Even new high efficiency boilers need maintenance. Many would think that if you have brand new equipment that you have a few years to wait until maintenance is required. Unfortunately, that is not the case, especially with high efficiency boilers.

Here is an example:

Last winter we received a call for service due to no heat. The customer had a high efficiency boiler which was just over a year old. They had not had any preventative maintenance performed, since its installation earlier in the year. Upon arrival our service tech discovered that components of the boiler had literally melted (see photo above). Upon further inspection it was discovered that the ignitor had failed and someone in the customer’s organization was repeatedly resetting the boiler to try and keep it lit. The repeated process caused over-heating and melting of some of the components.

With a preventative maintenance contract this issue could have been avoided, saving money for the organization in the long run. Ignitors and flame rods are replaced yearly during maintenance which would have prevented the occurrence.

During a typical service, we flush the system using a cleaner that removes any build up in the system such as calcification from the condensation.  We also brush the system to further remove any build up that will lead to poor heat exchange or blockages of the fins. The fins in the boiler are checked to make sure they are clean and a tool is run between each fin to remove any build up. Plugged fins can lead to poor heat transfer and hot spots in the boiler heat exchanger.

Even if you have a brand new high efficiency boiler it is important to schedule preventative maintenance. Not only can things breakdown or melt, but a high efficiency boiler that is not properly maintained can be running far lower than the 95% efficiency you expected. The heating season is fast approaching. Having preventative maintenance performed in advance will help to ensure that your equipment is running safely and efficiently.

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RTU’s need regular system maintenance to function at peak efficiency. The roof exposes your unit to extreme weather. It is colder and/or hotter up there depending on the weather. Unlike other types of heating and air conditioning systems that are either inside the building or outside on the ground, the RTU is exposed to much more extreme temperatures and more pollutants. Ambient temperatures on the roof of a building can reach 120 degrees on hot summer days. Pollutants collect on the components of the unit causing it to lose efficiency and even degrade. Excessive heat causes the unit to work harder to produce comfortable conditions in your building.

Regular system inspections prevent inconvenient system breakdowns, increase the life of your system and will reduce utility bills. HVAC systems have over 100 components and many common component issues increase energy usage. You can see more on this chart of the Building efficiency initiative that describes in detail the greatest energy impacts with the various components.

“Portland Energy Conservation Inc. found that building operation and maintenance programs specifically designed to enhance the operating efficiency of HVAC and lighting systems decreased energy bills 5 to 20 percent in commercial buildings, without significant capital investment.^“

Controlled Air, Inc. offers custom service and maintenance packages. Below is a list of items typically done during a maintenance appointment.

• Changing filters to keep dirt and debris out of the ductwork and the system components
• Checking blowers for proper airflow
• Checking the electrical system, fuses, thermostats, and contactors
• Checking belts and replacing if necessary
• Cleaning dirt, soot and mold from the condenser coil, including measuring before and after temperatures to verify effectiveness
• Inspecting evaporator coils and clean as needed
• Checking refrigerant charge and fix any leaks
• Checking cabinet integrity for air leaks caused by cracks, missing screws, loose latches and faulty gaskets

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We would also like to remind you to call us as soon as possible with any HVAC issues. The sooner you call us the sooner we can get there to make repairs. If you wait to see if the problem gets worse, what may have been a small problem at the beginning of the day could become much worse and more costly by the end of the day.  If service is completed after normal business hours overtime is charged  and obtaining necessary parts becomes more difficult.  It’s more efficient for us and ultimately better service for you if we are able coordinate our technicians earlier in the day.  Of course, we always have a technician on duty for those true after hours emergencies.

If you don’t have a service contract but are considering one. We offer three customized service contract options:

1. A Planned Maintenance which provides all of the preventive maintenance needed for your HVAC and temperature control equipment. Repairs are billed on a time and material basis. Customers who select this type of contract are given priority response when emergency service is requested and are billed at a discounted time and materials rate.
2. Labor Maintenance Agreement you receive the same benefits included in the Planned Maintenance Contract as well as any labor needed to make repairs. Parts are billed at a discounted materials rate.
3. A Full Maintenance Contract includes all of the benefits in the Planned Maintenance Contract and Labor Maintenance Agreement as well as any materials needed for repairs. In short, everything is included. There are no additional fees for repairs or emergencies.

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Filters that are not changed regularly enough will eventually stop filtering the air. A plugged filter will sometimes collapse and get pulled out of its filter track. Air can now bypass the filter and accumulate in coils, fan wheels and ductwork. Dirty coils and fan wheels reduce the performance of the equipment.

Secondly, dirty filters can reduce the air flow through a heating or cooling system. Reduced air flow will cause heat exchangers to run hotter and cooling coils to run colder than they were designed to. Uncorrected, this will lead to shortened life expectancy or failure of the equipment.

Filters vary in quality performance and price. Selecting the proper filter to meet the requirements at the most economical price is important. Filter performance is based on required air quality, equipment, and occupancy. Make sure that if you do not have a maintenance contract that you change your filters often based on the requirements of your equipment and facility. This could be as often as once a month to once a year. Clean air filters and proper maintenance will lead to happier employees, customers, and longer equipment life.

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The indoor environment in the pool room is a delicate environment. If the temperature is not correct or the humidity is incorrect, it can lead to an uncomfortable environment, health problems, mold and air quality issues, as well as deterioration of the building structure.

Dampness and mold have been linked to a wide range of health issues, from headaches and skin irritation, to allergic reactions, asthma, and other serious respiratory problems.

Dehumidification: Most indoor pool spaces have a dehumidifier to maintain 50- to 60 percent relative humidity (RH) and cool or heat the air to a set point temperature. Without it, the space probably depends on outdoor air and exhaust.

Pool rooms and health clubs also require on-going, consistent maintenance, such as 4 inspections and filters changes per year.

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