Inefficient mechanical systems can lead to energy waste and unexpected system failure. HVAC systems can consume up to 70% of a commercial building’s annual energy and result in unnecessary expenses. Working with a licensed mechanical contractor, customized programs can be established to prevent energy waste and manage operating costs. An annual maintenance program will also:
- Improve energy efficiency: Routine maintenance ensures your HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency, reducing energy costs and managing environmental issues.
- Extends the life of your equipment: Regular service extends the life of your HVAC equipment and preserves warranty agreements with the OEM provider.
- Enhanced air quality: Clean filters and components mean cleaner air, reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality.
- Prevents costly repairs: Identifying potential equipment failure and repairing/replacing these components can prevent unintended system failure.
- Keeps the system running efficiently: A well-maintained system manages heating, cooling and humidity at optimal levels and improves employee performance.
- Manages safety issues: A proper maintenance schedule includes safety checks, reducing the risk of gas leaks, water pump efficiency and electrical problems.
Regular HVAC maintenance is an investment that pays off through energy savings, system longevity, improved air quality, and peace of mind.
Understanding Commercial HVAC Systems
Commercial and residential HVAC systems both provide heating and cooling of indoor facilities. A residential system consists of a standalone unit, whereas a commercial system is modular and its components are located together for easy installation and maintenance.
In commercial systems, the thermostats, condenser fans, compressors, evaporators, blowers, and dampers are all more powerful. Commercial buildings sometimes have their HVAC units in a utility room in the basement, beside the building or often on the roof. These are all-in-one types, or packaged systems.
The rooftop placement provides a good barrier for noise, has ample space, and is out of the way. Unlike most residential HVAC systems, commercial HVAC systems are a multitude of packaged units with their own thermostats so diverse indoor climates may coexist in one building. This gives each area independence from the other areas for complete customization and allows technicians to repair one zone at a time to minimize disruption in other areas.
Commercial systems are generally more expensive to maintain and their equipment requires a different set of tools and licensed technicians with unique expertise in maintaining and repairing complex mechanical systems. Commercial maintenance programs are generally performed quarterly, and the best contractors are available 24/7 for unanticipated equipment failure.
Why HVAC Maintenance Services Are Necessary
The biggest benefit to commercial HVAC maintenance is elongating the lifespan of your system. The individual components in your system intertwine and one failing component can affect the entire system. Malfunctioning or clogged parts put extra stress on the heating and cooling units. Every system will experience normal wear and tear, but not addressing component malfunction can drastically reduce the life of your system.
Following a prescribed maintenance schedule for checking coils, filters and blower parts will keep indoor air quality at optimal levels.
Preventative HVAC maintenance can lower energy costs 5-40%. Weakened parts due to poor maintenance not only shorten the lifespan of the equipment but also require the components to work harder for the system to perform as designed.
What to Expect from HVAC Maintenance Services
An in-depth customized plan is needed to maintain your HVAC equipment. Commercial buildings have a large complex network of equipment to properly heat, cool, and ventilate the air. This means every maintenance program must be designed specifically around each building’s footprint.
Working with a licensed contractor will help with issues like local climate and budget, and they will prepare a checklist for your specific equipment. How often maintenance will be required varies by location and temperate climates give you a less stringent schedule and harsh climates might require monthly service. In general, commercial systems should be serviced quarterly, at minimum.
What is Included in the Inspection?
A standard list of service items includes:
- General monitoring for noise and smells
- Replacing filters
- Checking thermostat settings and operation
- Calibrating components to prevent wear and tear
- Getting rid of dirt, dust, and debris; especially on registers and air intakes
- Cleaning coils and blower components
- Inspecting wires and other electronic components
- Checking electrical connections, refrigerant levels, and pressure controls
- Cleaning pans and drains
- Checking piping for corrosion and leaks
- Checking seals
- Ensure moving parts are properly lubricated to prevent wear and tear
- Inspecting air ducts and insulation
- Comparing heating and cooling bills from the previous year
- Checking and cleaning all components, inside and out
- Cleaning coils, blower components, and other parts.
Is Seasonal Maintenance Necessary?
Depending upon your climate, your HVAC system might favor the cooling components, or it may get a rounded use of both cooling and heating. Systems with more runtime may need more consistent year-round maintenance and may have a shorter lifespan, whereas systems with excessive gaps in runtime might need more attention before seasons change and demand spikes. The seasonal maintenance items for Spring and Summer would include:
- Check humidity levels
- Clean the condenser and evaporator coils
- Check for signs of gas leaks
- Check drain lines for clogs
- Clean any standing water from the drain pan
- Replace worn pulleys and belts
- Change batteries
- Clean or replace air filters
- Clean or replace fan blades
- Ensure proper airflow throughout
- Check refrigerant for leaks
- Check electrical connections
- Lubricate motor bearings and all moving parts
Fall and Winter HVAC maintenance includes:
- Clean and replace filters
- Inspect burner assembly
- Check heat exchanger and other heating elements
- Check for carbon monoxide or gas leaks in heating elements
- Inspect electrical connections for frays or damage
- Lubricate motor bearings and all moving parts
- Inspect belts for damage or fraying
- Check drain for blockages
- Check gas pressure
- Test thermostats
- Test and check heat pump
- Check ductwork and vents
- Clean and check flue system
- Check the flue system’s attachment to the furnace
Common Issues Detected During Maintenance
Some of the common maintenance problems found in most HVAC systems include:
- Lack of a planned maintenance schedule
- Faulty or improperly calibrated thermostats
- Refrigerant leaks, which result in reduced cooling capacity and higher energy costs
- Faulty wiring, worn-out electrical components or issues with capacitors, relays, or contactors
- Inadequate airflow caused by blocked or dirty vents, duct leaks, clogged air filters, dirty evaporator coils, and fan malfunctions
- Compressor issues such as motor failure, electrical problems, and refrigerant imbalances
- Clogged condensate drains not cleaned, causing water leaks and system shutdown
- Strange noises like rattling, grinding, banging, and loose or broken components
- Equipment with more than 15 years of service reaching the end of its efficient operation
When and How Often Maintenance Should Be Performed?
Maintenance programs are best discussed with a licensed mechanical contractor. They will be able to look at your system and provide options for frequency of service. At minimum, commercial and industrial HVAC systems should have maintenance service performed every quarter. Depending upon the age and monthly operation hours, the contractor may suggest performing routine service more often.
Facility managers should create a routine checklist of items they should look at every week. If energy consumption increases month over month, this may indicate operational problems causing your equipment to work harder to deliver heating and cooling required for your facility. If unusual smells or noises are found this could mean loose connections or leaks are occurring, and could be hazardous.
Ultimately, the most important reason for incorporating an annual maintenance program is to make certain you don’t experience unanticipated equipment failure. If this occurs, it can cause business interruption and failure to meet customer services. In addition, the life of your equipment will be extended with proper maintenance and service.
Keep Your HVAC Running Smoothly with Professional HVAC Maintenance Services
Installing a new HVAC mechanical system is a major capital expense and the operating costs for HVAC service are generally over 40% of your monthly energy consumption. There is no better partner for industrial and commercial buildings than a professional licensed mechanical contractor like those at Unitemp.
We will make sure the equipment is sized properly for your facility and components are included that compliment the entire system and keep you updated of new technology and energy saving options to improve efficiency. We can also design a service and maintenance program customized to avoid equipment failure and extend the life of your investment.
If you have a current planned maintenance schedule, you should review it every year to identify operating cost changes and higher repair/replacement costs from previous years. If you don’t have a planned schedule, contact us and get started on an annual program today!