How Air-Con Maintenance Can Save Mining Millions

For those in the mining game, especially in remote locations where the weather is extreme, having your air-conditioning fail is a major issue.

Preventative filter Maintenance saves millions for mining.

It stops work, affects safety and creates all sorts of headaches costing mining millions in down time, productivity and idle resources. Yet it can be prevented by minor yet essential maintenance.

An air conditioner’s filters, coils, condensers and evaporators require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use and cost of repairs steadily increases.

Basic maintenance requires a qualified technician to:

• Check for correct amount of refrigerant
• Test for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector
• Capture any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system
• Check for and seal duct leakage in central systems
• Measure airflow through the evaporator coil
• Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections
• Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear
• Check the accuracy of the thermostat
• Clean or replace filters

The most important maintenance task that will ensure the efficiency of your air conditioner or pressuriser is to routinely replace or clean its filters.

Clogged, dirty filters:

• Block normal airflow and allows contaminants to affect the system and the occupant
• Significantly reduces a system’s efficiency
• Damage and reduce life of evaporator coil and impair the coil’s absorbing capacity
• Limit the efficiency of the air-conditioning requiring more energy and fuel

The benefits of clean filters:

• Energy and fuel saving by 5% – 15%
  

  Filtration and purification ensures safety and longevity of equipment

• Better cooling and performance
• Cleaner air improving protection from allergens, contaminants and breathing problems
• Protects and extends the life of your evaporator coils and other parts
• Less service and breakdown
• Less down time on machinery and equipment
• Savings on less replacement parts and resources
• Minimises risk of fire, short circuits and malfunctions

An air conditioner filter can come in the form of aluminium mesh, foam, woven polypropylene, non-woven polyester or non-woven polyester with activated carbon. Filters are available in a variety of types and efficiencies.

It is recommended to clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter on a regular basis. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use or subjected to dusty conditions.

Lyons is of the largest suppliers and installers of OEM and custom filters for air-conditioning, filtration and pressurisers in mining, transport and construction. Our team of specialised auto electricians and air-conditioning technicians are inducted, approved, and preferred on most major sites. Call us now on (08) 9259 7777 or email enquiries@lyons.com.au and speak to one of our experts today.