Save Up to 15% on Electricity and Conserve Energy with Simple Cooling Tower Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance of your cooling tower can help reduce energy costs and extend equipment life. For every 2°F rise in leaving water temperature due to neglect, energy costs can increase by up to 6%. In contrast, a well-maintained cooling tower operates efficiently, keeping your costs down and extending the equipment’s lifespan.

Follow these 10 easy maintenance tips to maximize your cooling equipment’s performance:

1. Inspect Overall Condition: Check the unit’s condition and listen for any unusual noises. This helps establish a baseline and detect potential issues early.
2. Ensure Safety First: Before performing any maintenance, follow lockout procedures and disconnect motor switches to guarantee a safe work environment.
3. Clean Strainers: Clear debris from strainers to keep the system free of excess materials that can hinder performance.
4. Check Water Distribution System: Inspect for dry spots over the fill coil section to prevent scale buildup and improve capacity. If areas aren’t fully wetted, examine the nozzles for clogs or cracks.
5. Flush Cold Water Basin: Remove dirt and debris from the cold water basin via the tower drain or sump strainer. Consider adding basin sweeper piping with a filtration system for automatic maintenance.
6. Monitor Make-Up Water Supply: Maintain the water at the appropriate pre-determined level to conserve water and reduce air intake.
7. Adjust Bleed Rate: Set the bleed rate according to local water quality and evaporation regulations to avoid solids accumulation.
8. 8. Check Belt Tension: Proper tension ensures optimal belt drive system performance.
9. Gear Drive Maintenance: Follow manufacturer recommendations to check oil level, oil quality, and shaft alignment in gear drive systems.
10. Lubricate Bearings: Lubricate fan shaft bearings every three months. Installing automatic bearing greasers can further reduce maintenance needs.

Maintenance frequency will vary based on circulating water quality and operating conditions. By following these tips and keeping essential parts in stock, you can prevent unexpected downtime, save on energy costs, and extend your equipment’s life. Start these habits today to keep your cooling tower performing at its best.