HVAC Maintenance Tips for Commercial Buildings
HVAC Maintenance Tips for Commercial Buildings
Energy costs from HVAC systems are often extremely high. In fact, they drain billions of dollars from construction businesses each year. This can be frustrating when there are so many other areas of your business that would benefit from the money. Thankfully, there’s a way for you to decrease your energy costs and increase your savings drastically.
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So, what’s the solution?
Maintenance
Just like a car or machine, preventative maintenance is the best way to prolong the quality and life of your HVAC system. If you wait until an HVAC system breaks down, you’ll find yourself in hot water. Through regular preventative maintenance, you not only reduce risk and avoid system breakdown but decrease the likelihood of future repair costs.
Depending on the type of HVAC system, maintenance schedules will vary. If your system heats and cools, maintenance should be performed in the spring and fall. If your system only cools, maintenance should be performed before summer. If your system only heats, maintenance should be performed before winter.
If you have a combined heating and cooling systems, these tips can help ensure you cover all your maintenance. It’s also important to note that outdoor and indoor units have varying needs.
In the Spring:
– Replace filters on cooling equipment
– Clean condenser and evaporator coils
– Test the operation of fan and blower motor
– Lubricate motors and all moving parts
– Test the thermostat and controls
– Ensure that refrigerant charge isn’t low
– Inspect safety controls
– Inspect electrical connections
– Note any abnormal noises or odors
– Lubricate or replace belts
– Check ducts
– Clean blower assembly, evaporator coil, drip pan, and ignition system
In the Fall:
– Replace filters on heating equipment
– Lubricate motors and all moving parts
– Test the operation of fan and blower motor
– Test the thermostat controls
– Check the heat exchanger
– Inspect electrical connections
– Inspect safety controls
– Check for gas leaks
– Note any abnormal noises or odors
– Ensure refrigerant charge is correct
– Check the burner assembly
– Lubricate or replace belts
– Check ducts
– Clean blower assembly, evaporator coil, drip pan, and ignition system
While this maintenance list may seem extensive, it will help your HVAC system run smoothly all year long. Depending on your system, you also might not need to have all of these inspections performed. Once you find an HVAC service company, they’ll check your system and determine the necessary maintenance steps that you need to take. Prevention may take time and money upfront, but the thousands you’ll save will make it well worth it!
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