HVAC systems are important within both the residential and commercial sectors. For a number of different reasons, of course; while residential heating and cooling systems are more matters of comfort, commercial systems are often a part of maintaining a commercial building legally, or keeping a building attractive to potential tenants. With that being said, though these machines are very much investments for their buyers, they can easily become damaged if they are not properly maintained through the utilization of commercial mechanical services as well as basic maintenance. Fortunately, there are a number of different commercial HVAC contractors on the market, and they can offer advice on maintaining heating and cooling systems. But if that’s the case, why do so many systems fail prematurely?
The issue often lies in that advice being ignored, or system owners delaying getting in contract with commercial mechanical services providers. The fact is that these services do cost money. But it usually costs even more money to repair damage after it’s so neglected that you might even have to replace a system prematurely. With that being said, let’s look into what you need to do to maintain your commercial HVAC system.
1. Annual Maintenance Is Key
It’s important to remember that while annual maintenance is somewhat costly, this is a precautionary service that is vital to ensuring that an HVAC system lasts as long as it’s supposed to. In fact, many estimates of how long an HVAC system should last are made with the assumption that the system is being serviced annually. Ideally, you should get in touch with commercial mechanical services providers to have your air conditioners tuned every spring and your heaters tuned every fall. This means that not only will they be ready to be used at their full capacity; but that you will be alerted of any upcoming issues that could be on the horizon with them. Furthermore, your mechanical contractors will be able to assess whether or not your system is being used most efficiently. Keep in mind that the electricity used to cool homes and businesses accounts for about 6% of all use in the country; the more efficiently your system works, the less money you will spend in the long term.
2. Have The Vents Cleaned
This seems like a small matter. But whether you’re cleaning your vents yourself or hiring someone to do it for you, this is an important part of maintaining an HVAC system. This will usually be done most efficiently with a vacuum, and it will prevent dust from building up and obstructing the vents’ airflow. For that matter, clear vents will often prevent allergies from being triggered. A major sign that your vents are clogged with dust or dirt is that the airflow is weak, so keep an eye out for that.
3. Have The Ductwork Inspected
Your commercial mechanical services providers should not only be called upon for regular annual maintenance. You should also have them inspect your ductwork on a regular basis, ideally every several years. The purpose of these inspections is to give your technician the opportunity to inspect for blockages, with the issue being that air ducts can become obstructed with debris over time. This will cause the airflow to weaken, and over time your system can become overworked and weaken the system. During the ductwork inspections, your ducts can also be cleaned, which will result in the equipment working much more smoothly and without issue. This is just as crucial to the maintenance of your HVAC system as the annual inspections.
4. Check Up On The Outside Unit
If your commercial HVAC system has an outdoor unit, this should be cleaned as well. It can be even more easily obstructed than indoor units, with shrubs, dust, dirt, and more. You can discuss these cleanings with your commercial mechanical services providers, or you do it yourself. No matter what, it’s important that it’s done!
While it may be a bit frustrating to keep up with these services, these will save you money in the long term; not only in prevented repairs, but improved energy efficiency. Don’t hesitate to stay on top of them!
