The workhorses of the commercial HVAC industry, packaged rooftop units, can be found on the roofs of retail stores, office buildings, malls, and more. Rain or shine, these trusty units are there, keeping you, your employees and your customers/clients comfortable, but for how long? Like any HVAC unit, a packaged rooftop unit needs to be maintained, especially when you consider that these units are at the mercy of Mother Nature 24/7. Unfortunately, many building owners and property managers neglect their rooftop units – with an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality. You can’t expect them to keep operating without issues when they are not maintained. Just like a car that needs an oil change after 3,000 miles or so, a rooftop unit needs the same type of TLC to keep working – especially during the hot days of summer. Rooftop units should be maintained a minimum of four times a year. Regular preventive maintenance performed by a professional HVAC technician can head off potential breakdowns;

ensure the unit is running efficiently, saving money on utility bills; and extending the lifespan of the unit. In fact, a properly maintained rooftop unit can save several thousand dollars a year in energy and operating costs. Common Problems with Rooftop Units The most common issue with rooftop units typically involves airflow, meaning belt or blower problems, or restrictions in the ductwork. Second on the list of common problems with rooftop units are electrical issues, such as bad fuses, thermostat, or contactors. Rounding out the list are problems with the refrigeration cycle, such as leaks, the compressor, or metering device. At a minimum, below is a list of preventive maintenance tasks that should be performed on a quarterly basis. Check with facilities personnel for deficiencies Check tension, condition, and alignment of belts; Lubricate shaft and motor bearings Clean electrical wiring and connections; Clean coils, evaporator drain pan, blowers, fans, motors and drain piping as required

Perform operational check of unit; make adjustments on controls and other components as required During the operation of the unit, check refrigerant pressure; add refrigerant as necessary Check compressor oil level; add oil as required Clean area around unit Complete maintenance checklist and report deficiencies Failing to maintain a rooftop AC unit could result in breakdowns, costly repair bills, and the premature failure of the unit. how big ac unit for 2500 sq ftPerforming routine preventive maintenance is the only way to ensure a rooftop unit operates at peak efficiency.air conditioning units for wide windowsCFSI provides 24/7 commercial mechanical and HVAC services throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. pump down home ac unit

So give us a call today to find out how our MSCA GreenSTAR certified service technicians can improve your HVAC performance and energy efficiency. You can also follow CFSI on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+. Tags: HVAC unit, Packaged Rooftop Unit Preventive Maintenance This entry was posted on Thursday, June 27th, 2013 at 1:01 pm and is filed under Blog, Maintenance Tips . You can follow any responses to this entry through the You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.RV air conditioning: discover some basic tips that can keep your RV air conditioning unit in top shape. Any experienced RVer knows that maintaining your air conditioning unit – and keeping your cooling costs in check – can be a challenge. That’s especially true if you live or travel frequently to areas of the country that experience long stretches of hot or humid weather. So, your friends at Explorer RV Insurance put together some information to help you.

A dozen RV air conditioning tips for better efficiency and performance. Follow the maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual. That includes cleaning the coils. Simply performing preventative maintenance goes a long way to improving your air conditioner’s performance, and reducing the number of repairs required. Call a licensed HVAC repair technician if you’re unable to conduct your own maintenance checks. And, if your unit isn’t working properly, it’s better to pay a professional to look it over than possibly damaging the unit by trying to fix it yourself. When possible, park your RV in shaded areas. This can make a surprising difference in AC performance and lower energy usage. Install insulation around your windows to better keep out the heat and humidity. Use shades or curtains to block out the mid-day heat. Clean your air filters regularly. This allows for better air flow and enables your unit to operate more efficiently. Block off unused portions of your RV so you’re not wasting cool air on these areas.

Direct your vents so cool air isn’t aimed at your thermostat. Having cool air blown on your thermostat makes it more difficult for your air conditioner to evenly cool your RV. Shield your thermostat from heat sources, too, such as the oven, refrigerator, sun or even a nearby lamp. Cook outside as much as possible to avoid heat from your cooking appliances. Or prepare your main meal in the morning to avoid the peak heat of the day. Consider buying a water mister if you live in or travel to areas that aren’t humid. Attach it to your awning, and then use the mister to keep your RV a bit cooler. Take advantage of air-conditioned locations around you – like libraries, malls, gyms, movie theaters and museums. Maybe even eat out a bit more, too. Before you leave your RV, though, make sure to raise the thermostat setting. And here’s one insurance tip: Consider full time RV insurance. Full time RV insurance won’t make you feel cooler or make your air conditioner perform better.