Have you ever tried to work in an office that’s freezing cold or unbearably hot? It’s not easy. Not only is it difficult to concentrate, but it also affects productivity and morale.
To make matters worse, certain areas in your facility need to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the year. For example, if your server room surpasses 82 degrees fahrenheit, your network equipment could overheat. When servers shut down, you lose valuable data, which could spell disaster for your overall business continuity.
That’s why your heating and cooling systems need to be reliable. Luckily, regular HVAC system maintenance helps ensure your equipment always runs at peak performance. Continue reading to discover:
- The importance of HVAC system maintenance
- FAQs regarding HVAC service and best practices
- Where to find dependable HVAC maintenance in the Tri-State Area
The Importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance
HVAC preventative maintenance refers to the tune-ups technicians make to keep your equipment in good condition, giving you peace of mind that your system will run how it should.
Let’s explore some of the benefits of conducting regular maintenance.
Preventing Breakdowns
If you’ve been neglecting HVAC system maintenance, take a second to imagine how much it would cost to fix your equipment if it broke down.
It wouldn’t be cheap, and the price of repairs would likely send a ripple effect through your annual budget.
Consistent maintenance is advantageous because it helps you avoid this scenario. During regularly scheduled visits, mechanical contractors will conduct upkeep tasks that optimize the performance of your system.
By assessing your HVAC’s current status, professionals can identify and remediate developing issues before they have a chance to escalate into full-fledged problems down the road.
However, tune-ups don’t just prevent breakdowns; they also help your equipment stay in good condition, which can add years to your HVAC’s expected service life.
Energy Savings
For commercial businesses, improving your bottom line should be at the forefront of annual goals. One of the easiest ways to cut costs is through your utility bill.
HVAC equipment is notorious for being power hungry—and for good reason. Your system’s energy consumption accounts for anywhere from 60% to 80% of your monthly bill.
Factors like corrosion and wear affect your equipment’s overall efficiency. With preventative maintenance, contractors regularly inspect your system to fix anything inhibiting its performance, providing you with a more sustainable operation.
Warranty Compliance
Every time you buy a new HVAC system, it comes with a warranty protection plan. However, it’s important to note that most warranties become void if you neglect equipment service.
Luckily, there’s an easy solution. A professional partner for your HVAC system maintenance will make sure you comply with the requirements of protection plans and spare you the headache of dealing with premature repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions: HVAC System Maintenance
Navigating the nuances behind maintenance best practices can get confusing, and you probably have a few questions. Take a look at a few FAQs to receive some clarity on the process.
I’ve Been Neglecting HVAC System Maintenance, How Does That Affect My Equipment?
Neglecting HVAC system maintenance takes a toll on your equipment. When you miss regular tune-ups, your system is susceptible to the following complications:
Poor Airflow
Every HVAC system has filters that remove dust, pollen, and germs from your office’s air. However, through constant use, air filters eventually become saturated with particulate matter. These blockages clog your system’s airflow and prevent it from evenly heating and cooling your facility.
Wasted Energy
If you’ve neglected regular maintenance, it’s likely your equipment experienced wear and tear that reduced the effectiveness of your system.
When internal parts become worn, your HVAC compensates by consuming extra energy to maintain the same output. This increased energy usage is seen in your utility bills, and before you know it, you’ll be overpaying by 20% to 30% just to keep your HVAC running.
What Should I Include in My HVAC Preventive Maintenance Checklist?
Generally speaking, the following actions are highly effective in improving your HVAC’s performance.
Replace Dirty Air Filters
Replacing dirty air filters can go a long way toward improving your system’s health. This can be a DIY project if you have experience replacing HVAC filters. But if you don’t, be sure to enlist the help of a professional.
Commercial HVAC units are dangerous systems, from internal blades to electrical currents, you never want to place yourself in harm’s way. Fortunately, professional HVAC contractors can safely remove your filters, replace them with clean ones, and improve the airflow in your building.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Scheduling a professional assessment is arguably the most effective action to keep your system in good shape. During maintenance assessments, mechanical contractors evaluate your equipment to identify where it’s falling short. From there, they’ll replace parts and make adjustments, ensuring your system runs smoothly.
I’m Searching for a Provider to Maintain My HVAC System, What Should I Look For?
Below are a few critical aspects of service contracts that you should consider before signing the dotted line.
Flexibility and Structure
Your building has unique needs, and a cookie-cutter approach to your HVAC maintenance simply won’t cut it. Before committing to a partnership, ask yourself:
- Does my prospective provider only offer one contract for all of their clients?
- Are they willing to customize the terms of the agreement based on my business’s needs?
Depending on your HVAC setup, you may need a custom contract created specifically for your business. That’s why it’s essential to make sure you find a contractor flexible enough to compose an agreement based on your priorities.
Ordering Responsibility
Another vital factor to consider when evaluating potential contractors is the materials they provide. The HVAC industry is still dealing with supply chain delays from COVID-19, and it’s becoming difficult to get parts for your system on time.
Some HVAC providers require you to order your own parts that they’ll then use to repair the system, so always be sure to ask your potential contractor if there are any expenses you might be unaware of. When vetting prospective companies, carefully read the contract and find the terms that outline which party is responsible for acquiring individual parts.
Just remember, the quality of maintenance directly impacts your equipment’s lifespan, so you need to partner with a trusted provider.
Is Your HVAC Overdue for Maintenance? Don’t Worry, You’re in the Right spot.
As we prepare for a brutal New York winter, the last thing your business needs to deal with is an HVAC emergency. Luckily, React is here to help.
Since 1983, we’ve delivered high-quality HVAC tune-ups to commercial buildings across the Big Apple. If you’re looking to keep your system in good shape, reach out to the experts and ask about our preventive maintenance solutions.