As it is a system made up of different components such as compressor, condenser and fan – the latter composed of engine and propeller, the condensing unit requires special care in relation to the preventive maintenance. Check the fastening of all parts on a regular basis and ensure that cleaning them can guarantee not only the increase of the useful life of all equipment, but also generates savings.
For many companies, preventive maintenance costs are seen as a high expense and that can be postponed for some time. The problem is that, in the long term, the accumulation of repairs that need to be made adversely affect the entire condensing unit system and its effectiveness.
The frequent review anticipates and prevents new spending, avoiding waste at the time of contracting prevention services. Generally, the corrective maintenance actions tend to be more expensive due to urgency or immediate exchange of parts or components.
Another important point of preventive maintenance is that it can reduce energy consumption in relation to the use of equipment with more energy efficiency. In addition to lowering the value of the energy bill, condensing units running properly contribute to a reduction in the environmental impact.
First of all, it is essential to carefully check the fastening of all components of the condensing unit. The correct prevention can avoid loosening or until it is released from the base plate devices. It can also significantly reduce the noise of the entire system.
Check below the periodical maintenance of the main parts that make up the condensing unit:
1 – Condenser
As it is exposed, the condenser – one of the main components of a cooling system – is subject to the accumulation of impurities such as dust, leaves, insects and papers preventing air from flowing.
Dirty condenser represents an increase of energy consumption and loss of heat exchange capacity, thereby reducing the cooling power. This dirty that gets accumulated also causes the increase of the condensation temperature.
And how to clean the condenser? To remove the impurities, it is necessary to take great care. They should be removed with water, cloth, or compressed air. Never use chemicals, especially those containing chlorine. The exception applies to those environments in which a lot of fried foods is used, such as industrial kitchens and restaurants, where the oil needs to be removed with a suitable degreasing agent.
2 – Condensing Unit Engine/Fan
Note that the accumulated dirt in the condensing unit fan will require more effort from the engine, which will work overloading it and will consume more energy.
In addition to increased energy consumption, impurities in the fan also reduces the life of the entire system. And in the case of equipment with propellers made of aluminum, it is essential to check its balance.
For cleaning, simply notice that the engine and the fan are dirty and use a cloth or compressed air to remove any dust or any other type of material.
3 – Compressor
The compressor is the main component of a cooling system. And one of the major concerns is energy efficiency, causing it to consume less energy while keeping the same quality.
One of the most important points in the maintenance of a compressor is to check the voltage. It should always be close to the rated voltage (127 V or 220 V). Besides, it is essential to analyze the current consumption and compare it with the information of the manufacturer’s operating manual.
Any changes or deviations in voltage and current consumed can pose risks to the life of the compressor. To notice them, use suitable measuring equipment.
Another important aspect is to find out if there are vibrations caused by loose fixings on the compressor. If there are any, they need to be solved with a retightening, because these oscillations must be eliminated so that they do not cause cracks in the soldering points that connect the compressor to the system not to mention that they generate excessive noise.
Therefore, performing regularly repairs and preventive maintenance in condensing units reduces the chances of more serious problems with the equipment, represents savings and generates more productivity for the business.
Read more about how to choose and size condensing units.
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