Summertime is Service Time for HVAC Equipment

Summertime is Service Time and with summer almost here, it’s time for facility managers to check the health of their cooling systems. We want to help contractors and end-users keep those systems running at top performance, so we’ve developed some helpful maintenance checklists to assist. 

As always, maintenance should only be performed by trained HVAC professionals. Access, Inc. customer service technicians – at ACS in Michigan/Ohio – are available to provide your equipment with the steps necessary to ensure the health of your system(s):

1. Check the belts. Neglecting the belts can reduce or prohibit airflow, cause mechanical failure or lead to the evaporator coils frosting. Inspect the belts for fraying and wear. Makes sure they are properly aligned. 
2. Inspect the drain pans. Not checking drain pans for blockage risks water backing up into the unit and causing unit shutdowns or water damage in your facility.
3. Change the filters. If filters aren’t changed regularly, the HVAC system will have to work lot harder to pull air through the dirty filters. This means more energy usage and increased wear on the HVAC components.
4. Clean the indoor and outdoor coils. Dirty coils can cause compressors, electrical parts or motors to fail.

“Improve central air filtration to MERV-13 or the highest compatible with the filter rack and to seal the edges of the filter to limit bypass.”

ASHRAE Journal – May 2020 [72 – 73]

Heating Maintenance

It might not be at the top of your mind during warmer weather, but summertime is service time and time to have your HVAC service technician check out your facility’s heating systems, such as unit heaters. Here’s a basic checklist to keep them operating safely:

1. Check it out. Visually inspect wiring, gas pipes, fans, and venting systems for damage that might have occurred.
2. Inspect gas connections. Make sure all gas connections have the proper fit. Check and adjust manifold gas pressure.
3. Check the power. Inspect the power connections to the motor for tightness and make sure the motor shaft turns in the correct direction.
4. Check condensate lines. Make sure to check condensate lines on high-efficiency units to make sure they are not clogged or have been damaged.
5. Watch for condensate leakage. Signs of leaks include water stains on the exterior of the vent pipe or rusting. 
6. Inspect thermostats. Check thermostats for cleanliness, connectivity and correct temperature settings. If necessary, clean them.
7. Inspect burner tubes. Check them for clogs and foreign materials such as and spiders and mice. 
8. Keep vents clear. Make sure venting systems aren’t obstructed. Check the cap and clean-out.
9. Check the heat exchanger. Make sure there aren’t any blockages or failures. 

Additional Service and Maintenance Resources:

• What to Do with a Budget Windfall
• Why Service Contracts?
• Parts Support and Availability

These are simple maintenance tips to keep your HVAC units and associated equipment in top shape in any weather. Remember to set a regular maintenance scheduled and stick with it. It will pay off over the lifespan of the systems.

Contact Access for services, parts or to renew or create a service contract, by calling:

• Service and Dispatch: (248) 616-8999
• Parts: (866) 402-2237
• 24/7/365 Emergency: (833) 234-4227

Modified from the original. See the original written by Modine HVAC 6.11.20