How maintenance saves on HVAC running costs
Poorly maintained HVAC equipment can increase its energy consumption by up to 30%.[1]
In order to minimise your HVAC running costs, you need to ensure that your equipment is regularly serviced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Your HVAC technical service provider or EcoSmart Electrician can advise you on the best ways to maximise the savings from your existing HVAC system.
From an efficiency point of view, you should regularly:
- clean your condenser coils, evaporators, and fans
- clean or change air-filters
- check valves, belts, refrigerant levels and insulation
- check that your economiser is working correctly
- check the bearings, motors and speed drives. When there are issues with your bearings, the motor has to work harder
- make sure that any power outages have not affected your thermostat clock
- ensure that your dampers are operating correctly. This will stop hot or cold air coming in to your building when it’s not required
- make sure the outside air grills are not blocked with plastic bags or other materials
- lubricate fan bearings
- fix refrigerant gas leaks. Your technician must have an ARCtick license to handle refrigerant
- fix any air leaks in your ducting.
Cleaning should be carried out on a quarterly basis as grime can build up in your HVAC coils, evaporators and fans. Finally, make sure your maintenance provider knows that energy saving maintenance is a strong focus for you. They may have additional ideas that will maximise your energy savings.
When filters are blocked, not enough air flow will get through. The motor will then have to work harder which increases its energy use and your bills. A blocked filter may also reduce the amount of conditioned air that ends up in your premises. A properly maintained filter is therefore critical to the efficient operation of your HVAC system; so it’s important to clean or regularly replace your filters. For many small systems, replacing filters is an easy task.
In addition to saving you money, maintaining your equipment will make it more efficient and reliable. It will also prolong its service life and the time until replacement.