Planned Preventative Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Coldroom Maintenance – Essential In Ensuring Continuity

We’ve talked before about how on-going climate change will result in future changes to UK climate and weather events including changes in intensity and frequency of UK “warmer and wetter winters. Hotter and drier summers and more frequent and intense weather extremes.” We know that UK temperature is trending upwards. In fact, the Met office predicts that by 2070 ”winter will be between 1 and 4.5°C warmer and up to 30% wetter and summer will be between 1 and 6°C warmer and up to 60% drier” and a study carried out by a global team of leading climate scientists from the World Weather Attribution group, found that human-caused climate change will increase the likelihood and severity of heatwaves in the UK faster and ten times more likely than predicted. It’s clear that heatwaves are far more likely to occur in the UK moving forward. We also know that when heatwaves occur it puts a strain on air conditioning, refrigeration and coldrooms. In this article we look at how increased temperatures impact air conditioning and cooling systems and why as a result of this, it’s essential to ensure that your air conditioning, refrigeration and coldrooms are working effectively and efficiently by carrying out planned preventative maintenance on a regular basis.

Extreme Heat Puts Significant Strain On Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Coldrooms

Extreme heat can put a significant strain on air conditioning and cooling systems as they have to work harder to maintain a set temperature.

Air conditioning and refrigeration systems are basically heat transfer systems. They work by pumping refrigerants through a compressor and forcing the refrigerant (which has properties enabling it to change at relatively low temperatures) to evaporate and condense again and again in a condenser in a closed system of evaporator coils. The refrigerant then transfers the heat from the inside air to the outside air maintaining a set temperature. The refrigerant then flows back to the compressor where the cycle begins again. The larger the temperature difference between the inside and outside, the harder the compressor and condenser has to work.

Humidity, the concentration of water vapour in the air, also plays a role in how well your air conditioning and cooling system performs its role. When warm air moves across the evaporator coils it condenses the water vapour in the air and turns into water droplets. The coil then removes and drains it via a condensate array/drain pan. Each time warm air is passed over the evaporator coils water is removed from the air, dehumidifying it. When there’s higher humidity an air conditioning and cooling system has to remove more water from the air to try to bring down the water vapour concentration and temperature. The higher the humidity the harder it is to lower the temperature and the harder the system has to work.

The increased workload caused by high temperatures can lead to a number of issues including a reduction in the efficiency of the system leading to an increase in energy consumption, component wear and tear, especially those components like the compressor which are under extreme strain in hot weather, and in some cases the increased workload can even result in breakdowns.

If an air condition system fails indoor temperatures and humidity will rise, and air quality will be compromised. In a commercial environment this may result in loss of customers and decreased productivity. In the case of refrigeration, a breakdown can result in loss of products, and the ability to trade.

Increased Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Repair Requests When Temperatures Rise

Synecore are used to an increase in air conditioning and refrigeration repair requests during the summer months and even more so during heatwaves. Past experience has revealed that many Kent and London businesses don’t maintain their air conditioning and cooling systems to a high enough standard, causing them to overheat and leak when they are used to full capacity and forced to work harder in high temperatures.

Synecore say: “The main reasons for the breakdowns of many air conditioning systems have been due to overheating. In many cases faults have been caused by poor installations, where the size of the AC system has been too small for the space it needs to cool. This causes it to work harder and overheat when used for longer periods. The problem stems from miscalculations of the space versus the size of the air conditioning unit installed. At times like this, I must stress how important it is to choose a reputable air conditioning contractor for your installation. The system must be correctly designed for the space to prevent problems later on.

The other issue has been poor maintenance. So many businesses do not invest in regular maintenance of their air conditioning systems, which causes them to overheat, or leak. If we were to give any business advise about keeping their workforce cool this summer, it is to have their air conditioning system routinely serviced by professional AC engineers.”

Planned Preventative Maintenance Can Make A Vital Difference

Air conditioning, refrigeration and coldrooms must be able to work efficiently and efficiently throughout the year no matter the outside temperature or humidity levels. Routine maintenance can make a vital difference to the smooth and reliable running of air conditioning, refrigeration and coldrooms.

With a good maintenance routine comes many benefits including:

Continuity Of Service

Everyone wants their air conditioning and cooling systems to work throughout the year by maintaining a set temperature and humidity; and keeping products cold. It could be argued that it’s even more important for a system to keep working when temperatures are high, as high temperatures can have a profound impact and are felt to a greater degree. By maintaining your systems through regular maintenance, you are far more likely to ensure your system performs consistently and reliably as issues will be spotted and resolved before they can lead to bigger, more complex problems and a loss of service.

Identifying Issues Before They Become Major Problems

Proactive, preventative maintenance can identify issues before they turn into major and potentially expensive problems or breakdowns. Preventative maintenance can spot wear and tear, clogged filters, dirty condenser coils or refrigerant leaks that might go unnoticed until it’s too late and the system breaks down.

Having Expert Support

Like any complex piece of equipment air conditioning and cooling systems can go wrong. When they do having a maintenance package and specialist support on hand means you can leave your system to the experts knowing that if there is an issue help is readily available to resolve any problems, prevent breakdowns and keep your system running smoothly. Leaving you with one less thing for you and your business to worry about and allowing you to concentrate on business matters.

Fewer Unexpected Issues

Issues are more likely to arise in a system which isn’t maintained. You’ll never know when an issue is likely to occur since the system isn’t being monitored. With planned preventative maintenance small issues or failing parts can be identified and addressed before they fully manifest themselves into system failures or unexpected downtime.

Improved Energy Efficiency

When an air conditioning or refrigeration system or coldroom are experiencing issues, they are less likely to be performing effectively or efficiently. The system will be using far more energy as it has to work harder to maintain the set temperature, reduce humidity and filter the air. Planned preventative maintenance ensures the system is working optimally and that only the energy which is required is used to power the system.

Better Air Quality

In the case of air conditioning a properly maintained system will play a vital role in keeping the air clean within a building. Air conditioning systems filter the air they take in. Where filters are cleaned or replaced as required and the system is well maintained then your air conditioner will filter out dust, pollen, particulates, and germs.

Where humidity isn’t controlled, it can result in the build-up of moisture which can lead to damage through damp and the growth of mould and mildew. An air conditioning system which is performing efficiently will maintain the right indoor temperature, clean and dehumidify the air which in turn will improves the indoor air quality and create a healthy indoor environment.

Cost Savings

Maintaining your equipment can lead to substantial cost savings. Regular maintenance can improve energy efficiency and extend the lifespan of the system. Where regular maintenance isn’t carried out individual component failures are more likely. Spotting individual component issues and resolving them before they fail can also ensures one failing part doesn’t impact another perfectly good component. Replacing parts can be costly especially when there are multiple failures.

Extended Lifespan Of Your Air Conditioning and Cooling Systems

Maintaining an air conditioning and cooling system can significantly extend its lifespan by identifying, diagnosing, and addressing minor issues before they escalate into major problems which in turn also helps to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

Staying Compliant

Anyone who operates air conditioning and cooling systems with a CO² equivalent charge weight over 5 tonnes must ensure they comply with current F-Gas legislative requirements. Part of complying with UK F-Gas regulations and legislation must have qualifying equipment leak tested and maintain a record of maintenance and servicing by someone holding a DEFRA-approved Stationary Equipment Qualification Company Certificate (full certificate), issued by Refcom.

The frequency of inspections and maintenance depends on the CO² equivalent charge weight of your air conditioning system:

• 5-50 tonnes and above – at least every 12 months
• 50-500 tonnes and above – at least every 6 months
• 500 tonnes and above – at least every 3 months

Leak detection systems must be installed in systems with 500 tonnes or more of F-gases. If a leak is detected and repaired, a further check must be carried out within one month to ensure that the repair has been effective. Operators must look to prevent and repair any air conditioning refrigerant leaks as soon as possible. Any work including leakage checks, repairs, service, and maintenance must be carried out by a professional air conditioning maintenance engineer.

Detailed service and maintenance records of all work carried out to the air conditioning system must be kept ready for inspection. Records should contain information on the type of F-Gas within the system and the quantity contained, added, or recovered. Dates of leakage checks, and the equipment checked. The name of the air conditioning maintenance engineer carrying out the servicing. The engineer should be certified to carry out the checks and service and must understand the relevant regulations.

Planned Preventative Maintenance

The functioning of air conditioning and refrigeration systems is something we take for granted day in and day out until they break down. Taking a proactive approach to air conditioning and refrigeration maintenance can extend the lifespan of your system, reduce your energy costs and maintain a comfortable environment with good air quality.

Planned preventative maintenance is critical to ensuring your air conditioning and refrigeration systems remain fully operational, clean and energy efficient. It removes any uncertainty in the management of your system and gives you peace of mind. It also ensures your business remains fully compliant with F-Gas regulations.

Synecore

Syncore is an expert in air conditioning design and installation for your home and business. We are an approved supplier and installation expert for air conditioning brands, Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba, and Daikin. These brands are the disruptors in developing clean and efficient cooling and heating solutions for commercial and residential properties.

We are also a preferred commercial refrigeration contractor for leading brands in the hospitality, retail, food, beverage and production sectors in Kent, London, Surrey, Sussex, Essex, London, and the wider UK.

If you are looking to install a new air conditioning installation or commercial refrigeration or a coldroom, contact our team or call on 01795 509 509. We’ll talk you through your options and provide you with expert advice on the right system for you.