RTU, which stands for rooftop unit, is a crucial piece of equipment that ensures that we have comfortable lives. The regular maintenance of this unit is important for many reasons. Annual RTU maintenance can save you costs in the long run; having an RTU unit that works efficiently and discovering issues before they become severe problems can maintain your unit's longevity.
It is highly recommended that at the very least, once a year, a technician comes to inspect your RTU unit. Failure to do so can lead to expensive repair costs and discomfort in the event of a breakdown of the unit.
In addition, having a well-maintained HVAC unit can also save you on heating and cooling bills. Technicians will help you diagnose issues with your RTU unit ahead of time and will help you address those issues before they become serious matters.
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What Are The Most Common Rooftop HVAC Unit Problems?
Rooftop AC units can experience an array of issues, all of which should be addressed as soon as possible.
Here are the most common RTU unit problems:
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Problems with air balance and airflow problems, such as issues relating to the ductwork.
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Dirty equipment, as this can obstruct airflow. Dirty coils or dirty pilots are especially common issues.
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Leaking refrigeration equipment.
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Thermostat problems.
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Tripped or burnt fuses can over time cause severe damage to an RTU unit.
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Strange noises can be an indicator of an equipment malfunction.
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Mechanical wear and tear over time which is common in all household equipment and regular maintenance can remedy this situation.
Rooftop HVAC Maintenance Checklist
It is highly recommended that the seasonal maintenance of a rooftop unit be performed by a trained technician. If, however, you have experience in handling rooftop HVAC units then you can get your supplies for HVAC dampers and roll up your sleeves and begin.
It is important that all steps on this checklist are followed by either you or, more preferably, a professional HVAC technician:
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Turn off the power: All power must be turned off prior to performing maintenance on rooftop HVAC units.
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Clean and replace every air filter: Air filters must be routinely replaced but at a minimum, you must clean the screen of an air filter once a year.
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Inspect fans: Make sure that all fans are clean and functioning properly.
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Inspect belts: They are a common culprit for wear and tear in an RTU unit.
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Check gas pressure and test for leaks: Leaky refrigerants can cause your rooftop HVAC units to malfunction over time.
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Inspect the refrigerant charge: Make sure that there is enough airflow coming through the coils and ensure that there are no leaks.
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Check the heat exchangers: Carefully inspect every heat exchanger to make sure that there is no rust build-up.
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Check coils: If you encounter any dirty coils, it is crucial to clean them to ensure your unit will function properly.
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Check economizer: Make sure that dampers, actuators, and temperature sensors are still functioning correctly.
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Check drainage: Clogged drain pipes can cause damage by not allowing water and other liquids to properly escape the RTU unit.
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Perform an amperage test: This will highlight any refrigeration problem that may be caused by wear and tear. If the unit needs to use more power, it is a sign that something needs to be replaced. Worn bearings or worn rods can cause a mechanical failure of the RTU.
When performing the final HVAC unit inspection to ensure that everything works well, it is important to check for voltage imbalances which can also indicate a malfunction down the line. If there is a voltage imbalance it can cause motor failure by overheating the equipment.
Once all the cleaning and inspection have been completed, it is crucial to fasten every screw firmly into place.
Tips for HVAC Heating Season
It is recommended to perform annual preventive maintenance of your rooftop unit HVAC system, and it is even better to perform this maintenance before the arrival of the winter months to ensure that during the cold days your HVAC system will deliver a smooth operation, even at extreme operating temperatures.
There are additional key components to check when preparing your RTU for the heating season such as:
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Inspect all components of your HVAC unit: make sure that heat exchangers, main burners, coils, and vents are fully functioning.
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Clean all components: Before the heating season, it is crucial to ensure that all vents, especially exterior parts, are regularly cleaned to ensure that nothing will pollute or obstruct airflow into your home in the winter months.
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Perform tests: It is important to ensure that all components function properly, especially testing the temperature limit switch is a key component for the heating season.
RTU Maintenance During The Cooling Season
Before the cooling season, it is important to ensure that all refrigeration equipment with the HVAC system, such as pipework and ducts, are unobstructed and clean. It is important to pay extra attention to the condensation drain, which may get clogged with regular wear and tear and debris which could damage your RTU over time.
Conclusion
Annual maintenance is key to the longevity of your rooftop unit. It is best practice to invite a technician to perform the maintenance and make sure your HVAC unit performs well throughout the year.
In addition, it is also recommended to inspect, clean, and get acquainted with your RTU before the heating and cooling months to ensure that nothing will affect your HVAC unit's performance.
If possible and the weather allows for it, it is highly recommended to clean your RTU HVAC unit (especially its air filters) once a month for the best result. During the winter months, this may not always be a possibility. However, it can be performed during the transition months and can help you maintain the integrity of your rooftop AC unit.
For HVAC supplies and replacement parts, make sure you choose a trusted supplier who can aid you in getting the right tools.
