HVAC System Efficiency: Why Routine Maintenance Is Essential for Commercial Spaces

Preventative maintenance is one of the most important things property managers do to ensure their commercial spaces are safe, comfortable, and functioning smoothly. Routine maintenance is important in all aspects of operations, but it’s especially important for HVAC systems. 

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Here’s why routine maintenance is essential for commercial spaces and some tips for maximizing commercial HVAC efficiency. Contact ACI Facility Support to learn more or schedule your HVAC service. 

Benefits of Routine Maintenance for HVAC Systems 

Routine HVAC maintenance ensures that your building’s heating and cooling systems stay in good condition all year. This makes your job as a landlord or property manager easier and improves the experience of everyone in your building. 

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Some key benefits of routine HVAC maintenance are: 

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• Making your building more energy efficient. Over time, debris, dust, and dirt build up in your system. When this happens, your system has to work harder to do its job. This leads to higher energy consumption and utility bills. Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and results in substantial long-term savings. Data from the Department of Energy shows that maximizing commercial HVAC efficiency can lead to energy savings of 5 to 20%. 
• Extending the lifespan of your HVAC unit. Routine maintenance allows you to identify small issues with your HVAC system before they become major problems. This prevents wear and tear on your system and extends its lifespan. 
• Reducing the cost of HVAC repairs. When minor problems with your system go unnoticed, they cause major issues that need costly repairs. Identifying and repairing minor issues can help avoid costly emergency repairs in the future. 
• Improving your building’s air quality. Regular HVAC maintenance improves indoor air quality and reduces the amount of dirt, debris, and allergens in your system. When indoor air quality is low, it can lead to respiratory and allergy issues. Higher air quality improves the health and well-being of everyone in your building. 
• Preventing unexpected outages. Air conditioning or heating outages are a major disruption for your tenants, employees, and customers. To make matters worse, unexpected outages often happen when the system is under the most stress - for example, during the hottest days of summer or the coldest days of winter. Routine maintenance helps you identify and repair HVAC problems before they lead to disruptive outages. 

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What’s Included in Regular HVAC Maintenance 

Routine HVAC maintenance involves checking your entire system to ensure it's working efficiently and in good condition. An HVAC professional will inspect your system and make any repairs needed to keep it working properly. 

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This includes: 

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• Cleaning or replacing air filters.
• Cleaning the coils.
• Checking for leaks in ductwork. 
• Looking for signs of wear and tear. 
• Identifying malfunctioning parts.
• Checking electrical connections.
• Doing an efficiency check. 
• Making suggestions to improve HVAC efficiency. 
• Checking refrigerant levels.
• Ensuring outdoor units are clear of debris.
• Testing thermostats.
• Cleaning the burners.
• Checking gas pressure.
• Cleaning and testing the drain line. 

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How Often Should You Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance 

Every building has unique maintenance needs. When scheduling routine maintenance, follow your HVAC manufacturer’s instructions for system maintenance. 

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As a general rule, schedule routine maintenance at least twice a year. It’s a good idea to schedule maintenance in the fall and spring to make sure your system is ready for the coldest and hottest months of the year. 

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In addition to maintenance at least twice a year, it’s important to change air filters at least once a quarter. You should also contact an HVAC professional if you notice your system isn’t working properly or if you have concerns about your building’s air quality.

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Schedule Maintenance to Maximize Commercial HVAC Efficiency 

To schedule HVAC maintenance or repairs, contact ACI Facility Support. Our team can handle all of your building’s preventative maintenance needs, including regular HVAC maintenance. 

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We’re available 24 hours a day to ensure your commercial space functions effectively and efficiently. Let us take over your building’s maintenance to help you keep it in great condition. 

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Contact us today at (225) 383-3434 to schedule a service call or learn more about how we can help support your facility. 

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