Preventative Maintenance Checklist for Commercial HVAC

Commercial heating and air conditioning systems are intricate machines that require proper maintenance to enhance their performance. If you are a Beaverton business owner and want to ensure the longevity of your commercial HVAC unit, preventive maintenance is key. Read on to learn more about the benefits and the ins and outs of HVAC upkeep.

Why Is Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance Important?

The last thing commercial property owners want is added expenses. While it might seem unnecessary to spend extra money for maintenance on a well-functioning HVAC unit, investing in preventive care can save you in the long run. Routine checkups and servicing keep your heating and cooling systems in prime shape, reducing your chances of unexpected breakdowns. Think of it this way: we all take our cars in for oil changes, mileage checkups, and other preventative maintenance. We rely on commercial HVAC units every single day. So, we want to maintain the equipment that is responsible for everything from indoor temperatures to indoor air quality. 

Here are a few benefits your Beaverton property will reap when you stick with a preventative maintenance plan:

• Improved Energy Efficiency: Keeping utility budgets in check is key to running a commercial property. Do your utility bills seem a bit higher than predicted? If so, it could result from clogged air filters, mechanism damage, or an incorrectly sized HVAC system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can see upwards of 30% in energy savings when your unit is running at maximum efficiency. Professional heating and AC technicians perform a thorough inspection, look for damaged or broken parts, and replace dirty air filters.
  

• Extended HVAC Life: Commercial HVAC systems can last up to two decades as long as regular maintenance is part of your equipment upkeep. During a routine check-up, NATE-certified technicians examine the intricate parts of your heating and cooling systems. After the inspection, they clean or replace air filters, seal ducts, and identify any potential issues.
  

• Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: Good indoor air quality (IAQ) should be on the mind of every commercial property owner. HVAC systems can help promote healthy IAQ by filtering out potential allergens and trapping other pollutants before they are circulated in the air. 

Your Go-To Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance Checklist

Make sure you are on top of your commercial heating and cooling system upkeep. This checklist outlines standard maintenance protocols to keep your HVAC running its best:

Check Outdoor Equipment

• Remove any debris accumulated around your outdoor HVAC unit 
• Trim back any foliage that could affect your outdoor system’s function
• Inspect and clean coils, cabinets, drain pans, and condensate lines
• Lubricate fan and blades
• Measure refrigerant levels

Check Indoor Equipment

• Check burner assembly, ignition systems, and heat exchangers
• Clean condensate lines, drip pans, and evaporator coil
• Inspect the duct system for signs of wear and tear
• Clean blower assembly and combustion blower
• Test safety controls

General Equipment Maintenance

• Check air filters and look for signs of clogs or excessive dirt
• Test thermostats and set programmable thermostats to the ideal temperature for the season
• Inspect systems for signs of damage or corrosion
• Tighten electrical connections
• Measure airflow

While some of the maintenance tasks above can be handled without calling your Beaverton HVAC technicians—like setting a thermostat—it’s always best to leave regular maintenance to the professionals. They have the training and experience to identify potential problems and access hard to reach equipment like commercial duct systems and rooftop units. 

How Often Should Commercial HVACs Be Serviced?

Routine heating and cooling check-ups should take place on a regular schedule. You’ll want to develop an itinerary with your technician, based on your commercial system. However, there are some general rules of thumb to follow:

Seasonally: You want to prepare your HVAC system for the seasons, so plan on maintenance in the spring/summer and again in the fall and winter.  

Every 1-3 Months: Inspect your air filters every 1-3 months to keep them debris-free. If they are looking clogged, your Beaverton AC and heating installer will replace them.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance for your Beaverton Business

AAA Heating and Cooling has been serving our community’s HVAC needs since 1961. If you are looking for expert  installation, repair, and maintenance for your Beaverton business, contact us today! One of our skilled service agents can provide service tailored for your unique commercial HVAC needs.