Commercial HVAC equipment is a lifelong investment for any commercial, industrial or residential area. Their proper cleaning and maintenance is an important part of your maintenance regimen. This is to ensure that your systems are running at their peak efficiency.
In case of a malfunctioning commercial HVAC system, the entire building will have fluctuating temperatures. This will make the surroundings either too hot or cold, depending on the outside weather. Therefore, it is imperative to have commercial HVAC system maintenance on a regular basis.
Importance of Commercial HVAC System Maintenance
If HVAC equipment is not properly cleaned and maintained, there is a high chance that the appliance might malfunction. If the problem is further ignored and left unchecked, then the appliance can collapse. This can result in huge losses. So it is important not to ignore any signs of malfunctioning in your system
When the HVAC system is properly maintained and functioning at full capacity, it ensures that
- The area maintains a comfortable temperature inside and prevents problems such as mold and mildew from occurring.
- An adequately functioning HVAC system ensures low energy costs.
- It provides consistent heating and cooling indoors
- Regular annual maintenance on your HVAC system means fewer repairs in the future
- Regular maintenance Keeps Your Unit Lasting Longer.
- It Improves Safety for your customers and staff
Commercial HVAC System Maintenance Checklist
Here is a commercial HVAC system maintenance checklist that can help you maintain your commercial HVAC unit:
Replace the air filters
The air filter helps to keep the air clean whenever it blows warm or cold air. The air that gets blown into the HVAC ducts is usually loaded with dust and other harmful bacteria.
With continuous use, the dust gets accumulated in the air filters. These tiny particles get clogged up in the filters, causing them to get dirty and preventing clean air from passing through. This makes the HVAC system work twice as hard as it should.
The harder the HVAC works, the more power it consumes to maintain the temperature. More power consumption means more electricity bills. Usually, commercial buildings need to clean out their HVAC filters at least once a month.
That is why it is recommended to replace the filters every three months of operation. It is better to purchase an air filter monitor which will alert you when the filter needs replacement
Inspect And Clean The Ducts
HVAC system ductwork is a network of pipes that move cooled air to indoor space. If the duct is damaged, it leads to leaks that allow the cooled air to escape before it enters the area.
To check the ducts, Turn your HVAC system on and go to the areas where ductwork is accessible. Place your hand over the metal and Check the connections between each section of the duct. If you feel the air against your hand, the connection is loose and there is an air leak. A common place for leaks is the duct joints.
Related: When to Clean Your Air Ducts?
Keep HVAC vents clean
With the continuous use the Debris and dirt build-up on HVAC vents can affect air quality and increase repair costs. Vacuum the vents to remove the dust and dirt. Take a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the outside of the vent, as well as the wall and ceiling around it.
Keeping your HVAC system cleaned periodically will avoid damage to the unit and save you money in the process. Keeping these vents clean also prolong the life of your system.
Clean The Indoor And Outdoor Units
Seasonal cleaning of your indoor and outdoor units is one of the best practices when it comes to maintaining an HVAC system. Make it a habit to have these units cleaned either by a service provider or by yourself to get rid of dirt and other accumulations that might affect the proper functioning of your HVAC.
Clean the condenser coil
The effectiveness of your AC unit relies heavily on its maintenance and cleanliness. The coils in an air conditioner are responsible for vanishing the heat from the refrigerant, which cools down the air.
When dirt and debris accumulate on these coils, they become less efficient as the dirt impedes the airflow. This leads the HVAC system to work much harder to produce cold air, which increases energy consumption and operating costs.
It’s also important to keep the outdoor condenser coil accessible for easy cleaning. If the coil is exposed, it will be convenient to hose it off when there is a buildup of dirt or debris.
Check And Clean the Condensate System
As air is constantly heated or cooled inside your HVAC system, humidity is released. This humidity eventually turns into condensation that has to go somewhere.
The condensate drain captures all the water, excess moisture, humidity, and condensation from your HVAC system and drains out. If your hvac condensate system becomes clogged, this will cause the residual water to back up and cause moisture to build up inside the unit. This can lead to a wide range of HVAC issues. It can be avoided by regularly checking and cleaning your condensate system.
Look for strange noises or Odor
Keeping track of any strange noises or odors is the quickest way to identify potential problems with your commercial HVAC system. If you detect any, then it is an indication to call an HVAC expert.
Schedule Commercial HVAC System Maintenance
HVAC units are usually very large. It is impossible for the staff to regularly clean and maintain the system. So it’s essential to have the entire HVAC system inspected by a professional HVAC contractor.
Commercial HVAC system maintenance includes a thorough inspection of the whole system. Commercial HVAC System maintenance service providers look for different kinds of issues before they turn into bigger problems. Another benefit of doing scheduled maintenance is that it can significantly reduce energy bills, ensuring your business saves money.
Contact Los Angeles HVAC Contractors for HVAC maintenance services. At Alturas Contractors, our goal is to ensure your HVAC system and appliances stay in optimal condition. We respond quickly, coming to your location without delay to get your system up and running again, minimizing any inconvenience.
When to Replace Your HVAC System?
Every piece of equipment has a life span and so is the HVAC system. Most commercial HVAC systems are built to last for 10 to 15 years. They might last a few years longer depending upon maintenance.
It’s best to replace the building’s HVAC system when it’s more than 15 years old. Here are a few indications you should look out for in an old HVAC system:
- Frequent repairs
- Irregular heating distribution
- Noisy unit
Following the above commercial HVAC system maintenance checklist will ensure years of uninterrupted appliance usage.
