Preventative HVAC Maintenance
Autumn/early winter is an ideal time to perform preventative maintenance on your HVAC systems and switch schedules in your energy management system.
Achieve energy savings as high as 25 percent by running clean HVAC equipment versus machines with dirty coils and/or filters (according to a recent ASHRAE study).
Justin Lendowski, HVAC expert and Sales Engineer at Telkonet, Inc., has several seasonal HVAC maintenance recommendations in preparation for winter.
Clean Motors and Coils
HVAC coils, motors, and drain pans tend to accumulate dirt and lint, which can obstruct airflow and increase condensation. Mold accumulates there as well, causing a musty odor.
Removing dirt, lint, and mold from coils is a simple yet impactful procedure. This will increase airflow, saving energy and extending the life of your equipment. Compressed air and a soft brush are the tools for this job.
Inspect gaskets and bring spares for immediate replacement.
Clean the unit’s front cover with a mild detergent. Dry the cover thoroughly before replacing it.
Change Filters
Change your filters as a routine part of maintenance. A clogged or dirty filter can drastically reduce the unit’s performance ultimately leading to component failure. Proper care and a strict maintenance schedule can help prevent unit failure.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Routine maintenance should include checking refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels can make the evaporator too cold leading to frost formation. If not corrected, refrigerant leaks can severely inhibit your HVAC’s functionality.
Two common reasons for low refrigerant levels are slow leaks and incorrect installation. Consult your HVAC technician if levels remain low.
Calibration
Lendowski also recommends calibrating temperature sensors and thermostats on an annual basis, which can contribute to HVAC efficiency.
Energy Management Settings and Schedules
If your facility has an energy management system, now is the time to adjust your set point ranges and default modes (heat/cool/fan speed) from the “summer” to “winter” profile. It’s as easy as logging in and clicking some buttons with networked Energy Management System Solutions. The days of manually adjusting each thermostat are drawing to a close.
EMS users know that automatically adjusting set point ranges and setback limits according to season can maximize savings without sacrificing occupant comfort. And adjustments are done quickly and efficiently, without dedicating manpower to manually enter each room to make the adjustments.
Seasonal maintenance of your HVAC units, along with the proper energy management system, can prolong the life of your HVAC units. Learn more about the impact an energy management system can have on your energy savings, and the health of your equipment. Contact the experts at Telkonet today. sales@3.131.247.247 or 888-703-9398