While cooling tower maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense, it could help save up to 15 percent on electricity costs.
Because chillers use five times the energy of cooling towers, they typically garner all of the attention when it comes to maintenance and cleaning. However, neglecting your cooling tower is not the answer. In fact, it can be a rather costly mistake.
While cooling tower maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense, it could help save up to 15 percent on electricity costs. This is because when you neglected a water tower, its leaving water temperature will increase, causing energy costs to rise six percent for every 2° increase in temperature. A preventive maintenance plan, meanwhile, can help ensure your cooling tower operates at peak efficiency.
According to The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Technical Manual, cooling tower maintenance, cleaning, and chlorination should be performed a minimum of twice a year.
Cooling Tower Maintenance Saves Money!
Regular cooling tower cleaning and maintenance is an essential to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and prolong cooling tower life. Just follow these guidelines:
- Listen: Do you hear any uncommon noises – anything out of the ordinary?
- Disconnect: Disconnect motor switches to ensure safety.
- Cleaning: Cooling towers require regular cleaning to remove dirt, pollen, dust, insects, and other debris that has built up over time.
- Water Distribution: To avoid scale buildup and increase system capacity, inspect the water distribution system and check for dry areas over the fill coil. Also be sure to check the nozzles for cracks and/or clogs.
- Flush: Flush dirt and debris from the cold water basin.
- Makeup Water Supply: Check the makeup water supply for predetermined water levels.
- Bleed Rate: Adjust the bleed rate, taking into account local water quality and evaporation rate.
- Oil Levels: Be sure to routinely check oil level and oil quality.
- Lubricate: The fan shaft bearings should be lubricated every three months.
- Outsource: Building owners and property managers are inundated with maintenance tasks. Outsourcing is a great way to ensure cooling tower maintenance receives the attention it deserves.
Maryland Cooling Tower Maintenance
At Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) our service technicians have the experience and expertise to perform a wide range of maintenance services on your mechanical and HVAC equipment. 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.
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To learn more about the importance of Cooling Tower 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.