Commercial HVAC maintenance ensures that the heating and cooling systems of companies are in the best condition possible and will function properly throughout the entire heating or cooling season. Systems that have been properly maintained can give years of dependable, problem-free service, whereas those that have been neglected can result in a slew of costly issues.

1. Importance of Commercial HVAC Maintenance

The largest energy consumers in a typical commercial facility are HVAC systems and lighting. Maintaining these systems through commercial HVAC maintenance will help to reduce the amount of energy used by the equipment and benefit the company in a variety of ways.

Commercial HVAC Maintenance
Image of a commercial HVAC system

1.1. Perform better energy efficiency

Commercial HVAC systems work best when they’re well-maintained. Lower utility bills are a result of energy-efficient performance. Because HVAC accounts for the majority of your energy costs, energy savings from efficient equipment operation can be significant.

1.2. Reduce operating costs

Commercial HVAC maintenance can save you up to 40% on your operating costs. Routine inspection and assessment of all major components, as well as seasonal or annual maintenance on A/C units, heaters, and other commercial-grade HVAC equipment, can go a long way toward lowering operational expenses and ensuring that repair costs do not spiral out of control.

1.3. Extend life-span of equipment 

Even the highest-quality HVAC equipment can go off or fail over time due to excessive use or old age, but regular maintenance helps to ensure that all of the system’s primary elements and components survive as long as possible.

With good preventative maintenance, commercial HVAC systems can last 20 years or longer. Commercial HVAC maintenance entails having the unit professionally serviced at least once a year. When it comes to extending the operational service life of all equipment, experienced personnel with the tools, training, and skills needed to identify and solve any possible concerns that could otherwise go unnoticed can be a valuable asset.

Improper maintenance, often known as “run-to-failure” maintenance, occurs after a device has entirely failed. In the event that the system begins to fail, sporadic maintenance, poor repairs, and service providers who may not be up to the task are all liabilities that may leave equipment owners with no other option but to make a costly and premature replacement. HVAC systems that aren’t properly maintained can last up to seven years, while “run-to-failure” symptoms can last up to five years only.

1.4. Minimize breakdown cases

According to studies, up to 95% of equipment malfunctions and HVAC repairs are caused by a lack of regular maintenance. Even a little interruption in service can result in a loss of production. Annual equipment maintenance, according to industry experts and commercial HVAC contractors, is the best insurance against service interruptions.

1.5. Improve indoor comfort

Once HVAC performance is optimized, indoor temperatures will be consistent and humidity levels throughout a building becomes balanced with no hot or cold spots. Indoor air quality is also a feature of optimal indoor comfort. No unpleasant scents in the air results in a comfortable feeling for people working inside the building, which will keep the employees on track, and create good performance in their work.

commercial hvac preventative maintenance
Commercial HVAC maintenance will benefit the company in a variety of ways

>> Read more: Commercial HVAC System – Operation and Types

2. Maintenance Checklist 

2.1. Preventative commercial HVAC maintenance

Preventative maintenance and routine service of HVAC equipment are critical responsibilities that must be taken seriously. The best time to perform preventative commercial HVAC maintenance is before winter and again before summer, since this will ensure that everything is in working order before you enter the peak heating and cooling seasons.

2.2. Change the air filters regularly 

The filters must be in good working order for air to move efficiently through your system; otherwise, they may limit airflow, causing your system to work more and consume more energy.

Replace air filters at least once a month. If there is construction going on near your building, you may need to replace your filters more often. Keep a close eye on air grilles. If there is any sign of dust or you detect a musty odor, it’s likely that your HVAC unit is in need of maintenance.

2.3. Visually inspect the system

Building engineers and management typically wait until system faults occur before doing any checks.

Many of these costly failures could have been avoided if they had been detected earlier, when the problems were likely smaller and less expensive to cure.

To perform a visual examination, go over all of your HVAC system’s major and minor components and search for any signs that something is wrong. Disconnected pipes, rust, leaks, and unclean refrigerant lines are all examples of this.

It’s also simple to inspect the vents; they should be clear and free of anything that could cause a blockage, such as leaves, twigs, and mold. Also, make sure that heating and cooling units have at least a three-foot clearing area.

commercial hvac systems mainternance
Regular HVAC system checks can help find signs of failure

2.4. Check & clean drainage lines

Both furnaces and air conditioners produce water vapor during operation, which must be efficiently channeled out of the structure to avoid structural damage.

This condensation is usually dumped into an exterior collection tray via drainage lines, where it naturally dissipates into the air. This water tray can attract a variety of germs over time, including bacteria, algae, and mold, all of which produce by-products that can cause a system blockage.

Furthermore, if the tray is not emptied on a regular basis, it may overflow and cause property damage. As a result, it’s critical to check that everything is working properly on a regular basis – drainage lines should be clear, the collection pan should not be overflowing, and condensation should evaporate as needed.

2.5. Clean AC evaporator & condenser coils

During operation, the evaporator and condenser coils are exposed to the air that passes past them. Because the air isn’t clean, dirt, fungi, and mold are progressively deposited on them, reducing their efficiency.

As a result, at least once a year, the coils should be cleaned. This can be accomplished with a variety of professional coil cleaners and compressed air.

Your building’s heating and cooling systems can run more efficiently year-round with regular commercial HVAC maintenance, resulting in significant energy savings for your company. You can design a customized commercial HVAC maintenance checklist for preventative heating and cooling care tailored to the individual demands of your business by working with a trusted commercial HVAC professional.