Prepping For Summer

The following are effective tips to help building owners get a jump on the summer season:

Start-up of Equipment: Turn on all building equipment to appropriate levels to confirm that all components are ready and functioning properly.

HVAC Inspection: A pre-summer inspection is critical for maximum HVAC efficiency.

Cleansing of Equipment: Debris build-up in an HVAC system is inevitable, but proper cleaning of all strainers and evaporator and condenser coils will ensure a cleaner and maximum flow of air and water. Other pieces of equipment that should be cleaned are the evaporator and condenser barrels on chillers, and the cooling tower should be cleaned and filled.

Replacement of Belts and Filters: In order to purify air streams and optimize fan performance, the replacement of filters and belts, as well as a belt re-alignment, should be carried out before each summer period.

Brief Analysis and Report on Compressors: An oil analysis on all compressors should be conducted since lubrication is key to keeping compressors running. With proper compressor oil, maintenance can be reduced and compressor life can be extended. A balance report for critical fans should also be conducted, as well as checking refrigerant levels. Refrigerant levels are key to operating the equipment efficiently. With the correct pressures the equipment will run as originally manufactured.

Proper maintenance for HVAC equipment will lead to the best possible outcome for your building, not only in the summer, but also throughout the entire year. Here are some benefits enjoyed by companies who have regular maintenance performed on their HVAC equipment:

Improved Comfort Conditions in the Building: With proper HVAC maintenance, comfort is achieved for building tenants, which leads to a more productive work environment.

Improved Air Quality: A well-maintained system will not only protect occupants from poor indoor air quality, but also protect the building or organization from litigation, adverse publicity and potential code violations, which can have an impact on the bottom line.

Extended Equipment Life: A system that is properly maintained will experience fewer breakdowns and also the lifetime of the system will be extended, therefore not needing to be replaced until later down the line resulting in significant cost savings.

Cutting Costs: The periodic maintenance of your system will eliminate the need for costly repairs and yield immediate savings since there will be a longer period of trouble-free service.

Energy Savings: HVAC systems are typically responsible for more than 40% of total energy use. With proper maintenance, your system will work at peak efficiency, which can save a tremendous amount of energy.

Steve Wallis is a branch manager for GSH Group Inc., an international building engineering and energy management provider with US offices in New Jersey and Virginia. The views expressed here are the author's own.