Have you checked your air conditioning system yet this summer? Just because it works flawlessly, it doesn’t mean you can skip regular maintenance. Air conditioning systems take a big hit in the summer months. That’s why regular visual inspections coupled with professional servicing bi-annually or quarterly are integral to avoiding downtime when you need the system the most.
Even if your air conditioning system is still fairly new and shows no signs of problems, it will still benefit from maintenance. Below are the most important reasons why you should have your air conditioning system maintained this summer.
1) Reduce Energy Bills
Even if your air conditioning system seems to be working fine, failing to maintain it could result in higher power consumption. A poorly maintained system can increase your energy bills by more than 30%. This can add up to a considerable amount for commercial facilities. The reasons for higher energy bills vary from something as simple as a dirty air filter to as more serious as a leaking air duct. In any case, hiring a maintenance team can be much cheaper than dealing with higher energy bills all summer long.
2) Decreases Chances of Fire
Air conditioning systems are highly complex. The number of intricate parts and the complexity of wiring make them subject to overheating, which in turn can cause the system to short-circuit, leading to an increased fire risk. In the summertime, fire can spread quickly, posing a danger to employees and property. A short circuit can escalate from a very simple malfunction; however, it is something which should be avoidable and preventable through regular maintenance.
3) Improved Air Quality
Poorly maintained air conditioning systems contaminate the air in the building. Besides allergens, a faulty system brings dirt and dust inside the building. This increases the risk of breathing problems for building users and can also clog the fans of machinery and computer equipment. Simple filter changes or cleaning can help you avoid these issues.
4) Better Temperature Regulation
The obvious reason to service your air conditioning system as soon as possible in early summer is to make sure it can maintain the right temperature and humidity. Duct leaks, failing parts, dirty filters, and low refrigerant levels are just a few reasons why your air conditioning system may not perform as well as it should. A professional service provider can check the system and ensure it works properly all summer long.
5) F-Gas Compliance
The 2014 F-gas regulations require owners of air conditioning systems that use f-gas refrigerants to perform regular inspections. Failing to identify and eliminate a leak could lead to a fine of up to £200,000. Depending on the amount of the refrigerant used in your air conditioning system, you have to follow a certain inspection and maintenance schedule.
You must keep records about the following equipment you operate or service if it contains F gas equivalent to 5 tonnes or more of carbon dioxide:
- Stationary refrigeration equipment.
- Stationary air-conditioning equipment.
- Stationary heat pumps.
- Stationary fire protection equipment.
- Refrigeration units of refrigerated trucks and trailers.
- Electrical switchgear.
- Organic rankine cycle.
You must keep records for 5 years on the:
- Quantity and type of gas in the equipment when it’s installed.
- Quantity and type of gas added during maintenance (for example in leak repairs).
- Dates and results of all mandatory leak checks.
- What you’ve done to recover and dispose of gas – for example, record the registered waste carrier you use to dispose of it.
If the gas used in the equipment has been recycled or reclaimed, record the:
- Quantity of gases recovered.
- Name, address and certificate number of the recycling or reclamation facility.
If you’re a user or operator of the equipment, keep records of the name, address and certificate number of any companies used to install, service or decommission your equipment. The Environment Agency may ask to see your records during an inspection.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent is a measure of how much a gas contributes to global warming, relative to carbon dioxide.
You calculate the carbon dioxide equivalent of a quantity of F gas by multiplying the mass of the gas (in tonnes), by the gas’ global warming potential (GWP).
You’ll usually find the mass of an F gas expressed in kilograms (kg) on product labels. To convert the mass to tonnes, divide by 1,000.
For example, the global warming potential of HFC 404A is 3,922. Therefore, the tonnes CO2 equivalent of 10kg of HFC 404a is calculated as follows:
1. Mass (in tonnes) of F gas multiplied by GWP of F gas
2. = (10/1,000) * 3,922
3. = 39.2 tonnes CO2 equivalent
Find Out More
At ACE Services, we offer affordably priced air conditioning system repair and maintenance services for all types of system. We are also certified to carry out f-gas equipment inspections, so please give us a call for a quote today.
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