Upgrading your current commercial HVAC systems to VRF systems can go a long way towards reducing your energy use and maintenance needs.
Upgrading your current commercial HVAC systems to VRF systems can go a long way towards reducing your energy use and maintenance needs. VRF stands for Variable Refrigerant Flow, and essentially, it is a system that delivers different levels of cooling to various parts of your building depending on demand levels and available capacity. Here is a quick look at how to maintain them in between scheduled tune-ups.
Be Mindful of Installation Areas
When it is time to install new VRF systems, begin by pondering where they will make the best fit. Simply adding them where the old HVAC systems might not be the ideal way to go about it, because the two systems are quite different. Although this is a significant consideration during maintenance on commercial HVAC systems that are found indoors, it is indispensable with units that are mounted outside. That’s because they’re exposed to the elements all day, every day, all year long. Pedestals and stands can help prolong the service life of your VRF systems by assisting them to avoid pools of standing water, mud, dirt, or other environmental factors that could damage them and reduce their efficiency.
Optimize the Controls
The next step to think about is how you can optimize the controls. The controls should be integrated into the system instead of being kept separate. Eliminating barriers and minimizing the distance between controls, programming, and the unit housing in question will improve how well your VRF systems spin up when they are turned on and how they can power down once they are turned off.
Consider Insulation Levels
Continue by inspecting the amount of insulation on your VRF systems or have your trusted technician walk you through it. Summer is almost here, and that means higher temperatures, which in turn leaves plenty of residual heat behind. If the temperatures inside are too hot and the air is far too stale, then the inhabitants of the building will feel uncomfortable and in some cases, even ill. Plus, the pipes serving the VRF systems can reach operating temperatures of 250 degrees Fahrenheit, which is dangerously hot by any standard.
Investigate Redesigns and Upgrades
Planning out future upgrades, renovations, and retrofits requires a modicum of respect. In other words, this is something that can’t be carried out on a whim if there is still money left in the coffers after all other priorities are addressed. Redesigning and upgrading your company’s VRF systems can be expensive projects, and the process can spiral out of control if you don’t have reputable HVAC experts advising you on how to implement all of these changes.
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. Click Here to Request a Quote
To learn more about the importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or mford@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!