Are you tired of dealing with unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs for your HVAC system?
If so, it's time to learn about the magic of preventive maintenance and how it can save you from future headaches. You might have heard of terms like "15-point" or "60-point Tune-ups" while searching for ways to keep your HVAC system in top shape.
But what exactly are these tune-ups, and are they worth the investment? Let's dive into the world of HVAC preventive maintenance and find out!
Preventive Maintenance AIPC Principle:
AIPCL is an acronym that stands for Art, Importance, Power, and CheckList
The Art of Preventive Maintenance:
Think of your HVAC system as a car. Skipping oil changes and filter replacements might save you some money in the short term, but it will undoubtedly lead to more significant issues down the road. The same principle applies to your heating and cooling equipment. Preventive maintenance is an art that requires finding the right balance to keep your system healthy and efficient. Keep in mind that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, so experimentation is key.
The Importance of Preventive Maintenance:
Critical organizations like hospitals and the military can't afford equipment failures and shutdowns. That's why they've optimized scheduled preventive maintenance to minimize uncertainty and keep their operations running smoothly. By following their lead, you can ensure that your HVAC system remains in peak condition, providing you with comfort and reliability when you need it the most.
The Power of HVAC Preventive Maintenance:
Preventive maintenance isn't just about avoiding costly breakdowns; it's also about extending the lifespan of your HVAC system. Regular maintenance tasks can significantly prolong the life of your equipment, saving you money in the long run.
The Preventive Maintenance Checklist:
Now that you know the value of preventive maintenance, let's get to the good stuff – the checklist! By following these tasks regularly, you can keep your HVAC system in excellent condition:
Tune-ups for Residential Air Conditioner
Action Item | Frequency | Importance | Comment |
Condenser Coil Cleaning |
Once a Year |
Critical |
|
Evaporator Coil Cleaning |
N/A |
Optional |
Depending on Unit Age and Filter |
Drain Line Cleaning |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Will prevent ceiling water damage |
Replace Air Filter |
Once a Year |
Critical |
|
Rubout Potential |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Leak Prevention or electric short |
Thermostat Calibration |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Compliance Item |
Compressor Amp Draw |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
|
Compressor Mega Ohms |
3 Years |
Recommended |
Might hint an aging compressor |
Capacitors Check |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Low value, out of spec, causes burnout |
Contactor Check |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
|
Refrigerant Charge |
Once a Year |
Critical |
This is the bloodwork of your AC. |
Elec Wiring Tightening |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Fire and Shorts Prevention |
Replace Valve Cap Gasket |
3 Years |
Recommended |
Overtime gaskets dry out and leak |
Fans/ Blower Oil Leakage |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Oil Leaking from Fan baring a sign of end of life |
Fans/ Blower Amp Draw |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Higher than specified is a concern |
Expert Visual Inspection |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Trained professionals see problems B-4 they happen |
Tune-Ups for Commercial Refrigerators.
In this list, we provide a concise and complete list of best practices preventive maintenance checklist for typical light commercial refrigeration systems. This category includes Reach-In, Prep Tables, Undercounters, and Beverage Display Fridges among others.
Following the guidelines in this document should extend the service life of the equipment, dramatically reduce repairs, and most importantly prevent equipment failure and shutdowns.
Action Item | Frequency | Importance | Comment |
Condenser Coil Cleaning |
Twice a Year |
Critical |
Dusty area with flour & fry oil are more critical |
Drain Line Cleaning |
Twice a Year |
Critical |
|
Evaporator Coil Cleaning |
Once a Year |
Optional |
|
Rubout Potential |
Twice a Year |
Critical |
Leak Prevention |
Gaskets Check |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Performance Item |
Thermostat Calibration |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Compliance Item |
Compressor Amp Draw |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
|
Compressor Mega Ohms |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Might hint an aging compressor |
Capacitor |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Lower Value Means Out of Spec |
Contactor |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
|
Runtime Compressor Cycle |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Lower Energy Cost |
Filter Drier DT |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Might hint an obstruction |
Electrical Wiring Check out |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Fire Prevention |
Suction Line Insulation |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Performance Item |
Replace Shrader Valve Core |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Leak Prevention |
Replace Valve Cap Gasket |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Leak Prevention |
Flare Joint Inspection |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Leak Early Detection / Shut down Prevention |
Voltage to the unit |
Twice a Year |
Critical |
Shutdown Prevention |
Tune-up Preventive Maintenance List for Walk-in Box
Walkin Cooler or Freezer Maintenance List
Action Item | Frequency | Importance | Comment |
Traces of Oil |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Document with images traces of oil and exact location |
Condenser Coil Cleaning |
Once a Year |
Critical |
|
Evaporator Coil Cleaning |
Once a Year |
Critical |
|
Drain Line Cleaning |
Once a Year |
Critical |
|
Superheat |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Might prevent coil freeze up |
Rubout Potential |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Leak Prevention |
Gaskets Check |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Performance Item |
Thermostat Calibration |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Compliance Item |
Compressor Amp Draw |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
|
Compressor Mega Ohms |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Might hint an aging compressor |
Capacitors Check |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Lower Value Means Out of Spec |
Contactor Check |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
|
Sight Glass Level |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Might hint of low charged system, performance item |
Runtime Compressor Cycle |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Lower Energy Cost / Pressure Switch Cut-in Checks |
Filter Drier DT |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Might hint an obstruction |
Electrical Wiring Tightening |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Fire Prevention |
Suction Line Insulation |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Performance Item |
Replace Shrader Valve Core |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Leak Prevention |
Replace Valve Cap Gasket |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Leak Prevention, with time gasket will dry out |
Flare Joint Inspection |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Leak Early Detection / Shut down prevention |
Voltage to the unit |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Shutdown Prevention |
Fans Oil Leakage |
Once a Year |
Critical |
Oil Leaking from Fan baring a sign of end of life |
Fans Amp Draw |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Higher than specified is a concern |
Defrost cycle Adjustment |
Once a Year |
Recommended |
Lower Energy / Performance Item |