Packaged Rooftop Unit Preventive Maintenance

The workhorses of the commercial HVAC industry, packaged rooftop units, can be found on the roofs of retail stores, office buildings, malls, and more. Rain or shine, these trusty units are there, keeping you, your employees and your customers/clients comfortable, but for how long?

Like any HVAC unit, a packaged rooftop unit needs to be maintained, especially when you consider that these units are at the mercy of Mother Nature 24/7. Unfortunately, many building owners and property managers neglect their rooftop units – with an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality. You can’t expect them to keep operating without issues when they are not maintained. Just like a car that needs an oil change after 3,000 miles or so, a rooftop unit needs the same type of TLC to keep working – especially during the hot days of summer.

Rooftop units should be maintained a minimum of four times a year. Regular preventive maintenance performed by a professional HVAC technician can head off potential breakdowns; ensure the unit is running efficiently, saving money on utility bills; and extending the lifespan of the unit. In fact, a properly maintained rooftop unit can save several thousand dollars a year in energy and operating costs.

Common Problems with Rooftop Units

1. The most common issue with rooftop units typically involves airflow, meaning belt or blower problems, or restrictions in the ductwork.
2. Second on the list of common problems with rooftop units are electrical issues, such as bad fuses, thermostat, or contactors.
3. Rounding out the list are problems with the refrigeration cycle, such as leaks, the compressor, or metering device.

Maintenance Checklist

At a minimum, below is a list of preventive maintenance tasks that should be performed on a quarterly basis.

1. Check with facilities personnel for deficiencies
2. Check tension, condition, and alignment of belts; adjust as necessary
3. Lubricate shaft and motor bearings
4. Replace air filters
5. Clean electrical wiring and connections; tighten loose connections
6. Clean coils, evaporator drain pan, blowers, fans, motors and drain piping as required
7. Perform operational check of unit; make adjustments on controls and other components as required
8. During the operation of the unit, check refrigerant pressure; add refrigerant as necessary
9. Check compressor oil level; add oil as required
10. Clean area around unit
11. Complete maintenance checklist and report deficiencies

Failing to maintain a rooftop AC unit could result in breakdowns, costly repair bills, and the premature failure of the unit. Performing routine preventive maintenance is the only way to ensure a rooftop unit operates at peak efficiency.

To get a service quote for preventive maintenance for Packaged Rooftop Units and learn how our comprehensive service agreement can improve performance and efficiency, please contact Crockett Facilities Services Inc. (CFSI) by calling 202.600.2787 or email sales@crockett-facilities.com. CFSI provides 24/7 commercial mechanical and HVAC services throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. So give us a call today to find out how our MSCA GreenSTAR certified service technicians can improve your HVAC performance and energy efficiency.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, June 27th, 2013 at . Both comments and pings are currently closed.