For many building owners, what happens to their rooftop HVAC unit is something that they don’t usually take much interest in. Any interest they ever build up about it is usually due to a binary process: HVAC works? Okay, no need to think about it. HVAC’s acting funny or doesn’t work? Okay, time to think about it. Thus, when the latter situation arises, many building owners are unprepared to take the necessary steps toward a swift and appropriate resolution.
Rooftop HVAC units are often quite large and require the use of lifting equipment to be removed or replaced. Thus, it is often best that regular inspections of these equipment be carried out so that potential problems can be identified and scheduled for repair before they become an issue that warrants unit extraction.
Regular inspections allow building owners and facilities managers to become well-acquainted with their HVAC systems, as well. This way, if a problem does arise, identifying its source is easier. This information can then be relayed to a Shreveport HVAC repair technician right at the first call for assistance.
Given information about the problem before he even leaves to carry out his own inspection, the technician can make a snap judgment about whether lifting equipment might be needed later. If a potential need is perceived, then the necessary lifting equipment can be left on standby and sent in as soon as it is needed, thereby reducing repair turnaround times.
When checking a rooftop HVAC unit, the following things will need to be assessed:
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Cabinetry
The HVAC unit’s cabinet should be intact. Holes or gaps in the cabinetry can reduce system efficiency and require the unit’s fans to work harder, leading to a quicker breakdown.
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Filters
The HVAC unit’s filters need to clean, otherwise they can restrict the flow of air and lead to the slow and steady degradation of the unit. Restricted air flow can also cause the system to work harder and shorten its expected lifespan.
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Coils
Damaged coils can lead to coolant leakage, and therefore, reduced efficiency and increased operating costs. Look for dirt, debris, bends, or restricted fins that will need to be addressed.
To help building owners or facilities managers carry out a more thorough inspection, it is also advised that a qualified Shreveport, LA, HVAC technician be enlisted to carry out the inspection. It is for this reason that it is often a good idea that an agreement be made with a reputable local contractor, like AccuTemp Heating and Cooling, for ongoing support.
(Source: What Owners Need to Know About ... Rooftop Units: Repair or Replace?, Heating/Piping/Air Conditioning Magazine, February 7, 2014)
