Air conditioning systems do more than just cool the air: they reduce humidity, and also eliminate dust and dirt by moving the air through filters. The best and often the most effective routine maintenance is to frequently, replace or clean your air filter, which is found inside the systems heater, air handler or attached ductwork. When these filters become clogged with dirt, the system has to work harder to do its job. This squanders energy and can make utility bills rise. Depending on the quantity of dust in the air, filters can become blocked in just a month or two of operation. A lot of domestic systems have non reusable filters. These should be checked every two months once a month throughout peak use and replaced when necessary. Permanent filters should be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Under no circumstances should you operate your system without filters. To do so could possibly lead to a need for more frequent cleaning of the heat exchangers.
One of the simplest advantages to document is how HVAC upkeep affects energy efficiency. Facilities in which proper HVAC routine maintenance is completed will make use of a minimum of 15 to 20 percent less energy than those where systems are allowed to deteriorate. For example, take into consideration the operation of a central building chiller. Building chillers normally are the single largest user of electricity in a facility. To keep them operating as successfully as possible, routine maintenance tasks must be carried out on a day-to-day, weekly, monthly and annual basis. Let them lapse, and efficiency will reduce, increasing energy use. Begin with the chiller operating log. Work with the chiller manufacturer or a service business to convert the log information into an operating efficiency curve for the chiller.
Establish a similar curve for what the efficiency of the chiller would be if all upkeep were carried out at the suggested intervals. The difference between the two operating efficiencies can be translated into energy and cost savings Jackson Foster . Due to the high energy use of the equipment, even little increases in efficiency will lead to huge cost savings. While the energy saving estimates for chillers, central heating boilers, and several other HVAC systems is straightforward, other estimates may not be. Take into consideration outside air dampers. Air dampers need regular upkeep to respond appropriately to the temperature control systems need for air flow. If the damper linkage is out of alignment, or if it sticks open, more air flow will be introduced than necessary, requiring the system to make use of more heating or cooling energy to condition that air.
Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners do not consume refrigerant, like a car consumes oil. Under ideal conditions, you will never need to add or change the refrigerant in your air conditioning system. If you do find that your refrigerant levels are low, this indicates a leak in your system which should be fixed before you add refrigerant. While many brand-new system connections are welded to minimize leaks, several older units 8 years or older were connected with mechanical flared fittings which can vibrate loose over the years, creating leaks.