Operation & Maintenance

System use guidelines
Commercial comfort system requires regular service and maintenance to ensure the system is performing as per the design and with optimized energy efficiency. Studies have reflected the poor performance of the most efficient equipment due to poor maintenance and management.

It is advisable to set the thermostat as high as comfortably possible (24°-26°C) during summer, and as low as comfortably possible (20°-22°C) during winter. Setting the thermostat higher than the standard 22°C may yield savings of 5-10% per degree of increase. It is recommended that a ceiling fan be installed and run along with the AC. This improves air circulation and reduces the cooling load as more air movement also means more thermal comfort. At times, the ceiling fan can take care of the cooling load without being supplemented by the AC. On drier days, the system fan should be set to highest speed. On humid days a low fan setting ensures slower air movement across the cooling equipment, and results in more effective removal of moisture from the space.

Here is a list of features and instructions that optimize operation and maintenance:

  • Correct thermal set points save from oversizing the equipment and save significant amount of energy. Summer set points are advised to be 24°-26°C and winters set points are advised to be in a range of 20°-22°C. Researches have shown that for each degree rise in summer set point, the average energy saving ranges from 5 to 10 % depending on the climate zone.
  • Use of ceiling fans improves air circulation and reduce the cooling load as air movement provides additional thermal comfort. On drier days, the system fan should be set to highest speed. On humid days a low fan setting ensures slower air movement across the cooling equipment, and results in more effective removal of moisture from the space.
  • Clean and change the filters regularly
  • Use air conditioning as per the building occupancy schedule
  • Prevent air infiltration and keep room air sealed
  • Comfort system equipment should not be blocked by any manner to ensure free air movement.
  • Insulate and seal, ‘refrigerant pipes and ducts’ to avoid losses
  • HVAC equipment should be kept in shade, away from direct sunlight
  • Service and clean the AC component (outdoor or indoor) regularly. Focus should be given to belt drives, controls, and refrigerants. Ductwork should be inspected to identify gaps and cracks, and sealed accordingly to prevent pressure loss.
  • Keep a record book to document the dates of each service provided to the component and average unit consumption per hour based on season.

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