One of the last things that any facility owner or manager wants to deal with is a failing cooling tower. When cooling towers fail, your entire building’s HVAC can get put offline, making your workplace feel uncomfortable and even shutting down operations due to lack of proper ventilation. It’s no secret that cooling tower failures should be avoided, but how can this be done?
Luckily, many cooling towers have warning signs that they are about to fail. It could be a simple clunking noise or something way more in depth, but cooling towers don’t just spontaneously shut down. Knowing what the warning signs of a failing cooling tower are and how to address them can save your plant or building from a costly shutdown and keep business running as usual. Here are the different warning signs you can watch for to catch a failing cooling tower before it happens.
Leaks In Your Cooling Tower Are A Sign Of Failure
One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your cooling tower are leaks you can see outside the unit. At first glance a small drip might not seem like a big deal, but it usually spells out bigger problems such as corrosion, cracked basins, or failing seals. These leaks may get larger over time if not controlled, resulting in water loss, structural damage, and system inefficiency. Ignoring leaks can lead to their spreading to other components and a much larger repair problem than anticipated.
Failing Cooling Towers Might Show Signs Of Biological Growth & Odors
If musty, sour, and unusual odors are coming from your cooling tower, it may indicate biological growth within the system. Warm, wet environments are a breeding ground for bateria and other contaminants, especially if maintenance isn’t up to par. This buildup can impede water flow, reduce efficiency, and lead to potential health problems. If the cooling tower begins to smell or has visible growth, it is generally a sign that cleaning and treatment have not been done consistently, and this growth and debris risk shutting down your cooling tower and HVAC system entirely.
Unusual Noises Or Vibrations Could Indicate A Failing Cooling Tower
When cooling towers are working the way they should, they’ll produce a constant, steady hum. When that changes, it usually means something is going wrong. Rattling, grinding, or excessive vibration may indicate problems with the fan or the motor inside. These problems can start as small mechanical wear but can soon turn to serious damage if not addressed. Listen to the sound of your system as it is running to catch these problems early.
Reduced Cooling Performance Could Indicate Cooling Tower Failure
Overall cooling system performance is another great indicator of if your cooling tower is at risk of failing. If your system is having a hard time maintaining proper temperatures or your HVAC system is working harder than normal, your cooling tower may not be doing its job. This can be due to a combination of fouled components, restricted airflow, or internal damage. Finding lower performance in your cooling tower is often a sign that various system components are overworked and should be assessed before they cause a large system failure.
Address The Warning Signs & Get Your Cooling Tower Inspected & Refurbished With PROAC
PROAC wants to help your facility find and fix warning signs of failing cooling towers. Our focus on preventative facility maintenance keeps systems in top shape and performing well, catching issues before they turn into costly breakdowns and keeping your facility working for you. On top of our cooling tower refurbishment & inspections, we also perform air handler unit restoration, duct cleaning, explosive dust removal, air quality testing, mold remediation, and so much more.
Trust the team at PROAC to keep your facility in its best shape. Contact us today to get your building systems back on track.