InnFocus Fall 2022

Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs)
PTAC filters should be rinsed off with soap and water in a sink, at
least every six months. It’s also important to clean the evaporator
coils which can be pulled out of the wall and pressure washed.
These two simple steps can increase the lifespan of the unit up to
20 years and beyond.
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems
In hotels, VRF systems are common today because they offer a
considerable advantage. Where temperature needs vary by time and
location in the same building, and with heavy heating and refrigeration
demands, VRF systems can take advantage of any unused thermal
energy by redistributing it to other parts of the property.
However, a large HVAC system of this type can be a challenge
when there is a failure in one part of the system. There is a long list of
ways that an HVAC system can be maintained by personnel without
any special certification:
• Filters should be checked every month and changed when
soiled.
• Evaporator and condenser coils should be kept clean and free
of nearby blockages.
• Outdoor units should not have any debris such as leaves, grass,
dirt, sticks, or other material around and inside the vents.
• Blockages to the vents such as furniture, boxes, or other material
that can interfere with proper airflow should be removed.
Developing and maintaining a
maintenance schedule for your
equipment will extend its lifetime.
Following is maintenance for a certified HVAC professional
to perform:
• System controls checked to ensure they work properly.
• Thermostats and other components adjusted and calibrated.
• Belts, bearings, and other moving parts inspected to improve
performance.
• All electrical connections checked, cleaned, and tightened.
• Recharge of the refrigerant fluid and repair of any leaks.
• Inspection of the duct system to ensure all sections are sealed
and fitted tightly together.
• Inspect and clear drain lines to clear any blockages so that water
can flow away easily. Note that an algaecide can prevent organic
growth.
Developing and maintaining a maintenance schedule for all your
equipment will extend its lifetime and save you a lot of money in the
long term.
28 InnFocus