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Operating and maintaining rooftop air conditioners

Journal Article · · ASHRAE Journal
OSTI ID:603844
 [1]
  1. Houghton (David), Boulder, CO (United States)
Rooftop air conditioners must endure radiative heat, high ambient temperatures, leaves, dust, insects, pollen, rain, hail, snow, and even lightning. In many cases no one on-site is responsible for operating them, so the units are ignored until they break down. Field measurements of rooftop unit efficiency show performance substantially below catalog ratings. The operation and maintenance opportunities for rooftop units can be categorized according to their two internal fluid loops: air and refrigerant. Air-side maintenance and repairs should be done before tackling the refrigeration system, because most refrigeration problems can`t be effectively fixed until the proper airflow is established. For example, refrigerant charge measurements will be inaccurate if airflow is restricted by dirty filters. The paper discusses maintenance of filters, the evaporator coil, the supply fan, fan belt, fan motor, outside air dampers, cabinet integrity, refrigerant charge, expansion valve, compressor, condenser coil, and condenser fan and motor.
OSTI ID:
603844
Journal Information:
ASHRAE Journal, Journal Name: ASHRAE Journal Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 39; ISSN ASHRAA; ISSN 0001-2491
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English