Elevators in buildings require special maintenance to deal with snow, water, and condensate in the winter. While snow and water tracked into building entryways and onto elevators are very visible problems that can be addressed with floor mats, it is condensation within the shaft that can cause operational problems. During winter, cold outside air can infiltrate warmer elevator shafts causing immediate and long-term damage to the system.
For comfort, elevator cabs and shafts are heated to be close to ambient building temperatures. Warm air is less humid in winter than air at the same temperature during the summer. However, it is the cold winter air entering the shaft that causes condensation and creates problems. Elevators usually have mechanical rooms that house motors and control panels, the equipment most at risk from the accumulation of condensation. As condensation builds, it can cause electrical equipment to fail. Over time, condensation can also cause ropes to deteriorate and steel parts to rust. To prevent condensation from damaging elevator equipment, dehumidifiers are installed in the shaft as part of the HVAC system. The location of these dehumidifiers make running drain lines impracticable.
Evapoway Anti-Condensate Pans are designed to be used in locations where simple drain lines cannot be used. Year-round, moisture removed from the air is routed into a stainless-steel pan where a heating coil evaporates the condensate. This means the water vapor is removed from the air, condensed in the dehumidifier, and evaporated.
To ensure performance all winter long, systems should be carefully inspected to ensure the drain lines between the dehumidifier and condensate pan are clear. There should be a battery-backup to ensure the evaporator coil has power when it’s required, and insulation should be installed where practical to limit the surfaces on which condensation can develop.
Don’t wait until Old Man Winter pushes the button for the penthouse, keep elevators operating safely by performing the preventive maintenance today. Be sure to stock an extra Evapoway Anti-Condensate Pan for emergencies.
