Maintaining Your Rooftop Mechanicals: A Checklist

The performance and function of your building’s HVAC system depends on regular preventive maintenance. If your HVAC equipment is located on the roof of your facility, it’s even more important to remain aware of the need for maintaining your rooftop mechanicals. Equipment that’s out of sight can develop problems without being noticed, and telltale signs of trouble that would be obvious in a system that you or your employees frequently see and hear will go undetected. Here’s a brief checklist for maintaining your rooftop mechanicals and ensuring that your heating and cooling systems work properly, efficiently and reliably.

Scheduling
A preventive maintenance session should be scheduled for your heating and cooling systems at least once a year. It’s often easiest to use the changing of the seasons as a reminder to get your HVAC systems inspected and repaired. Call early for your maintenance appointment; HVAC contractors will get busier with maintenance as the heating or cooling season approaches. Consider purchasing a service contract or maintenance agreement from your HVAC provider.

Procedures
Some maintenance procedures, such as changing filters, you can do yourself, while others should be performed by trained and licensed HVAC professionals. Division of labor between you and the pros will depend on what maintenance tasks you feel comfortable and competent doing. Maintaining your rooftop mechanicals should, at minimum, consist of the following procedures.

• Check and change filters. The air filters in your heating and cooling systems are critical to system operation. Dirty filters can block airflow and lead to equipment malfunctions and breakdowns. Dirty filters also cannot properly clean the air and remove particulates such as dust, pollen, fibers and mold. Filters should be checked at least monthly. If they’re dirty, replace or clean them, depending on the type of filter you have installed.
• Inspect, clean and lubricate blower fans, motors, bearings and housings. Blowers are responsible for distributing the air your heating or cooling system creates. Dirty blowers and fans can reduce airflow, decrease system efficiency and cause damage to the fan motor.
• Check belts, pulleys, bearings and other moving parts. Make sure belts are set to the proper tension and that they have no fraying, cracking or other damage. Replace damaged belts and adjust tension as needed. Have the blower belt changed during maintenance services. Ensure other moving parts are lubricated and moving freely without restrictions.
• Clean rooftop units and indoor and outdoor coils. Remove any accumulations of dirt, leaves, animal nests, sticks or other material from rooftop units and outdoor coils to ensure efficient operation. Check any indoor coils and clean them at the same time.
• Check drain pans and condensate lines. Make sure drainage systems are working correctly and are properly collecting and dispersing water. Clear clogged drains. Clean the drain pan to prevent growth of mold or algae.
• Inspect, tighten and repair electrical components. Make sure all electrical connections are properly installed, undamaged and tight. Check wiring for fraying, breaks, torn insulation or other damage.
• Check the overall operation. Make sure thermostats are calibrated, operational sequences are correct, controls are functional, and heating and cooling is delivered as expected.

Gas heating systems
Gas heating systems introduce the additional dangers of fires, fuel leaks and exposure to carbon monoxide. Take extra precautions to make sure fuel connections are tight, burners are clean and functional, flue gases and exhaust are properly ventilated, and heat exchangers are undamaged and working correctly.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about Plumbing, HVACR, Fire Protection and Alarm Systems in Mechanical, Commercial and Residential settings. For more information about the importance of maintaining your rooftop mechanicals and to view projects we’ve worked on, visit our website!

Image Credit: samsam_fin