Stay On Top Of Maintenance To Keep Your Chiller Operating Efficiently

Maintenance isn't just an important part of extending the lifespan of your chiller unit. Maintenance also plays a key role in efficiency. Increased efficiency limits the number of necessary repairs and can lower the operating cost of the unit. There are certain maintenance tasks that play a more important role in accomplishing this goal. Make sure you know what key maintenance areas to focus on to ensure your unit is operating efficiently.

Oil And Filter Inspections

Focus on the oil and the filter. In terms of efficiency, keeping an adequate oil level and a clean filter is key. Make an effort to inspect the condition of both these areas frequently, such as once a week. As far as the oil levels are concerned, if the oil level drops too low there is an increased risk of the motor overheating, which can cause permanent damage.

In terms of the filter, over time dust, sludge and other debris can clog the filter. When this occurs, the filter will no longer be effective at trapping these particles, causing them to end up in the oil, which can also cause damage to the motor. Partnering with a service professional will help alert you as to how often you need to have this service performed.  

Refrigerant Charging

Another important factor that affects the efficiency level at which a chiller operates is refrigerant charging. Refrigerant charging is basically the process of topping off, or refilling, the refrigerant for the unit. It's important that you find the perfect balance in this area as too much or too little refrigerant can cause issues. If there is too much of the refrigerant in the unit, it can spill over into the compressor. Refrigerant in the compressor overloads the motor, causes damage to the compressor impeller and increases energy consumption, all of which can be costly.

If the refrigerant levels are too low, the top of the cooler tubes may be exposed. When they are not submerged in the refrigerant liquid this may cause them to burn out, increase power consumption and prevent the cooling process from occurring. Since the refrigerant is so important, it's best to leave this task to a professional. A service technician can monitor your unit to determine how frequently you need to charge.

The more effort you focus on maintenance, the more you will get out of your unit. Make sure you work closely with a service technician from a carrier chiller service for the best results.

Share