With winter conditions receding from many parts of the nation, businesses will be rebooting their energy goals to prepare for the seasonal changes. In the second quarter of the year, companies should reassess the performance of their HVAC systems to be sure their energy costs are not putting a hole in their budgets. And with spring ushering in a new set of concerns that business owners and building managers need to take into consideration, tune-ups should be scheduled to put HVAC systems back on the right path.
In harsh winter elements, an inordinate amount of freezing, corrosion and buildup likely occurred due to bitter winter winds, melting snow and sheets of ice that affected both the exterior and interior of HVAC units. With snow melting, comes the chance for particles of dirt, dust and other contaminants to settle into the water and spread easily throughout the system. In addition, with spring, there are typically higher levels of allergens, pollutants and other airborne contaminants that can find their way into an HVAC system, and in turn, into enclosed spaces that were supposed to be free of particles.
That's why the turn of the season provides maintenance teams and technicians with the perfect opportunity to more closely evaluate and refine their HVAC systems' output. The first step is conducting a full-scale cleaning of the entire system, including every room of the building.
Routine quarterly unit cleaning
More so than what a typical maintenance check would catch, spring cleaning should incorporate a larger array of procedures that go beyond replacing air filters and removing excess water. Because it might have been months since the last scheduled checkup, corrosion may have already settled, and without a closer inspection, it could be easy to pass over such occurrences.
Drip pans should be drained and wiped down, fins need to be checked for any bending or breaking and HVAC coils require a thorough cleaning. It's also important to note that the right materials and chemicals should be used so as not to further contribute to any degradation. Only use cleaning solutions that have lower acidity levels and predominantly consist of just water. This will ensure harsh chemicals aren't eating away at any of the metals within the HVAC unit.
Refrain from using tough, wiry brushes as well because they have the capacity for scratching and potentially damaging HVAC coils, which creates an ever larger issue. Using an appropriately powered hose will help remove excess debris from cabinets and other parts of the HVAC system, but keep in mind, the equipment should be dried prior to restarting the unit.
Calibrate analytical modules
With the main cleaning aspects taken care of, it's also pertinent to calibrate the temperature and air controls to see if they are functioning properly. With today's technology, HVAC systems are integrated into larger networks that allow technicians to track the performance of units based on a few metrics such as energy efficiency, output and the quality of air. If there is a problem with the data-sharing aspect of these modules, then incorrect information may be transferred, thus disallowing engineers the capability to locate problems within the system.
Adjust temperature settings and see how well the unit runs with all of the debris removed. Test the air quality in the room to know if there are still inefficiencies present in the system as well. However, an immediate discrepancy may not be realized right away because the system will have to reboot and begin tracking data once more to provide technicians with an accurate reference part. Making the move to reset poor-performing technology is important because without both analytics and HVAC units working in tandem, energy goals aren't likely to be accomplished.
Preventative maintenance
While maintenance is conducted, building managers should also invest more time and money in taking a preventative approach to their HVAC systems. Many industries rely on multimillion dollar units that generate clean air 24/7 without fail. With so much money tied up in the effectiveness of the HVAC system, it's appropriate that units are given appropriate care at all times.
If a system shuts down due to a problem that could have been prevented, businesses start to lose money immediately, with production lines halting and operations coming to a standstill. Investing in higher quality parts can help combat these situations and not only help companies become energy efficient, but more financially resourceful as well.
Because the HVAC coils are the facilitators of cooling and heating air, their conditions should be heavily monitored. And with spring approaching, companies are more likely to make use of chilled water coils or evaporator coils in the cooling process. But with the presence of water, comes the potential for cratering, pinhole leaks and corrosion. That's why HVAC coil coating services should be employed.
Coated coils from Rahn Industries are covered with a layer of superhydrophobic polyurethane that effectively sheds water from the coils so no puddling occurs. Additionally, the coating process can be applied to existing or new coils, depending on how much a company wants to overhaul its HVAC system. By replacing coils with more advanced, durable models that are protected from corrosion, HVAC units operate efficiently and are one step closer to achieving their energy goals.
This spring, make an investment in your future and revitalize your HVAC performance.
Rahn Industries has a full lineup of spray and immersion (dip)/ Bake protective coatings to meet your needs.