For large commercial buildings, the chiller is the most capital-intensive piece of HVAC equipment on site. A single chiller failure during peak summer can cost tens of thousands in emergency repairs and business disruption. Preventive maintenance is the only rational approach.
Annual Inspection Items
- Refrigerant charge and leak check
- Compressor oil analysis
- Tube inspection (plugged or fouled tubes reduce efficiency dramatically)
- Purge unit operation (centrifugal chillers)
- Motor winding resistance test
- Controls calibration and economizer testing
Operating Log Review
Chillers generate a continuous record of operating data. Reviewing approach temperatures, lift, and amp draw trends over time reveals developing problems before they cause failures.
Condenser Water Treatment
On water-cooled chillers, scale and biological growth in condenser tubes is a major efficiency killer. Work with a water treatment contractor alongside your HVAC service provider.