit ready for warmer weather?
The spring equinox is coming. Even though cold and even freezing temperatures still linger, they won’t be here for much longer. So you need to assess your facility’s readiness to meet the incoming spring. Ask yourself this critical question: is your commercial HVAC unit ready for warmer weather?
Inspect Your Refrigerant
As warmer weather approaches, you should make sure the temperature in your building doesn’t climb too high. Your commercial HVAC unit needs the right refrigerant to stay operational and distribute cold air around your building.
However, the old, industry-standard R-22 refrigerant has been phased out, so if you have been reluctant to substitute in a fresh coolant, you should get started doing so. Facility managers must ensure that there isn’t excessive moisture trapped inside their commercial HVAC units due to possible refrigerant leaks. Verify that there are no problems or signs of wear and tear on the gauges and lines that supply your equipment with refrigerant and display the current status of the unit’s health.
Examine the Compressor
Compressor issues can cause your commercial HVAC unit to fail as well. If the compressor stops and starts, it may indicate something is wrong with it. Look out for leaks and keep an ear out for any odd sounds you’ve never heard coming from it before. The compressor and the blower motor could come loose from its base due to the force of the vibrations. Clean out any dirt or built-up debris that could be affecting the operation of the compressor as well. Once you have completed your inspections of the available refrigerant and the compressor, it’s time to restart your cooling towers.
Activate Cooling Towers
When you began shutdown procedures for your facility’s cooling towers for the winter season, you probably made sure there wasn’t anything wrong with them. All the same, when you reactivate them, verify that nothing has caused damage to your commercial cooling towers. Analyze the chemical balance of the water tank, and sanitize the container in case bacteria has built up. As always, double check to ensure there are no leaks. A cooling tower that drips might not present an immediate concern, but even a slow leak can become a disastrous flood. This situation is even more likely when maintenance issues go unaddressed for too long. After all, any potential downtime will damage the reputation of your business, not to mention its ability to serve customers and clients alike.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals lower their operating expenses through HVAC preventive maintenance. We can develop a cost-effective, customized preventive maintenance plan for your commercial building that will provide you with peace of mind, improved comfort, and energy savings.
To learn more about the importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or sales@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.