Industrial chillers work hard to keep equipment and processes cool, but even the best systems need regular care to stay efficient. Whether you operate a brewery, data center, or manufacturing facility, routine maintenance helps prevent downtime, improve energy performance, and extend equipment life. Cullum & Brown provides industrial and glycol chillers from G&D Chillers along with full-service maintenance programs to keep your system performing at its best.
Chiller System Types
Every maintenance plan begins with understanding the type of chiller in use. Air-cooled, water-cooled, and glycol chillers each require different service routines. Air-cooled units are easier to maintain but less efficient in high ambient temperatures. Water-cooled systems deliver better efficiency but need regular condenser cleaning and water treatment. Glycol chillers offer precise temperature control for process cooling applications and must maintain the correct fluid concentration to prevent corrosion or freezing. Cullum & Brown supports all system types and helps customers select and maintain the right solution for their application.
Preventive Maintenance Schedule
A consistent maintenance schedule is the foundation of reliable operation. Daily checks can include monitoring temperatures, pressures, and flow rates. Monthly inspections should cover filters, strainers, and visible leaks. Annual maintenance involves a detailed review of mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems. Preventive service reduces unexpected failures and helps identify small issues before they affect production. Cullum & Brown offers maintenance programs tailored to system type, operating hours, and environmental conditions.
Components to Inspect and Clean
Clean system components are key to efficient cooling. Condenser and evaporator coils should be kept free of scale and debris to maintain proper heat transfer. Filters and strainers must be cleaned or replaced regularly to protect pumps and compressors. For glycol chillers, fluid concentration and condition should be checked to prevent freezing, corrosion, or loss of efficiency. Keeping coils, fans, and heat exchangers clean supports consistent cooling performance and lowers energy use.
Chiller maintenance checklist:
- Clean condenser and evaporator coils
- Replace or clean filters and strainers
- Check glycol concentration and quality
- Inspect electrical connections and controls
- Verify system pressures and flow rates
Monitoring System Performance
Monitoring a chiller’s performance over time provides early warning of potential problems. Record inlet and outlet temperatures, system pressure, and flow readings during normal operation. Unusual vibration, temperature drift, or noise may indicate developing issues such as refrigerant leaks or pump wear. Tracking this data helps identify performance trends and supports predictive maintenance. Cullum & Brown technicians use advanced diagnostic tools to verify system efficiency and pinpoint mechanical or control-related concerns.
Maintaining Glycol Fluid Quality
In glycol systems, fluid quality directly affects system performance and lifespan. Contaminated or degraded glycol can reduce heat transfer and promote corrosion. Concentration and pH should be tested regularly, with adjustments made as needed to maintain the correct balance. Over time, glycol breaks down and should be replaced according to manufacturer recommendations. Cullum & Brown provides glycol testing and replacement services to keep systems operating efficiently and within specification.
Electrical and Control System Checks
Electrical integrity is essential to chiller reliability. Inspect wiring, terminals, and contactors for wear or corrosion, and verify that control systems and sensors are calibrated correctly. A loose connection or faulty sensor can cause nuisance shutdowns or affect cooling accuracy. Regular inspection of electrical and control components reduces the risk of downtime and ensures the system responds correctly to load changes.
Seasonal Startup and Shutdown
Seasonal maintenance helps protect the system during changing conditions. Before startup, check refrigerant levels, pumps, and valves to ensure proper function. During shutdown periods, drain and clean the system to prevent buildup and freezing. Seasonal inspections help extend system life and maintain dependable performance. Cullum & Brown offers startup and shutdown support to make transitions efficient and trouble-free.
Where Chiller Maintenance Matters
- Breweries and beverage production
- Data centers and server rooms
- Food and dairy processing
- Pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing
- Industrial facilities with process cooling needs
Common Maintenance Mistakes
- Ignoring small fluctuations in temperature or pressure
- Skipping coil and filter cleaning
- Neglecting glycol testing and replacement
- Waiting for system alarms before scheduling service
When to Call for Service
Some issues require professional attention. Reduced cooling performance, refrigerant loss, or repeated alarms are signs that the system needs inspection. Cullum & Brown’s factory-trained technicians service all major chiller brands and provide preventive maintenance plans that reduce downtime and maintain consistent output.
Reliable Cooling Through Preventive Care
Regular chiller maintenance improves efficiency, reduces operating costs, and extends equipment life. Cullum & Brown delivers expert installation, service, and ongoing maintenance for industrial and glycol chillers from G&D Chillers. Whether you need seasonal service or a full preventive maintenance program, our team helps keep your system operating reliably year-round.
