AC units and chiller start up

Do you know how to complete your air conditioner startup properly? If not, keep reading to learn the dos and don’ts of this process.

Your Air Conditioner Startup Checklist

Winter is finally over and it’s time to prepare your HVAC system for the warmer season. Turning on your AC after winter can cause problems for your overall HVAC system if it’s not done properly. Follow this chiller startup checklist to prepare your air conditioner for summer:

Visual Inspection

Start with a visual inspection of your AC unit to look for obvious issues. Check for:

  • Loose or missing covers and panels
  • Malfunctioning control panels and internal compartments
  • Refrigerant leaks
  • Presence of any oil

If you notice a refrigerant leak or outstanding oil, immediately contact a professional HVAC contractor, especially if your refrigerant is outdated. 

Leaks like this can lead to poisoning, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, and severe coughs, so an expert needs to take care of it as soon as possible.

Check Power Source and Control

Before your air conditioner startup, check your power and control sources for signs of overheating, tightness, and cosmetic damage. If you notice anything loose or too hot, contact an HVAC repair company to fix the issue—doing so yourself could lead to further damage.

If your AC unit has a mechanical contactor, have the contactor disassembled and inspected for arcing and wear. Ensure your safety cutouts are properly set and working to avoid future problems.

Review Winter Operation Logs and Service History

Operation logs and service history help HVAC technicians better understand your unit. This information highlights any previous damage, maintenance, and repairs, so your contractor knows what has been a problem in the past. 

The technician can also make better recommendations for upkeep before your air conditioner startup, so it works efficiently in between maintenance checks.

Hire an HVAC Contractor for a Professional Inspection

The most critical step in getting your air conditioner ready for summer is hiring a professional HVAC expert to inspect your unit. 

HVAC contractors notice problems that you may not have recognized during your initial inspection. Plus, they can replace and repair any damaged parts since they have access to the proper equipment.

Repairing your AC unit without any professional experience can be dangerous. You could expose yourself to outdated refrigerants or hurt yourself trying to make repairs on your own. When in doubt, always contact a professional.

Starting Up Different Types of Air Conditioners

Different businesses require different types of ACs. Here’s a breakdown of how to start up the most common types of industrial AC units:

Water Chillers

When starting your water chiller for the summer, make sure the chiller operates correctly by checking the refrigerant and paying attention to:

  • Condenser coil cleanliness
  • TXV installation
  • Clearance around the outdoor unit
  • Oil return systems (for larger water-cooled units)

Cooling Towers and Ancillary Equipment

Properly running cooling towers are essential to your air conditioning system. Building owners, facility managers, and property management professionals must complete regular visual inspections of their cooling towers when starting their chiller plants.

If you have a cooling tower or other ancillary equipment:

  • Clean the sump
  • Check distribution nozzles
  • Make sure the fill valve is tightly shut off
  • Clean the filters and strainers
  • Lubricate the condenser

Retrofitted Units

An HVAC contractor should evaluate the energy efficiency of your cooling system every summer. Ensure your AC unit is running as efficiently as possible to prepare for the hotter season—if it’s not, hire a technician to install:

Outdated chiller plants waste energy and money and decrease your air quality, so have an expert evaluate your HVAC system’s energy efficiency during air conditioner startup.

Want to cut down energy consumption and save money? 

Learn More

Benefits of Having HVAC Professionals Complete Your Air Conditioner Startup

While completing your own visual inspection is important, it’s best to have an HVAC contractor complete your air conditioner startup.

HVAC experts have experience with all types of AC systems and can recognize issues you don’t notice during your initial inspection.

To safely prepare your air conditioner for summer, partner with React Industries. We have over 37 years of experience with:

With us, your AC unit will be ready for the hot summer in no time. Contact our team today to experience our superior assistance with air conditioner startup.