HEAT CONTROLLER, INC. WATER-SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
R e s i d e n t i a l S p l i t - 6 0 H z R 4 1 0 A
R e v. : 0 3 A u g u s t , 2 0 1 2
Heat Controller, Inc. Water-Source Heating and Cooling Systems
34
Preventive Maintenance
Water Coil Maintenance
(Direct ground water applications only)
If the system is installed in an area with a known high
mineral content (125 P.P.M. or greater) in the water, it is
best to establish a periodic maintenance schedule with the
owner so the coil can be checked regularly. Consult the well
water applications section of this manual for a more detailed
water coil material selection. Should periodic coil cleaning
be necessary, use standard coil cleaning procedures, which
are compatible with the heat exchanger material and copper
water lines. Generally, the more water
fl
owing through the
unit, the less chance for scaling. Therefore, 1.5 gpm per
ton [2.0 l/m per kW] is recommended as a minimum
fl
ow.
Minimum
fl
ow rate for entering water temperatures below
50°F [10°C] is 2.0 gpm per ton [2.6 l/m per kW].
Water Coil Maintenance
(All other water loop applications)
Generally water coil maintenance is not needed for closed
loop systems. However, if the piping is known to have
high dirt or debris content, it is best to establish a periodic
maintenance schedule with the owner so the water coil
can be checked regularly. Dirty installations are typically
the result of deterioration of iron or galvanized piping or
components in the system. Open cooling towers requiring
heavy chemical treatment and mineral buildup through water
use can also contribute to higher maintenance. Should
periodic coil cleaning be necessary, use standard coil
cleaning procedures, which are compatible with both the
heat exchanger material and copper water lines. Generally,
the more water
fl
owing through the unit, the less chance for
scaling. However,
fl
ow rates over 3 gpm per ton (3.9 l/m per
kW) can produce water (or debris) velocities that can erode
the heat exchanger wall and ultimately produce leaks.
Hot Water Generator Coils
See water coil maintenance for ground water units. If the
potable water is hard or not chemically softened, the high
temperatures of the desuperheater will tend to scale even
quicker than the water coil and may need more frequent
inspections. In areas with extremely hard water, a HWG is not
recommended.
Filters
Filters must be clean to obtain maximum performance. Filters
should be inspected every month under normal operating
conditions and be replaced when necessary. Units should
never be operated without a
fi
lter.
Washable, high ef
fi
ciency, electrostatic
fi
lters, when dirty,
can exhibit a very high pressure drop for the fan motor and
reduce air
fl
ow, resulting in poor performance. It is especially
important to provide consistent washing of these
fi
lters (in
the opposite direction of the normal air
fl
ow) once per month
using a high pressure wash similar to those found at self-
serve car washes.
Condensate Drain
In areas where airborne bacteria may produce a “slimy”
substance in the drain pan, it may be necessary to treat the
drain pan chemically with an algaecide approximately every
three months to minimize the problem. The condensate pan
may also need to be cleaned periodically to insure indoor
air quality. The condensate drain can pick up lint and dirt,
especially with dirty
fi
lters. Inspect the drain twice a year to
avoid the possibility of plugging and eventual over
fl
ow.
Compressor
Conduct annual amperage checks to insure that amp draw is
no more than 10% greater than indicated on the serial plate
data.
Fan Motors
Consult air handler I.O.M. for maintenance requirements.
Air Coil
Consult coil I.O.M. for maintenance requirements. The air
coil must be cleaned to obtain maximum performance. Check
once a year under normal operating conditions and, if dirty,
brush or vacuum clean. Care must be taken not to damage
the aluminum
fi
ns while cleaning.
CAUTION:
Fin edges are
sharp.
Cabinet - Indoor Compressor Section
Do not allow water to stay in contact with the cabinet for long
periods of time to prevent corrosion of the cabinet sheet
metal. Generally, cabinets are set up from the
fl
oor a few
inches [7 - 8 cm] to prevent water from entering the cabinet.
The cabinet can be cleaned using a mild detergent.
Refrigerant System
To maintain sealed circuit integrity, do not install service
gauges unless unit operation appears abnormal. Reference
the operating charts for pressures and temperatures. Verify
that air and water
fl
ow rates are at proper levels before
servicing the refrigerant circuit.
