The Benefits of Having Proper HVAC Diagrams
Clear instructions eliminate mistakes. More importantly, clear instructions keep us safe. When techs are working on an HVAC system, they want to ensure they have a roadmap to navigate it safely. No HVAC technician intends to touch a wire carrying deadly amounts of current, for example. So when a tech is called upon to make repairs to an HVAC system, they will need accurate HVAC diagrams.
HVAC Diagrams Keep You from Winging It
HVAC technicians can’t rely on memory and technical skill alone. For certain simpler operations on systems they take care of routinely, such as filter replacement, they might be able to get away without an HVAC diagram. However, the second they start digging into the guts of an HVAC system, the diagram becomes essential. If they’re working on a hospital’s HVAC system, for example, certain areas will need clean, temperature-controlled air for the safety of patients.
HVAC Diagrams Save Time and Money
Quickly identifying a problem in an HVAC system is only possible with an HVAC diagram. Imagine your car’s mechanic not having an OBD2 reader, so they take your car completely apart to find the issue. It might work, but at what cost in time and money? For example, if there’s an issue with a supply duct valve, knowing the location is important. Avoiding a lengthy exploratory mission keeps costs down and simplifies jobs.
Building Renovations/Repairs Go Smoother
When a construction crew needs to create a new wing for a building or renovate an existing space, an HVAC diagram keeps them from damaging essential parts of the heating and cooling system. Before they dig into a wall or ceiling, they can tell where ducts, pumps, fans, and other components are located.
HVAC Diagrams Aren’t Just for Technicians
Electricians and engineers need HVAC diagrams, too. Electricians, in particular, need to ensure that the wiring is routed correctly and won’t overload the rest of the electrical system. If they’re working on the building’s wiring for any reason, they’ll need to understand the HVAC’s power needs and circuit paths. Engineers need to take the HVAC system into account, too. Ducts need to be accessible to techs, and designers must be able to locate all system parts to avoid any fire hazards and ensure proper heating and cooling.
Not All HVAC Units Are The Same
Whether due to variances between manufacturers or technological advancements, not all AC units are the same. While components may be similar, their locations could be drastically different. By way of example, an HVAC diagram might show a tech that in a particular HVAC unit, the condenser is on the opposite side of where they think it should be. Rather than leaving a technician probing and prodding, learning the system over the course of hours, an HVAC diagram ensures a tech knows precisely where they’re going.
HVAC Diagrams Keep Techs Safe
So far, we’ve assumed that the diagram shows an HVAC system that was designed properly. But the HVAC diagram can also show a tech that the system was put together in a sloppy or unsafe manner. For example, they might see that wires are bundled improperly and could overheat, and they might also see that airflow is improperly routed. So many hazards can be avoided just by consulting the diagram before starting the work!
HVAC Expertise from the Severn Group
The Severn Group provides installation, maintenance, and repair for commercial HVAC systems around the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. For proactive, professional service, you can trust us to keep HVAC systems running like new. Contact The Severn Group today for all of your HVAC service needs.