The various building systems are the foundation of any building. Without lighting, water, heating or air-conditioning, a building would be virtually uninhabitable. That’s why a preventive maintenance program for your air-conditioning systems is not an option, but a real necessity.
Maintaining industrial, multi-residential, commercial or other air-conditioning equipment is like preventive maintenance on a vehicle: if you don’t change the oil or filters, or replace the engine belts, you’re bound to leave your car at the garage for a long time to come. Prevention instead of repair! The same applies to air-conditioning systems. By maintaining them on a regular basis, you’ll considerably reduce the risk of deterioration and failure, and extend their lifespan.
Remember that maintaining your air-conditioning system isn’t expensive compared to what it could cost you if your system deteriorated and you had to replace it.
The perfect maintenance plan
To develop a sound and effective air-conditioning equipment maintenance plan, you must first determine what actions are recommended for each piece of equipment in your system and understand the function and limitations as well.
Your equipment manufacturer is your best resource when it comes to operation and maintenance. They can help you identify many emerging problems before they become unmanageable – and costly! They also provide a concrete step-by-step plan for maintaining each component of your system. Carry out a rigorous life-cycle cost analysis of your equipment to establish when you need to repair or replace a component. This will help you make informed decisions.
AIR FILTERS
Air filters are of vital importance in maintaining the building’s indoor air quality. Keep an eye on them!
- Make sure you install the right filter size according to the manufacturer’s specifications and check them for damage
- Replace all filters at the same time to facilitate maintenance management
- Seal the bracket in the frame, then visually inspect the components for damage and areas of air bypass
- Caulk and seal any cracks in the duct wall through the filter housing
Changing air filters frequently, taking care to use quality filters, can extend the life of your air-conditioning system. Monitoring the differential pressure upstream and downstream of your filters will help you know when they need changing.
Once you’ve organized your maintenance plan, draw up a list of tasks to be carried out according to their frequency: monthly, quarterly and annually. Your maintenance management system will make it easy to keep track. A solid management system should provide a complete history of the maintenance carried out on each component, as well as the replacement costs incurred. Make sure the maintenance plan is easily accessible, at all times, to anyone working on the system. Affix stickers with a brief description of the latest work carried out on your equipment. This will enable you to inform any professionals of the work that has already been carried out.
Maximum efficiency, without compromise
While some steps in a maintenance plan are relatively straightforward, a few others will require more of your time to ensure the reliability and efficiency of your equipment. For example, you’ll need to clean the boilers every year, because even 2 millimeters of soot and ash on the heat exchange surfaces can substantially reduce efficiency.
Need an extra helping hand?
Does the task seem daunting, and would you like to benefit from our air-conditioning maintenance expertise to give you an extra helping hand? Don’t hesitate to contact us via our contact form, or by telephone at 514 422-0444.
