Invotech Scroll Compressors are gaining traction in the USA market as a cost-effective and readily available alternative to Copeland commercial scroll compressors. While they offer a direct drop-in replacement, proper system maintenance is crucial to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. In this short, easy-to-read guide, we’ll cover essential maintenance tips and best practices to help you get the most out of your remanufactured Invotech Scroll Commercial Compressor.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Maintenance
Commercial sized scroll compressors are the heart of many commercial HVAC and commercial grade refrigeration systems, and any failure can lead to costly downtime and repairs. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your commercial compressor but also improves energy efficiency, reduces the likelihood of unexpected failures, and enhances overall system reliability.
Proper maintenance of your Invotech Scroll Compressor involves multiple facets, including routine inspections, keeping the refrigerant and oil at optimal levels, ensuring electrical stability, and preventing excessive heat buildup. Understanding each component’s role in compressor longevity can help technicians and system owners implement proactive strategies to avoid breakdowns and costly replacements.
1. Proper Installation Practices
Before even considering maintenance, ensuring a correct installation is the first step to maximizing the lifespan of your Invotech commercial scroll compressor. A poorly installed compressor can suffer from premature wear and tear, leading to early failure.
- Confirm System Compatibility: While Invotech compressors are drop-in replacements for Copeland and some other brands of scroll compressors, always check system specifications to avoid compatibility issues.
- Ensure Proper Refrigerant Charge: Overcharging or undercharging the system can cause compressor stress and reduced efficiency.
- Secure Mounting: Improper mounting can cause excessive vibration, leading to internal damage and a shortened lifespan.
- Check for Proper Electrical Connections: Loose or incorrect wiring can result in electrical faults and compressor failure.
- Verify Proper Pipe Sizing: Incorrect piping sizes can lead to restrictions, excessive pressure drops, and poor compressor performance.
- Use Quality Installation Materials: Cheap or subpar materials can degrade over time, causing leaks and inefficiencies in the commercial-grade system.
- Inspect Insulation: Proper insulation helps maintain efficiency and prevents heat loss or buildup in refrigeration lines.
2. Maintain Proper Refrigerant Levels
Commercial grade refrigerant plays a crucial role in the efficiency and longevity of your compressor. Too much or too little refrigerant can cause overheating, excessive wear, and even compressor burnout.
- Perform Routine Refrigerant Level Checks: Ensure the system is operating within manufacturer-recommended pressure ranges.
- Detect and Repair Leaks: Even small leaks can result in reduced performance and damage over time.
- Use the Correct Refrigerant Type: Invotech compressors are designed to work with specific refrigerants, so always verify before recharging the system. If you are ever unsure, just give your friendly technicians at Compressors Unlimited a call, and we’ll help you out.
- Prevent Refrigerant Contamination: Moisture or non-condensable gases in the refrigerant can lead to acid formation, damaging the compressor over a period of time.
- Monitor Superheat and Subcooling Levels: Maintaining the correct superheat and subcooling levels ensures the refrigerant is properly metered and does not return to the compressor as a liquid.
- Check Refrigerant Quality: Poor-quality or recycled refrigerant may introduce contaminants that can damage the system.
3. Keep the Oil Clean and at Proper Levels
Lubrication is essential for reducing friction and preventing overheating in your commercial scroll compressor. Contaminated or low oil levels can significantly reduce the lifespan of your unit.
- Monitor Oil Levels Regularly: Check oil levels at least once every maintenance cycle.
- Use Manufacturer-Recommended Oil: The wrong oil type can lead to poor lubrication and increased wear. If you are unsure about the oil type that should be used for your Invotech Compressor, call the knowledgeable technicians at Compressors Unlimited. We are here to ensure your remanufactured Invotech Scroll Compressor lasts as long as possible, and that starts with the right oils and refrigerants.
- Inspect for Oil Contamination: Discoloration, debris, or a burnt smell indicates contamination and requires immediate attention before further damage occurs.
- Analyze Oil Viscosity: Changes in oil viscosity can indicate potential system contamination or oil degradation.
- Test for Acidity in Oil: Acidic oil can lead to bearing damage and insulation breakdown in motor windings.
- Replace Oil Filters When Needed: An obstructed oil filter can lead to improper lubrication and increased friction.
4. Ensure Proper Airflow and Heat Dissipation
A compressor that runs too hot is at risk of failure. Proper heat dissipation and airflow around the compressor are vital to preventing overheating.
- Check Condenser and Evaporator Coils: Dirty or clogged coils can restrict airflow and cause the compressor to work harder than necessary.
- Clean Air Filters Regularly: Blocked filters reduce efficiency and increase operational temperatures.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Compressors in confined or poorly ventilated spaces can overheat, leading to premature failure.
- Inspect and Clean Fan Motors: Fans assist with heat dissipation and must function properly to prevent overheating.
- Monitor Discharge Temperatures: Excessive discharge temperatures indicate inefficiencies and possible impending compressor failure.
- Prevent Recirculated Airflow: Ensure that discharged hot air does not re-enter the system and increase compressor temperatures.
5. Monitor Electrical Components and Connections
Electrical issues are one of the most common causes of commercial compressor failure. Regularly inspecting and maintaining electrical connections can prevent severe damage.
- Inspect Wiring for Wear and Tear: Frayed or damaged wires can cause shorts and lead to compressor failure.
- Check Voltage and Current Draw: Deviations from manufacturer specifications can indicate underlying system issues.
- Test the Capacitor and Contactor: Faulty components can lead to improper compressor startup and operation.
- Ensure Proper Phase Balance: Phase imbalances in three-phase systems can cause motor overheating and premature failure.
- Check for Loose Terminals: Poor electrical connections can lead to voltage drops, arcing, and compressor failure.
- Use Surge Protectors: Voltage fluctuations can severely damage electrical components. If your area is known for frequent surges, it is highly recommended that you put your remanufactured Invotech Scroll Compressor on a surge protector.
6. Prevent Liquid Slugging and Floodback
Liquid slugging (commercial liquid refrigerant entering the compressor) and floodback can cause severe damage to the internal components of your Invotech Scroll Compressor.
- Ensure Proper Superheat Levels: Superheat should be adjusted according to system specifications to prevent liquid refrigerant from reaching the compressor.
- Use an Accumulator if Necessary: In certain applications, an accumulator can help prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor.
- Check Expansion Valves and TXVs: A malfunctioning expansion valve or TXV can cause liquid refrigerant to flood back into the compressor.
- Inspect Suction Line Insulation: Proper insulation helps maintain correct refrigerant gas temperatures.
- Monitor Compressor Start-Up Behavior: Repeated hard starts could indicate refrigerant management issues.
- Check for Flooded Starts: Flooded starts occur when refrigerant settles in the compressor crankcase and mixes with oil, leading to bearing wear upon startup.
Keep Maintenance Top of Mind
By following these best practices—ensuring proper installation, maintaining refrigerant and oil levels, preventing overheating, monitoring electrical connections, and implementing a proactive maintenance schedule—you can significantly extend the life of your Invotech Scroll Compressor. Taking the time to properly care for your compressor will pay off in the long run, ensuring that your investment continues to deliver reliable performance for years to come.
Preventive maintenance is not just about avoiding repairs—it’s about optimizing performance, reducing energy costs, and improving reliability. Ensuring that technicians are well-trained in proper servicing techniques, utilizing diagnostic tools to monitor compressor conditions, and adhering to strict maintenance schedules will all contribute to the longevity of your system.
Whether you are an HVAC professional or a business owner relying on refrigeration systems, these tips will help you maximize the return on your investment in Invotech Scroll Compressors. With consistent attention to detail and proactive care, you can enjoy years of efficient and trouble-free operation from your remanufactured Invotech Scroll Compressor.
Contact us today for a complimentary quote for your remanufactured Invotech Scroll Compressor. You’ll be glad you did!
