Are you tired of dealing with unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs for your HVAC system?

If so, it's time to learn about the magic of preventive maintenance and how it can save you from future headaches. You might have heard of terms like "15-point" or "60-point Tune-ups" while searching for ways to keep your HVAC system in top shape.

But what exactly are these tune-ups, and are they worth the investment? Let's dive into the world of HVAC preventive maintenance and find out!

Preventive Maintenance AIPC Principle:

AIPCL is an acronym that stands for Art, Importance, Power, and CheckList

The Art of Preventive Maintenance:

Think of your HVAC system as a car. Skipping oil changes and filter replacements might save you some money in the short term, but it will undoubtedly lead to more significant issues down the road. The same principle applies to your heating and cooling equipment. Preventive maintenance is an art that requires finding the right balance to keep your system healthy and efficient. Keep in mind that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, so experimentation is key.

The Importance of Preventive Maintenance:

Critical organizations like hospitals and the military can't afford equipment failures and shutdowns. That's why they've optimized scheduled preventive maintenance to minimize uncertainty and keep their operations running smoothly. By following their lead, you can ensure that your HVAC system remains in peak condition, providing you with comfort and reliability when you need it the most.

The Power of HVAC Preventive Maintenance:

Preventive maintenance isn't just about avoiding costly breakdowns; it's also about extending the lifespan of your HVAC system. Regular maintenance tasks can significantly prolong the life of your equipment, saving you money in the long run.

The Preventive Maintenance Checklist:

Now that you know the value of preventive maintenance, let's get to the good stuff – the checklist! By following these tasks regularly, you can keep your HVAC system in excellent condition:

Tune-ups for Residential Air Conditioner

Residential AC Tune-up PDF

Action Item Frequency Importance Comment

Condenser Coil Cleaning

Once a Year

Critical

 

Evaporator Coil Cleaning

N/A

Optional

Depending on Unit Age and Filter

Drain Line Cleaning

Once a Year

Critical

Will prevent ceiling water damage 

Replace Air Filter

Once a Year

Critical

Dirty filters cause AC freezing up

Rubout Potential

Once a Year

Critical

Leak Prevention or electric short

Thermostat Calibration

Once a Year

Recommended

Compliance Item

Compressor Amp Draw

Once a Year

Recommended

 

Compressor Mega Ohms

3 Years

Recommended

Might hint an aging compressor

Capacitors Check

Once a Year

Recommended

Low value, out of spec, causes burnout

Contactor Check

Once a Year

Recommended

 

Refrigerant Charge

Once a Year

Critical

This is the bloodwork of your AC.

Elec Wiring Tightening

Once a Year

Recommended

Fire and Shorts Prevention

Replace Valve Cap Gasket

3 Years

Recommended

Overtime gaskets dry out and leak

Fans/ Blower Oil Leakage

Once a Year

Critical

Oil Leaking from Fan baring a sign of end of life

Fans/ Blower Amp Draw

Once a Year

Recommended

Higher than specified is a concern

Expert Visual Inspection

Once a Year

Critical

Trained professionals see problems B-4 they happen

Tune-Ups for Commercial Refrigerators.

In this list, we provide a concise and complete list of best practices preventive maintenance checklist for typical light commercial refrigeration systems. This category includes Reach-In, Prep Tables, Undercounters, and Beverage Display Fridges among others.

Following the guidelines in this document should extend the service life of the equipment, dramatically reduce repairs, and most importantly prevent equipment failure and shutdowns.

Action Item Frequency Importance Comment

Condenser Coil Cleaning

Twice a Year

Critical

Dusty area with flour & fry oil are more critical

Drain Line Cleaning

Twice a Year

Critical

 

Evaporator Coil Cleaning

Once a Year

Optional

 

Rubout Potential

Twice a Year

Critical

Leak Prevention

Gaskets Check

Once a Year

Critical

Performance Item

Thermostat Calibration

Once a Year

Recommended

Compliance Item

Compressor Amp Draw

Once a Year

Recommended

 

Compressor Mega Ohms

Once a Year

Recommended

Might hint an aging compressor

Capacitor

Once a Year

Recommended

Lower Value Means Out of Spec

Contactor

Once a Year

Recommended

 

Runtime Compressor Cycle

Once a Year

Recommended

Lower Energy Cost

Filter Drier DT

Once a Year

Recommended

Might hint an obstruction

Electrical Wiring Check out

Once a Year

Recommended

Fire Prevention

Suction Line Insulation

Once a Year

Recommended

Performance Item

Replace Shrader Valve Core

Once a Year

Critical

Leak Prevention

Replace Valve Cap Gasket

Once a Year

Critical

Leak Prevention

Flare Joint Inspection

Once a Year

Critical

Leak Early Detection / Shut down Prevention

Voltage to the unit

Twice a Year

Critical

Shutdown Prevention

 

Tune-up Preventive Maintenance List for Walk-in Box 

Walkin Cooler or Freezer Maintenance List

Action Item Frequency Importance Comment

Traces of Oil

Once a Year

Critical

Document with images traces of oil and exact location

Condenser Coil Cleaning

Once a Year

Critical

 

Evaporator Coil Cleaning

Once a Year

Critical

 

Drain Line Cleaning

Once a Year

Critical

 

Superheat

Once a Year

Critical

Might prevent coil freeze up

Rubout Potential

Once a Year

Critical

Leak Prevention

Gaskets Check

Once a Year

Critical

Performance Item

Thermostat Calibration

Once a Year

Recommended

Compliance Item

Compressor Amp Draw

Once a Year

Recommended

 

Compressor Mega Ohms

Once a Year

Recommended

Might hint an aging compressor

Capacitors Check

Once a Year

Recommended

Lower Value Means Out of Spec

Contactor Check

Once a Year

Recommended

 

Sight Glass Level

Once a Year

Recommended

Might hint of low charged system, performance item

Runtime Compressor Cycle

Once a Year

Critical

Lower Energy Cost / Pressure Switch Cut-in Checks

Filter Drier DT

Once a Year

Recommended

Might hint an obstruction

Electrical Wiring Tightening

Once a Year

Recommended

Fire Prevention

Suction Line Insulation

Once a Year

Recommended

Performance Item

Replace Shrader Valve Core

Once a Year

Critical

Leak Prevention

Replace Valve Cap Gasket

Once a Year

Critical

Leak Prevention, with time gasket will dry out

Flare Joint Inspection

Once a Year

Critical

Leak Early Detection / Shut down prevention

Voltage to the unit

Once a Year

Critical

Shutdown Prevention

Fans Oil Leakage

Once a Year

Critical

Oil Leaking from Fan baring a sign of end of life

Fans Amp Draw

Once a Year

Recommended

Higher than specified is a concern

Defrost cycle Adjustment

Once a Year

Recommended

Lower Energy / Performance Item

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