Each and every day we have different devices that require routine maintenance.  From changing filters in your furnace or batteries in your smoke detector, changing the oil in your car or replacing the belt in your washing machine, the list of devices requiring routine and simple maintenance is rather lengthy.  However, by performing these simple procedures, the life of the various devices is prolonged and saves money in the end.  

Performing simple maintenance on a chiller is no different.  The chiller will continue to operate more efficiently and accurately if simple and routine maintenance is performed.  Whether your chiller is used to cool a laser,  located in a medical laboratory, a semiconductor production facility, an extraction laboratory or a dairy, winery or university, performing routine maintenance is necessary.  

Simple Chiller Maintenance Steps

• Look for Leaks – take a simple look and see if the floor (or counter if benchtop)  is wet. If you do find fluid, the chiller should be taken out of service until the leak is fixed. 
• Check the Fluid Level – If the fluid level is low, add process fluid. Under normal circumstances, the fluid in an air-cooled chiller need only be changed yearly unless there is a high degree of dust and debris.
• Check the Water Filter (if applicable) – The Water filter should be changed either monthly if the chiller runs 24/7 or or quarterly if usage is not as high
• Vacuum – Dust and debris find their way in to a chiller so vacuum the inside of the chiller and the condenser coil monthly.
• Check the Particle Strainer – Clean it monthly and if it is worn or damaged, then it should be replaced.
• Clean the System  – YEARLY –  The system should be cleaned thoroughly to ensure accurate temperature control.
  • 1 – Drain the process fluid
  • 2 – Replace the process fluid with clean, process fluid for flushing
  • 3 – Let the chiller run for approximately 10 minutes
  • 4 – Drain the flush
  • 5 – Replace all of the filters
  • 6 – Refill the chiller with process fluid and allow it to run at least 5 minutes to purge any remaining air
  • 7 – Top off the process fluid level
• Refrigerant – Contact a local licensed HVAC contractor to check the refrigeration level and add refrigerant if necessary.