Timely preventative maintenance is critical for all commercial HVAC units to guarantee they are running at full efficiency and meeting the demands of a building’s occupants over the summer.
One of the most important duties any facility manager is responsible for is arranging for preventative maintenance on their building’s HVAC units. Timely preventative maintenance is critical for all commercial HVAC units to guarantee they are running at full efficiency and meeting the demands of a building’s occupants over the summer. Here is a facility manager’s guide to making sure your commercial HVAC system remains in good condition.
Avoiding Disastrous Downtime
No matter the reason for it, your company can’t afford to deal with downtime. When your small business is thriving, HVAC uptime contributes to its success. Downtime stifles it, and in some instances may even prevent your firm from operating altogether. Preventative maintenance can avert a total system failure that can become an enormous expense, and it also allows you to use less energy and become more energy efficient.
Phases of Preventative Maintenance
The Inspection Phase: Inspecting your commercial HVAC system can determine if there are any problems that need to be addressed before they become catastrophic. Some examples of preventative maintenance that should be completed during this phase include checking for proper airflow and verifying that there are no signs of refrigerant leakage. You should also look at all electrical components to ensure that there is nothing wrong with them and test the functionality of other parts of the system such as the blower motors, fans, thermostats, and smart controls.
The Replacement Phase: During the second phase of preventative maintenance, it may be necessary to replace some of the components named above, especially if they are not running as smoothly as you would expect them to. Air filters need to be changed every few months – at least twice a year. Any moving parts may need to be oiled so that they don’t stick or start to rust.
The Cleaning Phase: The third phase of the preventative maintenance process involves cleaning up your commercial HVAC unit. During this phase, the coils for evaporators and condensers should be cleaned out, so make sure that the HVAC unit can drain properly. After all, clogs in drain lines and buildups in drain pans can become just as problematic as any other concern you might come across.
Budgeting for the Future
If you are worried about the costs of performing preventative maintenance, then it is best to remedy each problem as they occur – cleaning out dirt, dust, and pollen from your ductwork is much simpler than having to replace the blower motor because it overheated. Budgeting for future repairs is another smart idea, as you never know what could happen years from now. That being the case, upgrades to your system and your building might be well worth the investment.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
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 mford@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.