Now that we are in the midst of winter, it is important that checks are carried out on chillers due to them being particularly susceptible to the cold & poor conditions typical of this period. Please find a list of points below which should be taken into account whilst you are hiring a chiller.
Coil Maintenance
During the winter, chillers are subjected to harsh conditions which can cause the growth of mould, dirt & pollutants on their coils. This build-up can potentially lead to issues such as a reduced air flow. A reduced air flow in a chiller will lead to a reduction in the efficiency of the chiller. For every 10% reduction in the air flow of a chiller this can lead to a drop of approximately 5% of the chiller’s efficiency. Therefore, removing the effects of winter on a chiller’s coils can help maintain a chiller’s high efficiency.
Looking after Glycol levels
The sub-zero temperatures which are common in winter can cause the water in chillers to freeze & cause considerable damage to the chiller. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that glycol levels are checked & sustained regularly in order to prevent freezing.
Check for pipe damage
If chiller pipes receive any damage in winter conditions, pipes could burst & potentially lead to leaks. Thus, it is important to carry out regular equipment checks to spot any fractures which may be on the pipes & take action before the problem escalates.
Look for leaks
Chillers should be inspected for leaks as if the system has any leaks this will result in a less efficient system & could potentially lead to the release of the harmful refrigerant in the air.