The HVAC system that is setup on the roof is known as the rooftop unit and is also known as packaged air conditioner and heat pump system. This is the main system that cools or heats the air according to the requirement. However, these units can fall into disrepair if not taken care of properly. Saving energy and money also depends on how you take care of the roof top unit. To properly maintain the roof top unit, you need to hire a HVAC company or technician to properly service the system.A well trained and experienced HVAC technician will perform the following HVAC servicing tasks:
- Clean the condenser coils: The condenser on the rooftop unit will get dirty faster because it is in an open area where the air gets into it without being filtered properly. Over time the dust build up will cause the condenser’s cooling capacity to come down. This will increase the usage of energy too. A proper cleaning of the condenser coils is necessary and the HVAC technician will do it. This task is usually done by spraying water at high pressure, though care must be taken to ensure that the high pressure does not break or bend the fins in the system.
- Clean the evaporator coils: Some companies suggest that you need not clean the evaporator coils because the air that gets inside is already thoroughly filtered so it is an unnecessary expense. Whereas others suggest that cleaning the evaporator coils at least yearly will only improve the efficiency of the system. We believe that cleaning will not cause any harm and can only be beneficial, so it is advised to clean the evaporator coils at least once a year. A trained HVAC technician will be able to do this easily.
- Check for refrigerant leaks: Refrigerant leakage can be a big problem as it hampers the cooling capacity of the HVAC system. Fixing the refrigerant leaks on the roof top unit can also be a very difficult task but it is a task that needs to be accomplished and most HVAC technicians are trained for it and do not look at it as an unpleasant task. Most times they would need to just top up the refrigerant charge but if there is considerable leakage then they need to find the cause of the problem, fix it and then add the refrigerant.
- Check the screws, pipes, gauges, caps and the like: For the HVAC system to be functioning well, all the screws need to be tightened, the pipes, gauges and caps checked so that there are no problems.
A good HVAC technician will not only check the HVAC system for the usual problems but also check the system for minor problems like drainage being clogged etc and rectifying them. A total servicing of the system will ensure that the system is working like a brand new one. If possible you can opt for an annual maintenance contract as it will ensure regular servicing so that the HVAC system works perfectly throughout the year.
Author Bio:
Nick Rubbens is an HVAC expert at www.interstateair.com (Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating 1133 Broadway #706 , New York, NY 10010, Phone: (212) 983-3330) a leading HVAC repair, maintenance, service, and installation company in New York City & Manhattan.