Preparing Cooling Systems for the Hot Summer Ahead

HSB Canada
Overhead shot of a facility with AC units on the roof

Quick Tips on What Subscribers Can Do to Prevent Breakdowns 

Helping HIROC’s Subscribers mitigate risk and loss is what makes the Reciprocal strong. Part of that work means partnering with insurers to provide Subscribers the most comprehensive coverage. Ultimately, it’s important that you and your teams have the right coverage, and the information needed to make important decisions. 

This article has been provided courtesy of our partners from HSB Canada. It is intended to help Subscribers protect vital cooling and air conditioning systems.

Jean Asuncion, Engineering Liaison Associate at HIROC also sat down with Allen Babista, Toronto Regional Manager for HSB Canada to get a few quick tips on what Subscribers can do to prevent breakdowns. For more detail on what Allen and Jean have to say, review the article below.

Don’t forget, we’re here for you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to HIROC at inquiries@hiroc.com. 

Avoid Air Conditioning Meltdowns

Last summer was officially the third warmest in Canada’s history. According to Farmers Almanac, the summer of 2023 will be warmer than normal for most of the country. As a result, many organizations and households have already activated air conditioners, or are planning to. 

What we know is that most air conditioning failures occur when equipment is started after sitting idle through a long winter or when it cycles on and off frequently in hot weather. 

Systems are Complex

Air conditioning systems do more than just remove heat, they control humidity and air quality, and distribute conditioned air through a building. While we feel and hear the cool air quietly humming through the vents, we probably don’t realize that there are many different types of components working together to create a comfortable indoor climate, from pressure vessels and piping, to mechanical compressors, electrical wiring and electronic control systems. If one component of the system fails, the whole system may break down. 

Inadequate Maintenance is a Big Issue

About 35 percent of equipment breakdowns can be attributed to the human factor. Examples include inadequate or improper maintenance, as well as the failure to replace or calibrate controls such as thermostats. A room thermostat that tells an air conditioning system that it’s too hot when it’s really not, causes excessive wear and tear that can lead to a system breakdown.

Loss Example: Seniors’ Residence 

The air conditioning motor burned out in a high-rise seniors’ residence. Temperatures in excess of 32-degrees required the set-up of four rented spot coolers. Weekend overtime was required to get the motor back online. 

  • Direct damage: $83,600
  • Extra expense: $16,800
  • Total insured loss: $100,400

Maximize Reliability with This Air Conditioning Start-Up Checklist

Compressors

  • Energize the crankcase heaters for at least eight hours before start-up and before taking insulation resistance readings of hermetic motor windings. Crankcase heaters should be left energized for the rest of the season so that whenever the compressor is idle, the heater will prevent refrigerant “migration” to the crankcase.
  • Test the lubricating oil for colour and acidity, and check crankcase oil level.

Motors

  • Check the air passages of open motors for cleanliness and obstructions.
  • Check the condition of and lubricate bearings.
  • Take insulation resistance readings. If the readings indicate less than one mega ohm resistance, don’t start the motor. Check for the cause of the low resistance.

Motor Controls 

  • Inspect starter contacts for deterioration from short cycling, arcing, or corrosion. 
  • Check terminal connections for tightness. 
  • Examine the overload protection for defects, and for proper size. 
  • Check mechanical linkages for binding and excessive looseness. 
  • Check timing devices for correct operating sequence. 

Operating and Safety Controls 

  • Determine that the controls are properly calibrated and in working order particularly thermostatic controls, oil pressure safety switches and flow switches.

Refrigerant Circuits 

  • Be sure the circuit is equipped with a moisture indicator and if moisture is indicated, install new liquid line filter/drier cores. Determine and correct the source of the moisture.
  • Check the expansion valve for proper operation and superheat settings over the full range of operation. 

Condensers and Evaporators

  • Ensure that proper cleaning of heat transfer surfaces for the type of unit in use has been completed prior to operation.  
  • Cooling towers: Check the baffles for tightness and soundness. Clean the baffles, sump and the spray nozzles. Check the make-up water valve for proper operation. 

Pumps

  • Check the bearings, packings, shaft couplings, and seals. Lubricate bearings.

Fans

  • Check for broken, cracked, bent or loose blades. Check hubs, fan shaft and bearings. 
  • Check the belt condition and belt tension.
  • Replace air filters. 

Piping 

  • Check all piping supports for signs of distress. 
  • Check for external damage and excessive vibration.

If you have questions about coverage or would like a quote, please contact HIROC at inquiries@hiroc.com.

About HSB Canada

HSB Canada, part of Munich Re, is a multi-line specialty insurer and provider of inspection, risk management and IoT technology services. HSB Canada’s insurance offerings include equipment breakdown, cyber risk and other coverages. HSB blends its engineering expertise, technology and data to craft inventive insurance and service solutions for existing and emerging risks posed by technological change. Throughout its 150-year history HSB’s mission has been to help clients prevent loss, advance sustainable use of energy and build deeper relationships that benefit business, public institutions and consumers. HSB holds A.M. Best Company’s highest financial rating, A++ (Superior). 

These recommendations are general guidelines and are not intended to be exhaustive or complete, nor are they designed to replace information or instructions from the manufacturer of your equipment. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to convey or constitute legal advice. HSB makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the content herein. Under no circumstances shall HSB or any party involved in creating or delivering this article be liable to you for any loss or damage that results from the use of the information contained herein. This article does not modify or invalidate any of the provisions, exclusions, terms or conditions of the applicable policy and endorsements. For specific terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable insurance form.