maintaining a comfortable and conducive environment for your employees and customers. A crucial aspect of achieving this goal is ensuring the proper functioning of your commercial HVAC (heating & air conditioning along with ventilation systems), especially if they are rooftop units.
Regular preventative maintenance is the key to keeping your commercial HVAC system running efficiently, minimizing downtime, and avoiding costly repairs. And, there are some essential steps that you can take to ensure your commercial HVAC system runs smooth all year round.
Preventative Maintenance Is Key
Your commercial HVAC system is a complex network of components that work together to regulate temperature, maintain air quality, and ensure proper ventilation. It’s an essential building component, whether we’re talking at a school, manufacturing facility, store, healthcare facility, a light commercial property or a general business.
Over time, wear and tear of your commercial HVAC unit can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy consumption, and even system breakdowns. But, by investing in preventative maintenance, you can reap the following benefits:
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Increased Energy Efficiency:
A well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently, leading to lower energy bills and reduced operational costs.
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Extended Equipment Lifespan:
Regular maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment, postponing the need for costly commercial HVAC repair and replacements.
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Enhanced Indoor Air Quality:
Clean and well-maintained HVAC systems contribute to better indoor air quality, which is essential for the health and comfort of occupants.
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Reduced Downtime:
Scheduled HVAC maintenance helps identify and address potential issues and facilitate repair services before small issues turn into major problems. This helps to minimize the risk of unexpected system failures.
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Cost Savings:
By addressing minor commercial HVAC issues early on, you can avoid major repairs that can be a substantial financial burden.
When’s the Best Time for Maintenance?
The frequency of maintenance for your commercial HVAC system depends on several factors, including the type of system, its usage, and the specific needs of your business. However, as a general guideline, it’s recommended to have your commercial HVAC system maintained at least twice a year.
Many proactive business owners choose to conduct commercial HVAC inspections and maintenance at the same time as their commercial roofing’s preventative inspections.
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Spring Maintenance
Before the hotter months kick in, ensure that your air conditioning system is in good working condition. Spring maintenance typically involves tasks like cleaning and checking the condenser coils, verifying refrigerant levels, inspecting and cleaning air filters, testing the thermostat, and assessing the overall functionality of the cooling components.
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Fall Maintenance
Fall is a great time to start prepping your heating system before the snow flies. Fall maintenance usually includes tasks like checking and cleaning the furnace or boiler, inspecting and lubricating moving parts, testing the ignition system, and assessing the overall performance of the heating components.
HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist
Whether you have a split system that heats and cools individual areas separately or a ductless system (commercial air and heating are generated from an outdoor unit), there are different aspects to check out when maintaining your commercial HVAC system.
Establish a Maintenance Schedule
Create a comprehensive maintenance schedule outlining the specific tasks and their frequency. Typically, HVAC systems should undergo maintenance at least twice a year — once before the cooling season and once before the heating season.
Also document any and all maintenance you do to your commercial HVAC system. (If you work with a company that offers a preventative maintenance plan, oftentimes they have a digital portal that houses all of this information.)
Inspect and Clean Air Filters
This simple step can have a significant impact on energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Dirty and clogged air filters restrict airflow, causing your HVAC system to work harder. Regularly inspect and clean or replace air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Check Thermostat Calibration
A thermostat that’s not calibrated correctly can lead to inconsistent temperatures and unnecessary energy consumption. Verify that your thermostat is accurately calibrated, and consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for more precise control over temperature settings.
Also check on your commercial heating system’s heat pump and boilers and verify they work.
Inspect Electrical Components
Examine electrical connections, terminals, and wires for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
Check Moving Parts
Lubricate motors and bearings ro reduce friction and extend the lifespan of these moving components. Consult your HVAC system’s documentation for recommended lubrication points and use the appropriate lubricants.
Inspect and Clean Coils
Both the evaporator and condenser coils can accumulate dirt and debris over time, hampering heat exchange and reducing efficiency. Regularly clean these coils to ensure optimal heat transfer and system performance.
Clear Drainage Lines and Pans
Blocked drainage lines and pans can lead to water leaks and potential water damage. These types of leaks can then cause structural damage when the commercial HVAC system is on the roof. Inspect and clear these components to ensure proper drainage and prevent issues associated with excess moisture.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Cooling system compressor damage can be caused by refrigerant levels that are too low or too high, which leads to reduced cooling efficiency. Regularly check refrigerant levels and address any leaks in your air conditioner promptly.
In a variable refrigerant flow (VRF system) system, refrigerant is used to cool air. It’s strongly advised to have a qualified HVAC technician handle these types of cooling systems.
Inspect and Calibrate Blower Components
The blower assembly is responsible for distributing conditioned air throughout your commercial space. Inspect blower components, such as belts and pulleys, and ensure proper calibration. This gives you peace of mind that the air is circulating.
Examine Ductwork
Inspect ductwork for leaks, blockages, and signs of deterioration. Addressing ductwork issues can improve airflow and energy efficiency, and contribute to better indoor air quality.
Test System Performance
After completing the maintenance tasks, test your HVAC system’s performance to make sure it’s correctly functioning. Measure temperature differentials, airflow, and overall system operation. If you notice any irregularities, consult a professional commercial HVAC service provider.
Start Your HVAC Maintenance With TEMA
There’s no doubt that proper maintenance is important to maintain the integrity of your commercial building’s rooftop HVAC system. In fact, regular commercial HVAC maintenance can prevent large-scale problems, saving you time and money later on.
Get started with a plan of action for keeping your commercial roof’s equipment in top condition by contacting TEMA Roofing Services. When it comes to protecting your commercial HVAC system, we have the experience – more than 50 years’ worth, to be exact. And we guarantee that our high-quality services have you covered from the top to bottom – from commercial roofing to HVAC solutions.
