Pre-season checklist
| Section | Checks |
|---|---|
| Condenser | Coil cleaning, checking fans and motors, fin damage; for water-cooled units, cleaning the tower and condenser tubes |
| Compressor | Crankcase heater, oil level and color, insulation resistance, contactors, current |
| Refrigerant circuit | Leak test, suction and discharge pressures, superheat and subcooling values, filter drier |
| Water circuit | Flow, inlet and outlet temperatures, filters, air venting, expansion tank pressure |
| Glycol | In systems that use glycol against winter, measuring the ratio: glycol freezing point |
| Pumps | Seal leaks, bearing noise, current, testing the standby pump |
| Safeties | Flow switch, high and low pressure switches, freeze protection |
| Check | Setpoints, sensor calibration, alarm history, BMS communication |
| Electrical | Panel tightness, phase balance, cables: phase imbalance |
Start-up sequence
- Energize the compressor crankcase heater for the period recommended by the manufacturer beforehand.
- Fill the water circuit, vent the air, run the pumps, and verify the flow.
- Test that the flow switch cuts out the unit.
- Start the chiller at a low stage and monitor pressures and currents.
- As the load increases, test all stages and the condenser fan control.
- Record the measured values in the maintenance form: chiller maintenance form.
Alarms most often seen in the first week
A high pressure alarm due to a dirty condenser, a low flow alarm due to a closed valve or clogged filter, and oil pressure problems in compressors that have been idle for a long time are what we meet most often at the start of the season. For the meaning of alarm codes: chiller fault codes.
Let's get your chiller ready for the season
Write the chiller brand, model, quantity, and facility address; we will give you a date and a quote for pre-season maintenance and start-up.
For the scope and frequency of the pre-season check, see our article on how chiller maintenance is done. To start the chillers in your facilities at the same time every year, we offer an annual maintenance contract.
Frequently asked questions
When should chiller pre-season maintenance be done?
A few weeks before the cooling demand begins; early spring is suitable in most facilities.
What should be watched in a chiller shut down for winter?
Freeze protection of the water circuit, condition of the crankcase heater, and staged start-up at the beginning of the season.
Is refrigerant measured during pre-season maintenance?
Yes. Pressures, superheat, and subcooling are measured; if in doubt, a leak test is done.
Do you do contract maintenance?
Yes. With an annual maintenance contract we plan pre-season and in-season visits.