Helpful Check Lists For Annual Air Conditioning Maintenance

For Immediate Release (May 18, 2004) San Antonio, Texas – Let's face it: hotel equipment is subject to extreme duty and will probably take quite a beating. Consider the effect of spring-breakers on everything from FF&E to room air conditioners. One errant beer during a game of caps and you can use your imagination.

As a hotel owner or operator, you can combat the effects of misuse and abuse with good annual maintenance (more often if your property is in a spring break destination). Well-maintained air conditioners will perform better and can contribute to overall guest satisfaction. While some maintenance like inspecting and cleaning the indoor return air filters should be performed on a monthly basis, there are additional steps that should be taken annually by qualified personnel. Friedrich Air Conditioning Company's engineering department suggests the following annual maintenance for PTAC air conditioners that are commonly used in lodging applications:

1. Clear the coils and drain pan of all debris (lint, dirt, leaves, paper, etc.). Make sure there are no obstructions to airflow or condensate and check for air leaks around the sealing surface.

2. Clean the coils and drain pan with a soft brush and compressed air or vacuum. Take care not to bend the aluminum fins and protect all electrical components from any water or spray. Allow the unit to dry completely.

3. Inspect all gasket material for deterioration and replace as necessary.

4. Check the indoor blower housing, blower wheel, condenser fan blade and condenser shroud and clean them of any debris including mold and fungus. An antibacterial/antifungal cleaner may be used on the blower housing and blower wheel. Rinse with warm water and allow complete drying.

5. Inspect all the control components, both electrical and mechanical, as well as the power supply to insure they are working properly.

6. Check around the unit both indoors and outdoors to ensure that the required clearances have been maintained. For example, make sure that outdoor shrubbery has not grown in such a way as to block outdoor airflow. Trim back any plants that may flourish in the spring and summer months, creating a problem later.

7. Clean all obstructions or debris from the sleeve and drain system using an antibacterial/antifungal cleanser. Rinse with warm water and allow to dry thoroughly. Check the sealant around the sleeve and reseal any areas as needed.

8. Clean the front cover using a mild detergent and rinse with warm water. Allow the cover to dry completely before reinstalling it to the chassis.

Following these annual maintenance suggestions should help prevent performance problems when it counts the most. And when purchasing new units, remember to look for features that make routine maintenance easier for the maintenance staff. This will save time and money. For example, are filters easily accessible? Another helpful hint is to look for PTAC products with features that make the system more vandalism-resistant like tamper-proof controls, high-impact polystyrene cabinets, front covers that fasten to the chassis with hidden thumbscrews and thermostat limiters will also extend the life of units.

Friedrich Air Conditioning's reengineered PTAC was designed with all of these features as well as many others that have dramatically impacted its performance and reliability.

Founded in 1883, Friedrich Air Conditioning Co., a partner in the ENERGY STAR® program, manufactures room air conditioners, single package vertical air conditioners, packaged terminal air conditioners, thru-the-wall air conditioners, ductless split systems, wall-mounted air conditioners, electronic air cleaners and dehumidifiers.

For more information on the full line of Friedrich Air Conditioning products, contact Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. at 1-800-541-6645. For on-line product information, visit the Friedrich website @ www.friedrich.com.