In the evolving heating, ventilation and air conditioning maintenance domain, contractors and technicians are pivotal in addressing the declining performance efficiency of aging HVAC equipment. As HVAC equipment ages, associated operational costs rise, along with time spent on maintenance. Additionally, efficiency declines result in greater energy consumption, carbon emissions and utility costs. Traditional responses to this issue often involve costly replacements or refurbishments, posing challenges for both facilities and the professionals tasked with maintaining these intricate systems.
As discourse among facility managers and building owners on performance and energy efficiency intensifies, the HVAC industry needs to evolve in tandem. Furthermore, the ratification of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, which serves as the government’s push to increase energy efficiency and emissions, has only underscored this imperative.
The question that arises is: How can the industry progress to meet this surge in demand for streamlined and effective solutions in the pursuit of sustainable and efficient HVAC systems?
Crucial role of preventive maintenance
Traditional preventive maintenance practices are instrumental in ensuring commercial HVAC systems’ efficient and reliable functioning. Operating under heavy loads in commercial facilities, these systems experience substantial wear and tear, necessitating frequent and thorough maintenance.
Clearly neglected maintenance, soiled filters, dirty condenser and evaporator coils, worn contactors, out of spec capacitors, leaking ducts, excessive scale buildup in chilled water systems, etc., will all lead to efficiency loss and a shorter equipment lifespan. Therefore, contractors and technicians must keep their focus on preventive measures to avoid breakdowns, improve energy efficiency and optimize system functionality.
Impact of refrigerant oil on efficiency
In addition to a strong PM program, a less utilized option is to reclaim lost performance on aging equipment by using validated additives. Over time, the degradation of refrigerant oil due to wear and high temperatures can lead to decreased efficiency and increased energy consumption. The consequences include increased friction and the formation of a thermal insulating barrier known as oil fouling.
Not to be confused with oil logged evaporators, oil fouling is the slow migration of oil buildup on the heat exchanger coils. Under normal circumstances, there will always be a small amount of oil that escapes a compressor’s crankcase and is circulated with the refrigerant throughout the system. It is for this reason that refrigerant oil and the refrigerant itself must be miscible. However, as time goes on, the oil that escapes begins to build up and remains as a film on the heat exchanger coils. Oil fouling creates excessive work for compressors in delivering called-for BTUs, leading to increased energy use and shortened system or component life.
Advancements in oil additives
While early forms of oil additives faced skepticism due to inconsistent results, recent technical breakthroughs have led to more sophisticated and effective products.
Advancements in material science have enabled oil fouling treatment solutions to finally perform as intended by displacing deposited oil from heat exchanger coil walls and putting the oil back into circulation with the refrigerant. These advancements translate into long-term savings, successful treatment of both new and old HVAC systems, quick payback periods on project costs and substantial recurring savings in operational costs. Moreover, validated oil additives contribute to reducing wear and tear on system components, minimizing compressor noise and vibration and safeguarding against corrosion and oxidation.
These developments in oil additives offer HVAC professionals a valuable tool to boost efficiency in aging systems. By meeting the demands of facility managers and providing confidence in sound financial decisions, contractors and technicians can navigate the challenges posed by aging HVAC equipment.
Decarbonization of HVAC systems
In the broader context of HVAC systems and decarbonization, the collaboration between facility managers, contractors and technicians becomes even more crucial. Commercial buildings contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with HVAC systems responsible for a good portion of emissions within these buildings. Balancing operational requirements with the imperative to lower carbon footprints and energy costs has also become a priority.
Oil additives play a role in HVAC decarbonization by improving system efficiency and reducing energy consumption, thus lowering carbon equivalent emissions. By restoring lost efficiency, reducing wear and tear on components and enhancing heat transfer, oil additives contribute to energy savings and environmental responsibility. Additionally, by enhancing the performance and longevity of HVAC systems, oil additives reduce the need for new installations, further lowering associated carbon emissions.
Path forward: collaboration and innovation
Collaboration between facility managers, contractors and technicians is vital in navigating the challenges of aging HVAC equipment. Integrating industry-approved and validated oil additives into PM programs offers an easy, safe and effective solution to boost system performance, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and assist in creating more energy-efficient commercial facilities.
Michael Daly, P.E., is chief technology officer at ECM Technologies.
Photo courtesy of ECM Technologies
