32 Service and Maintenance
It’s the little things that can save a lot in the long-run
It is often thought that manufacturers are not that interested in service and maintenance, being more concerned with profit margins from the sales of new systems, but this could not be further from the truth, says Martyn Ives, technical manager at Fujitsu.
CORRECT MAINTENANCE is probably the single most important factor in ensuring reliability, which is one of the main reasons I and my colleagues in the technical department spend so much time training contractors, talking them through problems they have not encountered before over the phone, or, in some cases, going out on site with them. However, many of the problems that come across my desk can be avoided with simple regular maintenance and better education of end-users.
While this would not reduce the value of service and maintenance contracts, it would reduce contractor time spent on site and thus the costs of the contracts. This starts with a favourite topic of mine, which is ensuring that proper end- user training on how new equipment is controlled is part of the commissioning process, including a clear written document that can be passed on when the original key people move roles. This should include a clear line of what they can do themselves and when they should bring in the professionals. Part of this should include education on the importance of cleaning the filter and ensuring the air flow is not restricted. This one thing can head off much greater problems.
It is also important to explain to end- users right at the beginning that an air conditioning unit’s filters, coils and fins require regular maintenance for the equipment to function effectively and efficiently throughout its life. Neglecting necessary maintenance by professionals ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases. It is the epitome of the old proverb, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’.
Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly.
With normal airflow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter can carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil’s heat-absorbing capacity. The simple act of replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower an air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Additionally it is important to point out strongly that an air conditioner’s
ACR News May 2014
evaporator coil and condenser coil also collect dirt over the months. A clean filter prevents the evaporator coil from soiling quickly. In time, however, the evaporator coil will still collect dirt. This dirt reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. To avoid this problem the evaporator coil needs to be checked every year and cleaned as necessary.
Also, the operator of the air conditioning system is legally responsible for ensuring the system is regularly leak checked under F-Gas regulations; something that always requires a trained professional. The quantity of refrigerant in a system depends on the frequency of this leak check, and this leak check proves whether or not the system is operating efficiently, and an efficient system is a reliable system. Refrigerant shortage will increase the demand on the system, the operating temperature of the compressor, and the transistor PCBs controlling the frequency (speed) of the inverter compressor. As the temperature of these components increase the chance of failure also increases.
Other simple issues that can help with efficiency include maintaining the aluminium fins on evaporator and condenser coils, which are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil.
Most distributors sell a tool called a ‘fin comb’ that will comb these fins back into nearly original condition.
Also, ensure water flows away from the drip tray by gravity or pump. Clogged drain channels prevent a unit from reducing humidity, and water leaks from blocked drains or faulty condensate pumps can result in an expensive repair bill to water stained walls, floors and even IT equipment.
End-users can also help themselves and make the contractor’s life easier in some circumstances. For example, outdoor condenser coils can become very dirty if the outdoor environment is dusty or if there is foliage nearby.
Minimising dirt and debris near the unit, dealing with falling leaves, pollen and sources of dirt and debris promptly around the area and trimming back foliage will allow for adequate airflow around the condenser.
While this may seem obvious to those of us in the sector, it is something that will need explaining and reinforcing to end users.
Like most things, the key to good service and maintenance is communication and a strong relationship with the customer. In the end, this will provide repeat business and enhance the reputation of the industry as a whole.
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