HVAC units seem like simple appliances since most of their components are hidden from view. However, there are many parts whose operation determines the efficiency of your HVAC system. One of the essential ones is a pump.
The pump sends fluids through your system’s chillers, water towers and boilers where the fluid is continually cooled and heated to warm or cool your indoor air. They likewise pump out used liquid when fresh liquid is pumped in to keep your system going.
Though DIY techniques might manage some HVAC issues, pump suppliers are the best choice in handling any problems with your pump. There exist several types of pumps used in HVAC units, but the centrifugal and booster pumps are the most commonly used ones. The typical sign of an issue with your pump is lack of cooling or heating in your indoor space.
Here are the common problems that cause pump failure and their probable solutions:
Leaky Seals
Your pump’s seals have an unpredictable service life. They may fail secondary to open seal faces caused by excessive heat. Leaky seals are likewise common in industrial settings where they are compromised by the excess chemicals in the environment. To prevent leaking pump seals, it is important to keep your pump’s seal chamber sufficiently lubricated. Lubrication and retightening of the seals might suffice for some leak problems, but in extensive damage, replacement of the seals is better option.
Cavitation
This is the accumulation of low-pressure bubbles in the fluid flowing through your air conditioner. Left unattended, pump cavitation will damage the impeller and significantly reduce the longevity of your pump. It causes accelerated wear and tear of the bearings and seals as well.
The solution to this issue is to increase your HVAC suction side’s net positive suction head energy. This is done by reducing the pumped fluid’s temperature, reducing your pipes’ length, increasing the pipes’ diameter or reducing the valves and elbows in your unit.
Damaged Shafts
HVAC pump shafts usually fracture instantly from sudden overload or imbalance. If there is discoloration around your shaft, this might indicate that the damage was caused by excessive heat. The solution for damaged pump shafts is generally the installation of a new belt drive system with the right tension gauge or the remounting of the fans on your pump shaft.
Corrosion, Deposit and Rust Accumulation
Rust and corrosion on your pump’s impeller can make your pump ineffective. These usually result from a spoilt pressure cap. Other than this, there might be an accumulation of debris in the pump due to faulty filters. The solution for these might be the flushing of your pump to get rid of clogs or replacing your pressure cap.
Hiring any handyman to assess your HVAC when you have issues might initially seem like the cost-efficient option. Unfortunately, this might not work for the above pump issues, especially if your technician does not have the right knowledge, tools and experience. Fiddling with the pump will only make the problems worse and might cause irreparable damage to some parts of your HVAC unit.
A pump supplier comes with extensive knowledge of the pump’s operation and different implements. Unlike other repair technicians, the supplier also comes with only genuine replacement parts for any broken part of the pump.
