Commercial HVAC Maintenance – A Preventative Checklist

Routine inspections and dependable commercial HVAC maintenance are crucial to the longevity of your HVAC system. Most well-maintained systems undergo regular maintenance, adhering to a strict maintenance schedule to avoid system failure, extend equipment life, and prevent costly emergency repairs.

Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance Plan

To ensure your indoor and outdoor units deliver optimal performance, preventive maintenance is essential. Not only does routine maintenance deliver higher system efficiency, it helps you avoid costly breakdowns. HVAC systems that are maintained will last (on average) 15 to 20 years, but neglected HVAC systems have a much shorter lifespan.

Annual, Bi-Annual, and Quarterly HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Regular air filter replacement
Inspect and replace belts as needed
Clearing of drain lines and pans
Inspect all electrical connections
Lubricate all moving components
Inspect dampers and actuators
Inspect condenser and evaporator coils
Verify proper operation of exhaust fans
Check refrigerant charge of A/C and refrigeration systems
Test HVAC safety controls and valves
Ensure safety of the heat exchangers
Inspect operations of towers and chillers
Perform state-mandated boiler CSD-1 testing
Perform annual backflow prevention testing

Risks of Delaying Commercial HVAC Service

Routine commercial HVAC services keep your essential heating and cooling systems in working order. Maintenance programs will test your electrical systems, check refrigerant levels, manage condensate drain flow, replace and lubricate moving parts, and help to maintain proper airflow. If you neglect maintenance, though, you aren’t just risking your HVAC system, you’re putting your entire operation at risk.

Lower Energy Efficiency and More Costly Repairs

Annual maintenance ensures that your system is operating at peak energy efficiency, which can extend equipment life and help to avoid expensive, unexpected repairs. As an added benefit, it’s much less expensive to run well-kept HVAC units, and you can expect to see lower utility bills.

Potential Business and Uptime Interruptions

Manufacturing plants, restaurants, grocery stores, and retail shops can’t afford to close for even one day. However, an untimely HVAC breakdown can force your production lines to shut down, your inventory to spoil, or your customers to spend less time shopping.

Worse Indoor Air Quality and Health Risks

To maintain indoor air quality, you need an HVAC system that properly filters out pollutants. With a maintenance program, you’re continually monitoring air conditioning components and filters to ensure they’re up to the task of circulating clean, healthy air.

Higher Commercial HVAC Maintenance Costs

As we mentioned, improved efficiency often results in lower utility bills, but regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of needing emergency repairs, as well. And, even better, it can help you extend the life of your commercial HVAC system and delay the need for a system replacement.

Increased Risk of Voiding Your Warranty

Most commercial HVAC equipment is covered by a warranty, but that warranty usually requires proof of regular preventive maintenance. Avoiding maintenance can result in your warranty not being honored, which could leave you on the hook for expensive repairs.

Why Maintain Your Commercial HVAC Systems

Improved System Performance

Regular commercial HVAC maintenance services ensure proper equipment performance, which improves energy efficiency and helps to prevent costly breakdowns. But, on top of that, building occupants will experience higher levels of comfort due to more consistent temperature control.

Better Air Quality

Proper maintenance is a great way to improve indoor air quality. Changing air filters helps keep out dust, pollen, and debris. Cleaning your evaporator coils can remove mold and bacteria from the air. And consistent, optimal circulation delivers proper airflow and avoids sickly, stagnant air.

Lower Energy Costs

Routine HVAC maintenance services can dramatically reduce your energy costs, sometimes by up to 40%. Your commercial HVAC equipment operates far more efficiently when its coils, filters, and refrigerant levels are maintained, which can massively reduce both energy and repair costs.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Many commercial HVAC systems incur high costs due to the lack of a preventative maintenance contract. But, when owners or facility managers partner with a long-term provider of commercial HVAC maintenance, they can mitigate – and drastically reduce – the impact of high-cost repairs.

Keep Your HVAC Equipment at Peak Performance

If you’re worried about the HVAC system in your commercial building, the professionals at R.W. LaPine can help. With decades of experience maintaining commercial systems, our team works to keep all causes of potential system failures in check. Whether you want help with a complex heat pump system or a single outdoor unit, our qualified technicians can ensure proper airflow, high energy efficiency, and reduced energy bills.