How to Maintain the HVAC System in Your Business Building

Your tenants rely on the HVAC system in your business building to ensure indoor comfort, while you take precautions to keep the equipment working properly, efficiently and at the lowest possible cost. Regular preventive maintenance is the best way to keep a commercial HVAC system working correctly. Here are some ways to maintain the HVAC system in your business building to sustain performance, reduce costs and increase equipment longevity.

Maintenance Tasks and Procedures: Maintenance Staff

• There are some relatively simple tasks your building maintenance staff can perform to maintain the HVAC system in your business building. If your maintenance personnel are knowledgeable about heating and cooling equipment, they don’t have to be restricted to these tasks. However, these are some of the easiest preventive maintenance procedures that can be performed by most anyone.
• Check and change air filters: The air filters in the HVAC system help clean the air inside the facility. They also contribute to the airflow the system needs to function properly. Filters should be checked at least once a month and changed when they get dirty.
• Clean evaporator and condenser coils: Heat transfer occurs at the evaporator and condenser coils, so these components should be kept clean and free of nearby blockages. Use a recommended commercial cleaner to remove dirt and other build-up on the coils.
• Clean the exterior unit: The outdoor unit of the HVAC system should be cleaned and kept free of any material that could interfere with airflow. Accumulations of leaves, grass, dirt, sticks or other material should be removed from the vents and from around the unit. Vegetation such as shrubs, trees or hedges should be trimmed to allow plenty of open space around the outdoor unit.
• Avoid blockages: Ensure that the supply and return vents are not blocked by furniture, boxes or other material that could interfere with proper airflow. Maintenance Tasks and Procedures: HVAC Professionals The majority of maintenance tasks should be performed by a qualified HVAC professional. This ensures that an expert has the opportunity to maintain the HVAC system and make any repairs, corrections or calibrations that are necessary to system performance.

His maintenance check should include the following:

• Check system controls: The function of system controls should be checked to ensure they work properly.
• Calibrate controls, thermostat and other components: Adjustments and calibrations should be made to system controls, the thermostat and other components that affect system operation.
• Check belts, bearings and other moving parts: Moving parts should be tested for proper operation and lubricated to reduce wear and improve overall performance.
• Clean and tighten electrical connections: All electrical connections should be checked, cleaned and tightened to ensure proper operation.
• Recharge refrigerant and repair refrigerant leaks: Refrigerant should be tested to ensure the system contains manufacturer recommended levels. More refrigerant should be added if needed. The system should be checked for refrigerant leaks and any leaks should be repaired.
• Check ductwork: The duct system should be inspected to ensure all sections are sealed and fitted tightly together. Repairs should be made as needed. Ductwork should be insulated with rigid fiber board insulation or wrapped with standard fiberglass blanket insulation.
• Inspect and clear drain lines: In air conditioning systems, water can be produced as the system provides dehumidification. Make sure the drain system is clear of blockages and that water can flow away easily. Add an algaecide, if necessary, to prevent organic growth that could block the drain.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about Plumbing, HVACR, Fire Protection and Alarm Systems in Mechanical, Commercial and Residential settings. For more information on how to maintain the HVAC system in your commercial building and to view projects we’ve worked on, visit our website!