HVAC maintenance is a vital part of keeping your business running smoothly.
HVAC maintenance is a vital part of keeping your business running smoothly. An uncomfortable environment created by a building that’s too hot or too cold can inhibit productivity. In this latest blog, we’ll go over a quick checklist of five items for optimal HVAC maintenance.
A Handy Checklist for HVAC Maintenance
Choose the Best Filter: Filter capacity is the first factor to consider. Too small, and the filters can clog up too quickly. Too large, and a lot more debris and dust can build up. Filter material matters as well; while synthetic filter materials may be more expensive, they also work much better.The best way to judge a filter’s effectiveness is with the ASHRAE standard (52.2-1999) which utilizes an efficiency rating known as a MERV. Filters with higher MERV ratings are more effective, especially at filtering particles. A MERV rating of 11 or higher is desirable.
Replace Your Filters Periodically: Depending on the dirt load of the filters, you may want to change filters once every month, or up to once every six months. Be mindful of mold spores growing. Moisture from a humid environment can cause mold to grow faster. Determining how often you change filters depends on how quickly you may see mold forming. An easier way to monitor mold growth is to use easy-access panels that can allow you to check on filters and coils with minimal effort. Dust and dirt captured by filters provide a food source for mold growth.
Maintain Evaporator and Condenser Coils: By the same token, you will want to clean and maintain the evaporator and condenser coils. These components are most exposed to mold growth, as they control heating and cooling. Evaporator coils are constantly damp, and on the supply side of the coil, warmer air and dirt can bypass the filters. These conditions encourage aggressive mold growth. Aggressive mold growth requires aggressive measures to remediate them. Your components could be seriously damaged by these same measures, so pay attention to the cleaning products used to clean the coils.
Treat the Coils: After you clean the coils, you should also treat them. There are solutions designed to prevent bacterial infestations from taking hold again after a cleaning. Treat the entire unit after a cleaning to have this benefit last until the next time a cleaning is due.
Clean the Air Ducts: This step does not have to be often. You can even wait up to two years between cleaning the air ducts. However, there are two factors to consider when setting a timeframe for cleaning the air ducts:
- How well-maintained is your HVAC system? Well-maintained HVAC system will require less frequent cleaning and air duct cleaning.
- How much use does your building see? Heavy usage in busy commercial settings will see a lot of traffic come and go. If the air ducts are in constant operation, they will fill up much faster.
It is much easier to simply leave this step of the checklist to the professionals.
Crockett Facilities Will Expertly Maintain Your Air Handling Unit’s Functionality
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals lower their operating expenses through HVAC preventive maintenance. We can develop a cost-effective, customized preventive maintenance plan for your commercial building that will provide you with peace of mind, improved comfort, and energy savings.
To learn more about the importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or sales@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.