Top Ten HVAC Preventive Maintenance Tips

As 2013 comes to a close, many people take this time to make resolutions for the New Year. Some will pledge to exercise more, lose weight and get in better shape. Others will pledge to be better parents or better students. No matter what the New Year’s resolution, they all have the same core message: betterment. So we got to thinking. Why not make a New Year’s resolution for your business? For instance, why not pledge to better maintain your HVAC system? A well-maintained HVAC system has numerous benefits, ranging from increased comfort and better indoor air quality to increased productivity, better energy efficiency (and cost savings) and so much more.

Checklist of Top Ten HVAC Preventive Maintenanc Tasks for Peak Performance

1. Check and change filters every two to three months to keep your HVAC system running as designed.
2. Clean up around your outdoor HVAC unit – ensure leaves, snow, dirt, grass clippings, etc. are removed so the unit is not obstructed for optimum air flow.
3. Clean out all control cabinets to protect the sensitive electronics – get rid of spider web, bugs, water, snakes (tend to crawl inside in winter).
4. Check the electrical and mechanical connections to ensure they are tight –screws and connections loosen from mechanical or thermal stress / during regular system operation; loose connections can short out and cause fires.
5. Install programmable thermostats for energy savings – installation is simple as they are wired just like regular thermostats.
6. Check refrigerant levels using a refrigerant pressure gauge manifold – ensures normal operation for optimal efficiency.
7. Test the refrigerant oil annually – send an oil sample to a lab to test for acidity, metal or foreign deposits, moisture content, and to determine if bearings are starting to wear out.
8. Have your HVAC system leak tested on an annual basis with an electronic leak detector– the lower the refrigerant charge the less efficient it runs until it eventually ices up.
9. Clean the outside and inside coils semi-annually – dirt, dust, and pollen can build up outside; hair, lint, and dead skin can build up inside; dirty coils decrease heat transfer as dirt on the coils acts as an insulator, restricting air flow.
10. Grease and lubricate bearings or motors on a quarterly basis – without lubrication friction builds up between the moving parts causing the system to overheat or fail.

HVAC Preventive Maintenance from Crockett Facilities Services, Inc.

At CFSI, our MSCA GreenSTAR qualified technicians can evaluate your HVAC and mechanical equipment in your commercial office buildings to recommend how to optimize performance and reduce energy consumption. Since 2000, our customers have trusted us to run their commercial buildings, high profile government buildings and mission critical data centers, giving them peace of mind. Start the New Year off right by signing an annual HVAC preventive maintenance agreement, saving you energy costs and avoiding last minute, costly repairs. Contact us for a cost quote.

For more HVAC Preventive Maintenance Tips, please contact Crockett Facilities Services by calling 301.262.2771 or email us at sales@crockett-facilities.com. We’re in this Building Together!

Like us on Facebook; follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 31st, 2013 at . Both comments and pings are currently closed.