In this post, we will talk about HVAC Maintenance for Business Owners! Many people neglect HVAC maintenance because they believe doing so will save money. If the system is working correctly, why mess with it?
However, regular commercial HVAC maintenance optimizes business operations while creating a comfortable environment for all who use the building.
HVAC Maintenance for Business Owners
So, why is this HVAC maintenance so important? Let’s talk about it in detail, below!
Energy Costs
As every person knows, energy costs have risen in recent years. Working with an hvac contractor to maintain the company’s heating and cooling system helps decrease these costs.
The system operates more efficiently when it is well-maintained and consumes less energy without sacrificing output.
Extended Equipment Lifespan
HVAC equipment is costly, as any business owner knows. When purchasing this equipment, they are investing in the business.
They want to ensure they get the most from this asset, and regular maintenance helps them achieve this goal by extending the system’s lifespan.
In fact, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) reports regular HVAC maintenance can extend a system’s lifespan by 30 percent or more. The system lasts beyond its expected lifespan, and the owner saves money.
Indoor Air Quality
The air within a building is often dirtier than the air outdoors. Poor air quality affects the health and productivity of all who enter the building.
To improve air quality, the business owner needs to maintain the HVAC system and change the air filters routinely.
A clean and well-maintained system results in less time missed from work and increased productivity. The workplace is more comfortable for all.
Warranty Validity and Compliance
Commercial buildings must be built and maintained to code. Regular maintenance by a licensed HVAC contractor ensures the company remains compliant and won’t face hefty fines or legal problems.
Manufacturers also require business owners to provide proof of maintenance when they put in a maintenance claim because most warranty contracts require regular maintenance for the contract to remain in force.
Preventing Breakdowns
No owner wants to have their HVAC system break down on one of the busiest days of the year. Customers may go elsewhere for what they need and continue patronizing that business.
Being proactive and regularly maintaining the system reduces the risk of this happening. During each maintenance visit, the technician examines the system to identify and address potential problems before a breakdown occurs.
Downtime decreases, and business continuity is preserved. What tasks should the business owner complete regularly to see these benefits?
Seasonal Maintenance
When the temperature climbs outdoors, the HVAC system cools the building. Before summer arises, every business owner should clean or replace the filter in the HVAC system to prepare for the increased demand. Filter changes can reduce energy consumption by five percent or more.
Next, the owner should clean and inspect the evaporator and condenser coils, as Energy Star reports dirty coils decrease energy consumption by 30 percent.
The system’s refrigerant must be checked. If the refrigerant is low, it has to be recharged because low refrigerant negatively impacts system efficiency.
Clean and examine the condensate line to eliminate blockages and reduce the risk of water damage or mold growth.
Up to 30 percent of HVAC systems have mold issues, according to the EPA, and these issues are frequently the result of poor drainage.
As the weather turns cold, a business owner must have their furnace, boilers, or heat pumps cleaned and inspected.
Heating elements and ignition systems must be inspected, and the air filter must be cleaned or replaced.
A technician should inspect and clean the flues and vents to ensure the system is properly ventilated.
Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide may build up and enter the building, harming the occupants. Annual boiler inspections are required to prevent a catastrophic failure.
Business owners can complete tasks between visits from the licensed technician. In addition to cleaning or replacing air filters, the business owner should check the thermostat settings and calibrate the unit if needed.
Parts should be lubricated quarterly, and belts should be inspected for wear or misalignment. Furthermore, electrical connections must be checked and tightened to increase system efficiency while reducing the risk of a fire.
Completing these tasks improves overall system efficiency while reducing energy costs. The system lasts longer when it is properly maintained.
When the business owner partners with a licensed HVAC company, these tasks can be completed on schedule and keep the system running smoothly all year.
HVAC Components Requiring Maintenance
When people think of HVAC maintenance, the air filters typically come to mind. Replacing air filters improves air quality by up to 50 percent.
Ductwork also needs to be inspected routinely to reduce the risk of treated air being lost. Sealing the ducts boosts air quality and system performance.
A technician should check the refrigerant level and inspect the compressors to ensure they work correctly.
Next, they must examine electrical connections to improve system efficiency while eliminating fire hazards.
The belts, bearings, and motors must be inspected regularly for wear and tear. They must also be lubricated.
Finally, the technician looks at the condensate drains and pans for water damage and mold growth.
Every commercial HVAC system requires regular maintenance to function properly. Each task is essential to ensure the system performs optimally and is energy efficient.
The system lasts longer, which saves the business money. The business owner must create a preventative maintenance checklist to ensure no tasks are overlooked so they can lower energy costs, prevent system breakdowns, and improve air quality.
The business owner may complete some maintenance tasks, but they must also have the system inspected yearly, if not more often, by a licensed HVAC technician.
The technician’s specialized knowledge and tools will ensure every component within the system is thoroughly inspected and precisely adjusted to ensure optimal performance.
The technician looks for potential problems within the system so they can be corrected before a system breakdown occurs.
Each business should develop a customized maintenance plan to confirm nothing is overlooked. Every company is unique, so a one-size-fits-all checklist isn’t appropriate.
This checklist considers the building size, the system type, usage, and local climate to ensure the system operates efficiently and lasts longer, saving the business owner money.
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