Cooling towers are a substantial investment.
The price will depend on location and the size. Still, you can expect it to cost well over $100,000. Although HVAC cooling towers may not be as expensive, they might set you back at least a few thousand dollars.
If you want to avoid replacing your HVAC cooling tower soon, stay on top of its maintenance. With proper cooling tower maintenance, your system will function at its peak and cost less in the long run. It would also require less frequent repairs, which will only add to your savings.
Here’s a quick HVAC cooling tower maintenance checklist for you.
1. Regular Inspection and Cleaning
Regular inspection is your ally in cooling tower maintenance. HVAC cooling towers often have to operate round the clock, which subjects them to a lot of wear and tear.
Regular inspections can help you find these issues before they turn into a disaster. Most cooling tower maintenance experts, like Pinnacle CTS, recommend inspecting a cooling tower every three months.
So, what do you look for during the inspection?
Check your cooling tower for scale, debris, and algae. HVAC cooling towers use water for heat exchange, which contains salts, minerals, dirt particles, and algae. These can accumulate on the inside of your cooling tower. The buildup gradually reduces the cooling tower’s efficiency and might eventually clog the system.
The inspection should be followed by a thorough cleaning.
Remove the buildup using a pressure washer. Use quality disinfectants and cleaning agents to scrub the fill media, basin, and surfaces. Make sure to turn off the power first and wear protective equipment.
2. Monitoring Water Quality
Water quality will affect your cooling tower’s performance. Poor water quality can cause damage. When it comes to cooling tower maintenance, poor water quality refers to water with low pH levels and excessive pollutants like salts (chlorine and sulfates), microbial contamination (algae, mold, and bacteria), and metal ions (manganese and iron).
The higher the level of these pollutants in the water, the more frequent cooling tower descaling is needed. Besides, bacterial contamination can lead to health problems for people living in your building. It can also lead to fouling, which reduces heat transfer capacity. If left untreated, it can cause corrosion and damage to the tower.
Check your water quality regularly to avoid these problems. Keep an eye on the pH levels, conductivity, and for any microbial contamination. If you notice any changes in the quality, call an expert. For example, if you live in the New Jersey area, your best bet is to call a New Jersey cooling tower cleaning expert like Pinnacle CTS. Our team will clean your tower and adjust the water quality.
3. Lubrication and Component Maintenance
Typically, a cooling tower has one major moving part – an axial or centrifugal fan. This fan is responsible for water evaporation, which cools the system. It needs regular care, including lubrication. You can use any high-quality industrial-grade lubricant for this job. Frequent lubrication keeps your fan and other moving parts working smoothly and prevents wear and tear.
Similarly, you will need to check belts, motors, and bearings during your routine cooling tower maintenance. These parts can wear out over time. Regular inspection can help you catch any issues early. This prevents costly repairs down the line. Remember, fixing small problems is usually cheaper and faster than big ones.
If you feel out of depth, call professional cooling tower maintenance services. At Pinnacle CTS, we know cooling tower maintenance like the back of our hand. We can take care of routine maintenance. Plus, we are available 24/7 for any emergencies.
4. Temperature and Pressure Monitoring
Think of temperature and pressure as your cooling tower’s pulse. Any change in this signals a problem. Keep a close watch on the temperature and pressure. Typically, cooling towers operate at ambient pressure, which is about 1 atm or 100 kPa.
The temperature of a cooling tower usually ranges between 25 and 30°F. The inlet temperature of the water can be around 75–86°F and the outlet temperature between 104–114°F. However, several factors, including water quality, will affect this temperature range.
It’s best to consult an expert when in doubt. They can provide you with a temperature and pressure chart for your cooling tower. Referring to this chart during the routine cooling tower maintenance can help you catch any issues early.
5. Regular Professional Service and Testing
While DIY routine checks are absolutely fine, it’s better to have regular visits from a pro. Professional cooling tower specialists know what to look for. They can spot issues that you might miss. This will help you prevent costly repairs down the line. It can also prevent unexpected downtime, which can be a significant risk in freezing New Jersey winters. Keeping your cooling tower working at its peak is necessary for your comfort and safety.
Plus, a cooling tower maintenance company can perform more complex maintenance tasks. For example, they can check, repair, and replace the damaged fan motor. They are also experts in descaling and cleaning. Professional maintenance can boost heat transfer efficiency, which reduces heating and cooling costs. In short, it pays for itself in the long run.
Focus On Regular Cooling Tower Maintenance
The HVAC cooling tower in your building is critical for ensuring your safety and comfort, especially during the freezing winter months. Keeping it running at its peak is necessary to avoid unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs. Typically, your cooling tower maintenance involves regular inspection, cleaning and descaling, checking moving parts, and maintaining water quality. Taking care of these factors will keep your tower working smoothly. However, it’s best to have regular visits from a cooling tower cleaning company. Professionals can often spot the issues that you might miss.
If you need HVAC cooling tower maintenance and cleaning in New Jersey, we are here to help. At Pinnacle CTS, we offer a free inspection and estimate. We are also available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Contact us today to schedule yours!
