Want an easy way to save up to 25% on your energy expenditure? By running clean HVAC equipment your property’s energy savings will increase up to 25%, according to a recent ASHRAE study)
Autumn is an ideal time to perform preventative maintenance on your HVAC systems and switch schedules in your energy management system.
Justin Lendowski, HVAC expert and Sales Engineer at Telkonet, Inc., has these seasonal HVAC maintenance recommendations in preparation for winter.
Clean Motors and Coils
HVAC coils, motors, and drain pans tend to accumulate dirt and lint. This can increase condensation and obstruct airflow. Mold accumulates there as well, causing a musty odor. plus health problems for the building itself and its occupants.
Removing dirt, lint, and mold from coils is a simple yet impactful procedure. This will increase airflow, which means 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
As a routine part of maintenance, change your HVAC filters. A clogged or dirty filter can drastically reduce the unit’s performance ultimately leading to component failure. Proper care and a regimented 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. This can result in 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.
On fan coils, check valve actuators. Ensure valve actuators are fully opening and closing.
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 will soon be a thing of the past.
EMS users know that automatically adjusting setpoint 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. That’s some good news during this time of economic recovery when so many organizations are experiencing labor shortages.
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@telkonet.com or 888-703-9398.
