HVAC Preventative Maintenance
Shawn Folks • October 2, 2018
Facility costs can account for a large chunk of your spending every year. In the United States, commercial and industrial facilities spend over $400 billion on energy alone! Lowering these costs generates a savings that can be allocated to other causes, such as expanding your business. Looking for a place to start? Begin with you commercial HVAC system.
HVAC are the biggest energy consumers in an average commercial building. While automation systems and other forms of technology work to reduce energy consumption, maintaining your systems through commercial HVAC maintenance greatly impacts the amount of energy this equipment uses. Check out our Commercial HVAC Maintenance Checklist to see the steps that need to be followed to keep your building’s HVAC equipment in top shape!
Facility managers and maintenance departments can keep commercial HVAC systems running more efficiently through regular commercial HVAC maintenance. Use this checklist as a guide to follow.
Preventative Commercial HVAC Maintenance
Perform these in the spring for cooling systems and in the fall for heating systems. This is a service performed by a commercial HVAC technician. This is designed to help your system run more efficiently throughout the season.
For outdoor components:
- Coil and cabinet are inspected and cleaned.
- Drain pans and condensate lines are cleared of obstructions.
- Compressor is inspected.
- Fan motor and blades are inspected and lubricated.
- Control box, switches, wiring and safety controls are inspected.
- Refrigerant level is measured and recharged if necessary.
For indoor components:
- Blower assembly is checked and cleaned.
- Belts are lubricated or replaced.
- Combustion blower housing is cleaned.
- Evaporator coil, drip pan, and condensate lines are cleaned and cleared.
- Burner assembly is inspected and cleaned.
- Ignition system is cleaned.
- Safety controls are tested.
- Heat exchanger is inspected.
- Flue system is checked for dislocations and wear.
- Control box, wiring, and connections are checked and tightened.
- Air filter is replaced or cleaned.
- Duct system is checked.
Check and Change Air Filters
- Air filters should be inspected every three to four weeks to ensure the filter has not become clogged with debris.
- Changing of air filters should be performed every three to six months, per the manufacturer’s recommendation or as needed.
- Maintenance staff should stay on top of air filter checks and changes, as restricted airflow through the HVAC systems hinders performance and increases energy consumption by this equipment. During periods of heavy use, you may find it necessary to replace filters more frequently.
- Running your commercial HVAC systems with clean air filters can lower energy consumption by up to 15%.
Program Thermostats
- Perform at the beginning of heating season and cooling season, and when temperatures hit the point of not using the systems regularly.
- When it’s time to switch from one HVAC system to the next, or it’s time to not run it so frequently, it’s time to check the programming on your building’s thermostats to ensure settings are optimal for energy savings. Do this by manually programming your thermostats or through your building automation system; even if you’ve programmed heating and cooling schedules in the past, it’s still smart to recheck to make sure they still fit your needs and the same areas are still in regular use.
Periodic System Checks
- Perform these monthly, or as needed.
- Check thermostat operation. If your thermostats are not operating correctly throughout the season, your HVAC systems could be running more frequently than necessary, boosting your energy consumption. If thermostats are not working properly, have them repaired or replaced.
- Check drip pan and drain lines. Clogs in your HVAC systems’ drainage lines can cause moisture to back up into your building, causing mold and mildew growth as well as the potential for damage. Make sure the drip pan and drain lines are emptying correctly and remove any obstructions that develop.
Behind every successful restoration project is a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping customers recover after disaster strikes. This month, we're introducing Jerome Etienne , a technician at our Baton Rouge office whose hard work and honesty make him a valued member of the Guarantee Restoration Services team. From Forklift Driver to Restoration Technician Jerome is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana , and joined Guarantee Restoration Services in September 2024 . Before beginning his career in restoration, he worked as a forklift driver. Since joining GRS, Jerome has embraced the hands-on nature of restoration work and takes pride in helping prepare properties for the rebuilding process. Finding Satisfaction in Demolition Work. When asked what he enjoys most about working at GRS, Jerome didn't hesitate. He enjoys working on demolition projects, where every job presents a new challenge and plays an important role in restoring a property after damage. Removing damaged materials safely and efficiently helps lay the foundation for the next phase of the restoration process, making demolition one of the most critical steps in recovery. Living the Core Value of Honesty Of GRS's five core values, Honesty is the one that resonates most with Jerome. "I believe people appreciate knowing the truth, especially after their property has been damaged. Being honest, dependable, and transparent helps build trust and shows our customers they can count on us from start to finish." Jerome believes honest communication helps reassure customers during stressful situations while building lasting trust throughout the restoration process. Advice for New Team Members Jerome's advice for anyone starting a career in restoration is straightforward. "Follow what the Lead Tech says. You'll learn everything you need to know." By staying willing to learn and trusting experienced team members, new technicians can quickly build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the field. Outside of Work When he's off the clock, Jerome enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether he's fishing or visiting the gun range, he enjoys activities that allow him to unwind after the work week. A Childhood Dream As a kid, Jerome dreamed of owning a food truck. While his career path eventually led him to restoration, that entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic continue to shine through in everything he does. Thank You, Jerome! We're proud to have Jerome as part of the Guarantee Restoration Services family. His dedication, honesty, and willingness to tackle every challenge help make a difference for both our customers and our team every day. Interested in Joining the GRS Team? At Guarantee Restoration Services, we're always looking for hardworking individuals who share our commitment to excellence, honesty, efficiency, and partnership. If you're interested in building a rewarding career with a team that makes a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers page to learn more about current opportunities and become part of the GRS family.
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