U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program – Operations and Maintenance

Chiller Maintenance Checklist

Description Comment Maintenance Frequency
Daily Weekly Monthly Annually
Chiller use and sequencing Turn off or sequence unnecessary chillers. X      
Overall visual inspection Complete overall visual inspection to be sure all equipment is operating and that safety systems are in place. X      
Check setpoints Check all setpoints for proper setting and function. X      
Evaporator and condenser coil fouling Assess evaporator and condenser coil fouling as required.   X    
Compressor motor temperature Check temperature per manufacturer's specifications.   X    
Perform water quality test Check water quality for proper chemical balance.   X    
Leak testing Conduct leak testing on all compressor fittings, oil pump joints and fittings, and relief valves.   X    
Check all insulation Check insulation for condition and appropriateness.   X    
Control operation Verify proper control function including:
  • Hot gas bypass
  • Liquid injection
  X    
Check vane control settings Check settings per manufacturer's specification.     X  
Verify motor load limit control Check settings per manufacturer's specification.     X  
Verify load balance operation Check settings per manufacturer's specification.     X  
Check chilled water reset settings and function Check settings per manufacturer's specification.     X  
Check chiller lockout setpoint Check settings per manufacturer's specification.     X  
Clean condenser tubes Clean tubes at least annually as part of shutdown procedures.       X
Eddy current test condenser tube As required, conduct eddy current test to assess tube wall thickness.       X
Clean evaporator tubes Clean tubes at least annually as part of shutdown procedures.       X
Eddy current test evaporator tubes As required, conduct eddy current test to assess tube wall thickness.       X
Compressor motor and assembly Check all alignments to specification. Check all seals and provide lubrication where necessary.       X
Compressor oil system Conduct analysis on oil and filter.       X
Change as required.       X
Check oil pump and seals.       X
Check oil heater and thermostat.       X
Check all strainers, valves, etc.       X
Electrical connections Check all electrical connections and terminals for contact and tightness.       X
Water flows Assess proper water flow in evaporator and condenser.       X
Check refrigerant level and condition Add refrigerant as required. Record amounts and address leakage issues.       X