Cooling Systems: Mid-Summer Maintenance Measures

Have you been neglecting your air conditioning system? An annual cleaning and inspection is important, but failure to continually maintain your system throughout the cooling season can cost you higher energy bills and even equipment failure.

Preventative maintenance measures

Consult with a qualified professional who can provide regular maintenance. Here's a checklist of items to look for that will keep your system operating at peak efficiency all summer long:

• Adjust settings. Check the settings on programmable thermostats or energy management controls and adjust them to current space conditioning needs and occupancy schedules.
• Strike the right balance. Adjust dampers and vents to make sure the system is balanced properly.
• Lend an ear. Listen to the system operate for a few minutes and determine the cause of any unusual sounds.
• Keep filters clean. Check air filters regularly and replace them according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Maintain oil pressure and temperature. Examine instrumentation to ensure the oil pressure and temperature match the manufacturer's specifications.
• Confirm compressor performance. Check for unusual compressor operation, including continuous running or frequent stopping and starting.
• Balance belts. Inspect the tension and alignment of all belts and adjust as needed.
• Examine economizers and dampers. Determine if the air conditioning economizer works as designed and repair faulty dampers.
• Look for leaks. Check for and repair refrigerant and oil leaks around equipment seals, pipe joints, valves and other instrumentation. Examine refrigerant levels and adjust if necessary.
• Maintain motors. Check motors and fan belt drives to make sure they're properly lubricated.
• Scrutinize shades. Inspect window treatments to make sure they're being used correctly to block out solar heat gain, especially in areas with varying occupancy.
• Monitor mold and mildew. Look for evidence of mold and mildew near windows or in corners of exterior walls. Indoor humidity levels of 70% and higher, combined with temperatures above 70°F, provide an ideal environment for mold growth.

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