Chiller checklist
A chiller checklist grouped by frequency, covering operating readings, strainers, tube testing, annual inspection, and the refrigerant leak records.
- Or start on the free plan, no card.
- A signed-in owner or manager uploads this file in FixAhead, and it loads as one procedure per frequency.
Daily
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Before work | ||
| Before service, lock out all power, and discharge the capacitors and verify they are discharged. | Yes | |
| Inspect | ||
| Check the overall condition, and that the safety systems are in place. | Yes | |
| Check that the evaporator, condenser, oil-tank, differential-oil, and discharge-oil pressures are within the manufacturer's normal values. | Yes | Yes |
| Check that the oil level is visible in the sump sight glass while running. | Yes | |
| Check that the setpoints are correct. | ||
| For low-pressure chillers, check that the purge pump-out rate is normal. Trace frequent purging to an air or water leak. | Yes | Yes |
| Switch off or sequence the chillers that are not needed. | ||
| Log | ||
| Complete the operating log. | Yes | |
Weekly
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Before work | ||
| Before service, lock out all power, and discharge the capacitors and verify they are discharged. | Yes | |
| Performance | ||
| Assess evaporator and condenser fouling from the approach temperature. | Yes | Yes |
| Check that the compressor motor temperature is within the manufacturer's specification. | Yes | Yes |
| Check that the water quality is in chemical balance. | Yes | |
| Leaks and controls | ||
| Check the compressor fittings, oil-pump joints, and relief valves for leaks. | Yes | |
| Check that the insulation is sound, and that the controls, such as hot-gas bypass and liquid injection, work. | ||
Quarterly
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Before work | ||
| Before service, lock out all power, and discharge the capacitors and verify they are discharged. | Yes | |
| Strainers | ||
| Clean the water strainers. | Yes | |
Semiannual
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Before work | ||
| Before service, lock out all power, and discharge the capacitors and verify they are discharged. | Yes | |
| Settings | ||
| Check that vane control, motor load limit, load balance, and chilled-water reset match the manufacturer's settings. | ||
| Lubrication | ||
| Lubricate vane linkage bearings, ball joints, pivots, and tang O-rings. Move the tang operators by hand. | ||
| Vent lines | ||
| Drain the drip leg of the rupture-disk and purge vent lines into an evacuated container. | Yes | |
Annual
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Before work | ||
| Before service, lock out all power, and discharge the capacitors and verify they are discharged. | Yes | |
| Shutdown and inspection | ||
| Shut the chiller down for the manufacturer's annual inspection list. | Yes | |
| Inspect and clean the condenser and evaporator tubes. | Yes | Yes |
| Send a sample of the compressor oil and the oil filter for analysis. | Yes | |
| Check the oil pump, seals, heater, thermostat, and strainers. | Yes | |
| Have a qualified technician measure the motor winding resistance to ground. | Yes | Yes |
| Have a qualified service organisation leak-test the chiller. | Yes | |
| Electrical and controls | ||
| Check that electrical connections are tight, and that alignment, seals, water flows, and the lockout setpoint are correct. | Yes | |
| Verify the evaporator refrigerant temperature sensor in an ice bath. | Yes | |
| Refrigerant | ||
| Check the refrigerant level and condition. | Yes | |
| While the chiller keeps losing refrigerant, inspect it for leaks each year. | Yes | |
Every 3 years
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Before work | ||
| Before service, lock out all power, and discharge the capacitors and verify they are discharged. | Yes | |
| Tubes | ||
| Test the condenser and evaporator tubes with a non-destructive eddy-current test. | Yes | Yes |
Each refrigerant addition
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Before work | ||
| Before service, lock out all power, and discharge the capacitors and verify they are discharged. | Yes | |
| Refrigerant | ||
| Each time refrigerant is added, calculate the leak rate and record it. | Yes | Yes |
| Leave refrigerant additions and leak repairs to a certified technician. | Yes | |
Where the chiller maker's manual gives a different interval or value, follow the manual. Refrigerant rules set by the US Environmental Protection Agency govern the leak-rate records and repairs where they apply.