Commercial HVAC systems are put through tremendous stress throughout the year. With possible zoning differences and often times, larger areas to heat or cool, commercial HVAC systems require a routine maintenance throughout the year.
Regular maintenance keeps air conditioners and furnaces operating at their best. It allows for small issues to be addressed and for greater underlying issues to be noticed before they become irreparable problems. This gives business owners peace of mind and allows the systems to operate at maximum energy efficiency, which saves money on monthly energy bills.
Inspect
Carrier products are built to last. Often times, maintenance visits are focused on preventative care for systems that have the capacity to last for 20 years. However, wear and tear naturally occurs over time. Small factors can slowly add up to shorten system lifespan and impact performance. Regular inspections can prevent these small factors from becoming major malfunctions. Each maintenance trip, LA HVAC contractors should be inspecting:
- Belts and pulleys
- Refrigerant charge
- Fluid leaks
- Drain lines and pans
- Electrical connections
- Thermostats and other electrical controls
- Condenser and evaporator coils
- Fan and blower motor
- System performance – Air flow, sound and overall function
- Heat exchanger (furnace maintenance)
- Ignition and burner assembly (furnace maintenance)
Clean
Keep HVAC systems clean will prevent small nuisances from becoming major system issues. A clean HVAC system will function at its maximum capacity and efficiency. This will ensure the system reaches its ideal lifespan and keep energy bills low. If applicable, HVAC contractors should clean these components of an HVAC system during a maintenance visit:
- Clean filter (if applicable)
- Clean drain lines and pans
- Clearing away dust and debris
- Leaks (hazardous liquids should be professionally cleaned up to ensure safety)
Repair/replace
Over time belts can wear, connections can loosen, liquids will drain and electronics can short. This requires fast and effective servicing to ensure system integrity, maximum efficiency and proper function. HVAC technicians should make these repairs in their maintenance trips:
- Replace air or furnace filter
- Fasten, connect electrical components
- Lubricate moving parts (bearings, motors, etc.)
- Adjust misalignments
- Correct fan or blower motor function
Test
Once the system has been inspected, thoroughly cleaned and all necessary repairs have been completed, it’s time to test your work. You should never leave a maintenance visit without knowing that the system is ready to handle the warm or cool season to come.
Make sure the system not only starts up, but is visibly and audibly running efficiently and effectively. If you notice any shortcomings, understand what is covered in your agreement and make the decision on what can be repaired immediately or what needs to be run by the client for further approval.
Inform
As so many HVAC customers feel isolated from the HVAC contractors that they hire, this point can not be stressed enough. After each maintenance visit, your client should be aware of your findings. Informing your client of frequent issues can prevent further instances or allow them to make executive decisions on more involved repairs or upgrades to the system’s performance. Always take the extra time to keep your client informed.
If your HVAC contractor isn’t adhering to this maintenance checklist, you may want to consider a more reputable company. Brody Pennell is nationally recognized as a leader in the HVAC industry. Our service is second to none in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. To find out more about our commercial HVAC maintenance agreements, give us a call @ (310) 836-0606.
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