HVAC Summer Preventive Maintenance

By Harry Winand, Northern Area Manager

Summer heat is now in full swing. What can you do to keep your trailer cool?  Maintain your Acton Mobile Trailer's HVAC system.

1. Ensure proper air flow by changing the filter every 30 days. See the Service Guide that is mounted next to the trailer entrance door, for the location of the access panel to the filter.  The panel is accessed outside of the trailer.
2. If the site is dusty, you may need to hire a certified HVAC contractor to clean the AC coils. Clogged coils reduce air flow and can cause the HVAC unit to freeze up. Acton cleaned the central HVAC system before the trailer was delivered to your site.
3. Never turn the HVAC unit below 68 degrees. If you do, it can freeze the HVAC coils. Again, this will reduce air flow.
4. Balance your system. This is done by closing or opening dampers in the ceiling. In most cases, fully open the dampers in the rear of the trailer and reduce the opening of dampers as you move towards your HVAC system in the front of the trailer.
5. Do not block thermostats or return air vents with shelves or cabinets. This will affect the actual temperature reading and HVAC system operation.
6. Leave the HVAC fan on auto, not manual.
7. If the trailer lights dim or flicker during the course of a day, you may need an electrician to check the voltage or amperage of your incoming electrical service. Improper voltage or amperage will cause the HVAC system to malfunction.
8. Trailers located in open-field environments, may need window shades or V-blinds to help keep the unit cool. These are optional enhancements that are available from Acton.
9. Trailers that are operated with electrical power from generators must have the trailer power off until the generator is at full power. Only then should the trailer power be turned on. Likewise, turn the trailer power off, before shutting down the generator.

If you have been maintaining the HVAC system as above and still have a problem, call the Acton Service Department (800-251-1600) and they will dispatch a service person as soon as possible.  Usually, this means that a contact, capacitor, compressor or fan motor has failed. It is our responsibility to repair these items under the terms of your lease agreement with Acton.

Thank you for your cooperation!