Our Comprehensive Commercial HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Regular HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of undergoing expensive repairs by up to 95%. When you manage or own a commercial facility, you’re responsible for ensuring your HVAC systems are functioning at their best.

Developing a regular HVAC maintenance plan is one of the best ways to keep everything in working order for your business. Maintaining your systems saves energy, cuts expenses, improves air quality, and creates a better environment for your employees. If you want to learn more about the process, our comprehensive commercial HVAC maintenance checklist has you covered.

Perform Regular Upkeep

Commercial property owners should perform regular HVAC preventative maintenance to keep things running at peak performance. It’s recommended to re-calibrate your systems and perform checks with the change of seasons, at least bi-annually before winter and summer.

Inspect for Problems Before Big Issues Arise

Aside from regular HVAC maintenance, create an inspection schedule to inspect your system. Check all major and minor components for signs of an issue. Things to look for are:

• Rust
• Leaks
• Loud Noises
• Dirty Lines
• Disconnected Pipes
• Clean Vents

Regular checks are the best preventative measure to catch potential issues before they become a big (and costly) problem.

Change the Air Filters

Dirty air filters are a result of dust and dirt accumulation. Dirty air filters restrict the airflow throughout your system, which causes your system to work harder and eat up more energy. For the best airflow, prioritize keeping your air filters in good condition by changing them out as soon as they become visibly dirty. If you create an inspection schedule, include air filter changes to keep your system performing at its best.

Lubricate Motors and Bearings

During operation, the moving parts in your heating and cooling system create friction that wears them down over time. Regular lubrication of the motors and bearings reduces the amount of friction and extends the life of these parts.

Check the Wiring and Other Electrical Connections

Damaged, disconnected, or improperly connected wiring causes system issues and safety hazards. If you notice electrical issues, contact a professional right away to verify everything is safe. A professional looks for further damage, checks the connections and tests the safety features. They also ensure that your system draws the correct amount of power as it operates.

Clean AC Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Clean your system’s evaporator and condenser coils on an annual basis. Evaporator and condenser coils are exposed to the air, resulting in a deposit of dirt or mold over time. Build-up affects their performance by stalling the cooling process and allowing less contact for heat transfer. To clean dirty coils, you can use a commercial cleaner and pressurized air to remove the debris.

Examine Pulleys and Belts

Most HVAC systems have a wide range of pulleys and belts crucial to their performance. Examine the pulleys to ensure they turn as they should and aren’t worn down in any spots that may cause the belt to slip.

It’s common for belts to wear down over time. To identify wear and tear, look for cracks or other breakages. It’s also wise to inspect the tension levels for maximum efficiency. Belts that are too loose may slip off your pulley, and belts that are too tight can add pressure.

Check the Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is a compound used in your air conditioning system that absorbs heat to move cool air through your system. Regular checks on your refrigerant levels are another important step in commercial HVAC maintenance.

If your refrigerant levels aren’t what they should be, your system may push out warm air or experience long-term damage. If you’re noticing any extra moisture around your system with low levels of refrigerant, a leak may be to blame. When you suspect a leak, call an HVAC professional to perform repairs.

Inspect and Clean Drainage Lines

During the daily operation of your HVAC units, water vapor occurs and is removed through drainage lines leading to a collection point where it evaporates. Drainage lines are also prone to clogs. Any sitting water can cause a build-up of algae, mold, or bacteria. Common problems with drainage lines are system blockage and overflow. For prevention, empty the deposit tray regularly and check that drainage lines are clear.

Call a Professional

Caring for commercial HVAC systems is a big job. If you aren’t familiar with caring for them, handling issues on your own might be more stressful than it’s worth. An HVAC professional can handle a variety of tasks to get your system back on track.

Repair Existing Issues

If you discover or suspect any issues with your commercial HVAC, a professional can do an inspection to find the problem and fix it. Even if the problem seems minor, calling a professional ensures the job is done properly and saves you time.

Perform HVAC Maintenance

Even if you aren’t experiencing any issues with your system, HVAC professionals are available to perform routine maintenance. Hiring a professional saves you time and manpower. During HVAC maintenance, a tech goes over everything listed on this checklist. If they notice any potential issues, they’ll inform you of anything to keep an eye on.

HVAC Maintenance Cost

The cost of HVAC maintenance varies based on the size of your system and the company you go through. Some companies charge a flat rate for these services while others charge by the hour. Before booking your maintenance service, request a quote from each place you’re considering for an idea of what the job will cost you.

We Can Help Check Things Off Your Commercial HVAC Maintenance Checklist

When you’re overdue for an inspection of your HVAC system, follow this commercial HVAC maintenance checklist. Routine maintenance keeps all equipment up and running, catching any repairs before they become emergencies. If you feel like you need some help with the maintenance process, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. At IMC, we provide a high standard of service and get the job done right the first time.

Contact us today to handle all your commercial HVAC needs.