Chiller troubleshooting is a hard and sensitive job and should be done by experts, but here we are going to help you with your chiller troubleshooting by explaining 13 common problems and the reasons behind them. Even if your chiller is regularly maintained and serviced, the components' corrosion can cause some problems over time.
Tip: if you have studied the article about chiller main components and their functions, you can more easily follow us in troubleshooting your chiller.
Warning: Chillers are so expensive and quiet dangerous. If you're not qualified enough to work on them, seek professional help.
Note: always pay attention to the error codes on the display unit of the chiller and check that with the manufacturer.
Chiller troubleshooting and the compressor not turning on
- Power switch in off position
- Blown circuit breaker or the fuse
- Active compressor overload
- Loose wiring
- Faulty thermostat because of low ambient temperature
- Improper line voltage or loose connection
- Incorrect phase connection (3-phase units)
Chiller troubleshooting and pump not running
- Closed or partially closed process valve
- Pump failure
- Refrigerant shortage
- Improper or fluctuating line voltage
- Insufficient fluid in reservoir
- Blocked fluid filter
Chiller troubleshooting and no cooling
- Improper or fluctuating line voltage
- Clogged air filter or condenser
- Refrigerant leak
- High ambient temperature
- Iced-up evaporator
Chiller troubleshooting and high discharge pressure
- Dirty condenser coils and tubes
- Low air flow over the condenser
- Reduction of water flow through the condenser
- Too hot returning condenser water (on water cooled chiller)
- Partially closed discharge shut off valve
- High ambient temperature
- Refrigerant overcharge
Chiller troubleshooting and low discharge pressure
- Dirty or obstructed evaporator
- Refrigerant undercharge
- Low ambient temperature
- Partially closed suction valve
Chiller troubleshooting and low suction pressure
- Low refrigerant charge
- Blocked expansion valve
- Obstructed filter drier and the strainer
- Condenser water temperature too low
Chiller troubleshooting and high suction pressure
- Excessive load
- Refrigerant overcharge
- Faulty expansion valve
Chiller troubleshooting and water leakage
- Leaking pump (loose or damaged shaft seal at the pump)
- Leaking water tank (damaged welding or long-term use)
- Leaking ball valve
- Leaking at the position of the floating ball
Chiller troubleshooting and low-voltage
- Refrigerant leaking
- Broken pressure controller
- Faulty control board
- Blocked filter
Chiller troubleshooting and compressor constantly working
- Low chiller capacity
- Iced-up evaporator
- Dirty condenser
- Dirty or blocked filter drier
- High ambient temperature
- Faulty or closed expansion valve
Chiller troubleshooting and frozen suction line
- Too much refrigerant passing the expansion valve
- Faulty evaporator fan
- Refrigerant overcharge
Chiller troubleshooting and frozen or sweating liquid line
- Blocked filter drier
- Obstructed or closed liquid line valve
- Leaking solenoid valve
Chiller troubleshooting and unusual noises
- Loose parts
- Fan and belt vibration
- Broken bearings
- Tubes vibration
- Refrigerant undercharge
As we mentioned earlier, chiller is a complicated device and its troubleshooting is not an easy job. Here we talked about 13 common problems you may face while chiller troubleshooting. If you need more information, don't miss refrigeration course in HelloTechnic website. You'll learn everything about refrigeration principles, its components, installation, service and maintenance procedures through films and animation.
