HVAC and furnace maintenance is an ongoing project for facility managers. These two systems are responsible for the comfort, air quality, and in some cases the safety of your facility. It is essential that you keep a close eye on their performance, especially as the summertime approaches. This guide will help you not only prevent unwanted repair problems but extend the service life of your HVAC system through careful routine maintenance.
HVAC and furnace systems can last 10 to 15 years or more with proper maintenance. The longevity of commercial units depends solely on how well the facility operator cares for them, as well as the competence of the maintenance staff. If you want to get the most out of your HVAC and furnace, follow this comprehensive maintenance checklist:
When to Call A Professional
Typically, the HVAC system and furnace will only need occasional air filter replacements and cleanings, which can be scheduled based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, if you notice any of these changes to your units, it may be time to schedule a maintenance consultation:
- Your system is underperforming and can’t keep up with temperature demands (it is never cold enough or warm enough inside no matter how long the unit runs).
- You notice airflow in one or more rooms that are not consistent with the rest of the facility
- You can smell or hear something out of the ordinary coming from your unit
- The HVAC or furnace is short cycling
Cleaning and Inspecting Your HVAC System
An HVAC inspection, whether routine or due to one of the symptoms listed above, should include a comprehensive check of all major parts of the unit. Both indoor and outdoor components should be inspected to ensure your system is running at peak performance:
- Inspect and clean air ducts as needed
- Clean evaporator coils and condensate drain
- Replace air filters as needed to provide better airflow
- Trim around ground outdoor units to prevent debris from impeding airflow
- Check electrical system to ensure there are no loose connections to the HVAC system
Cleaning and Inspecting Your Furnace
Your furnace should also be inspected routinely to ensure that there are no safety hazards. Summer is the perfect time to schedule a maintenance call because repairs won’t be emergent and you can budget for them accordingly. Your technician should:
- Inspect heating components, ignition, exhaust, and burners
- Lubricate any motors and bearings that could cause friction with other parts
- Replace the filter for better airflow
- Perform a safety check to ensure the system can safely operate in winter
Check Your Thermostat
Your HVAC and furnace system can not operate efficiently if your thermostat is out of date. Issues with the thermostat can cause discomfort in your facility and shoot your energy bill up significantly. Ask your technician the following questions to make sure your thermostat is smart and energy-efficient:
- Is your thermostat reading correctly?
- Is it adjusting to changing temperatures?
- Can it control temperature room by room?
Should I Repair or Replace?
Not all units are worth the investment to repair. If your HVAC or furnace is outdated, not sized correctly, or is too costly to repair, you may want to talk to your MaintenX technician about replacement. By upgrading to an energy-efficient unit, you can save your facility hundreds or even thousands of dollars in energy costs.
MaintenX cares about the health and safety of your facility. To learn more about HVAC and furnace repairs, contact us today!
