Whether it’s a power plant or your office building, cooling towers are often at the heart of them all. Like most people, you may not pay much attention to how efficient your tower is until it stops working or your energy bills skyrocket.
Like cars, cooling towers require regular maintenance to ensure smooth and efficient operation. And just like you would take your ride for a tune-up, you need to invest in professional cooling tower maintenance.
That said, hiring a cooling tower maintenance company is easier said than done.
You must find someone who understands the ins and outs of your complex HVAC system and the water treatment required to run it efficiently. They should have the right tools, safety training, and knowledge to keep your system in top shape.
So, how do you find someone who fits the bill?
Let’s find out.
1. Experience Is Non-Negotiable
A cooling tower maintenance company with years of experience is more likely to understand your needs.
When evaluating a company, think about:
- Years in Business: How long has the company been in business? A longer track record typically indicates reliability.
- Services Offered: Do they only perform basic tasks? Or do they offer a full spectrum of cooling tower services? We recommend hiring a company that offers full-scale maintenance, including water treatment, cleaning, repairs, and inspections.
- Certifications: Check if the technicians are factory-trained or have completed a course in cooling tower maintenance. Hire a team of professionals who have been trained properly and have years of experience.
In addition to this, check if the company has worked with major cooling tower brands like Marley, BAC, or Evapco. The more, the better.
2. Evaluate The Cooling Tower Services Offered
While some cooling tower maintenance companies offer only basic services, others provide a 360-degree solution. Thorough maintenance means your cooling tower can last longer and has fewer breakdowns.
Check if the company provides:
- Regular Inspections: Routine inspections help nip minor issues in the bud. A team of skilled technicians can spot wear and tear, leaks, and other signs during these checks.
- Cleaning and Descaling: Dirt, algae, and scale can gather inside the cooling tower, forming a biofilm. It not only affects efficiency but also increases the risk of Legionella. However, careful cleaning keeps your tower safe and efficient.
- Repairs and Replacements: When parts wear out or break, they need to be replaced promptly. Choose a company that can quickly source and install high-quality parts.
- Water Treatment: Water treatment helps prevent corrosion, scaling, and bacterial growth, and boost efficiency. The company should provide suitable water treatment to keep your system clean and safe.
3. Evaluate Company Reputation
Reputation matters when selecting a cooling tower maintenance company, and we recommend a three-pronged approach, which includes checking:
- Online Reviews: You might want to start by checking review sites like Google and Yelp, a strategy 88% of customers use to decide the status and quality of a local business before engaging with them. When checking reviews, look for negative and positive comments, especially concerning the company’s promptness, professionalism, and problem-solving skills.
- Industry Forums: Additionally, you can check industry forums like HVAC Talk and HVAC Site. These forums are a great place to ask for recommendations or read about others’ experiences.
- Case Studies and Referrals: If possible, ask the company to provide case studies or references from clients with similar cooling tower setups. This can help you evaluate how well the company has handled real-world situations.
4. Understand How the Company Handles Safety and Compliance
Most states, including those we serve, like New York, require cooling towers to register and comply with several safety and health codes. Naturally, this should be a priority when choosing a cooling tower maintenance company.
Select a company that:
- Adheres to Safety Regulations: Be sure the company follows all the safety regulations recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other state and local agencies. This not only protects their workers but also your building/facility from potential lawsuits.
- Complies with Regulations: The company should be aware of all environmental and health regulations, including those related to Legionella. Check if they comply with federal, state, and local laws.
5. Compare Pricing and Service Terms
In the end, it all comes down to which company offers the best deal. However, when selecting a company, cost shouldn’t be the only consideration. You also need to think about the services included and the terms of the contract.
When comparing, don’t forget to look up:
- Service Terms: Ask about the details of their cooling tower services. Do they offer regular maintenance visits? How often will they inspect and clean your tower? Do they offer emergency repairs? If so, is that included in the contract or charged extra?
- Parts and Labor Costs: Some companies may offer a low upfront price but charge high fees for parts and labor. Make sure you understand the full cost structure before signing a contract.
Start Your Cooling Tower Maintenance Now
When looking for a cooling tower maintenance company, you need to consider a few factors, such as experience, services offered, reputation, safety practices, and pricing. We also recommend shortlisting at least three-four companies and comparing them, especially their contract terms and costs. This thorough research will help you find a company that best suits your cooling needs and budget.
Pinnacle Cooling Tower Service ticks all these boxes above. We specialize in the cleaning, preventative maintenance, and repairs of all makes and models of cooling towers. We serve the Greater Tri-State area (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut). Our team will cover everything from regular inspections to water treatment. Most importantly, we offer 24/7 on-call emergency service.
Contact us today for a consultation.
