Expert Tips on HVAC Maintenance for Businesses

Maintaining a commercial HVAC system (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) is crucial to ensure its optimal operation and to prevent unexpected, costly equipment failures or shutdowns. Unlike reactive maintenance, preventive maintenance proactively identifies potential problems before they escalate. Implementing a robust HVAC maintenance schedule can significantly enhance system efficiency, reliability, and longevity.

A consistent HVAC maintenance plan allows for better budgeting and cost control, as it helps avoid the high expenses associated with emergency repairs and system downtime. By investing in regular maintenance, businesses can plan for necessary repairs and replacements at convenient times, minimising disruptions to operations.

In this blog, our Service Manager and resident service and maintenance expert, Lee Smart, shares his tips on HVAC maintenance and the benefits of a planned maintenance schedule. With 35 years under his belt at Weatherite alone, Lee worked on the shop floor for 8 years before spending 18 years as a Service Engineer and being promoted to Service Manager in 2015.

What are the 4 Types of HVAC Maintenance?

The 4 types of HVAC maintenance are:

• Routine maintenance
• Preventive maintenance
• Predictive maintenance
• Corrective maintenance

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance involves regular, day-to-day upkeep of the HVAC system to ensure it remains in good working condition. This type of maintenance includes basic tasks that can often be performed by in-house personnel or through scheduled service visits.

When in-house personnel use the HVAC system daily, they become familiar with its usual performance and operation. If they notice any changes in how it feels or works, they can quickly identify potential issues, indicating that the appliance may not be functioning correctly.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance, or planned preventive maintenance (PPM), is proactive and scheduled regularly to ensure the HVAC system operates at its best and to prevent potential issues before they occur. This type of maintenance includes inspections, cleaning, adjustments, and part replacements.

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance uses advanced tools and technologies, such as sensors and monitoring systems, to predict when an HVAC system might fail or require maintenance. This approach relies on data and analytics to monitor the condition of equipment and predict potential failures before they occur.

Corrective Maintenance

Corrective maintenance, also known as reactive maintenance, involves repairing or replacing parts after a failure or breakdown has occurred. This type of maintenance is performed in response to an issue that has already happened, rather than preventing it beforehand.

What Maintenance is Required on a HVAC System?

Effective HVAC maintenance involves several critical steps, including daily logging, leak detection, chemical treatments, and regular cleaning.

Daily Operating Log

Trained and competent site personnel should maintain a daily operating log to monitor the HVAC system's performance. By comparing daily records with the original design and start-up data, you can quickly spot any abnormalities.

An accurate log provides a snapshot of the HVAC system's operating characteristics, making it easier to identify and address potential issues before they become serious and costly. Additionally, compiling a history of operating conditions allows for trend analysis, which can be invaluable for long-term maintenance planning.

Leak and Moisture Detection

Your HVAC service provider should regularly check for leaks and moisture ingress while the system is operational. This can be done through the line sight glass. Moisture within the system can lead to the formation of acids, which can corrode motor windings and significantly shorten the system’s lifespan. Early detection and correction of leaks and moisture issues are vital for maintaining the integrity and performance of the HVAC system.

Chemical Treatments

If your HVAC system includes secondary heat transfer fluids, such as in chillers or process coolers, it’s essential to treat the water with appropriate chemicals. This treatment helps reduce scale and corrosion and prevents biological growth. Proper chemical treatment ensures that the heat transfer fluids remain effective and that the system operates efficiently.

Cleaning Heat Exchangers

One of the most critical aspects of HVAC maintenance is the regular cleaning of heat exchangers. The performance of HVAC equipment is largely dependent on its ability to transfer heat, which starts with clean coils. Dirty coils can significantly reduce the system’s efficiency, leading to higher energy consumption and increased wear and tear. Regular cleaning of the heat exchangers helps maintain optimal heat transfer and system performance.

Benefits of a Planned HVAC Maintenance Schedule

Implementing a planned maintenance schedule for your HVAC system offers numerous benefits:

Increased Reliability

Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, ensuring that your HVAC system operates reliably throughout the year.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Well-maintained systems run more efficiently, which can lead to significant energy savings and lower utility bills.

Cost Control and Budget Accuracy

Preventive maintenance allows you to control costs by addressing issues before they require expensive repairs. It also enables you to budget more accurately for HVAC maintenance expenses.

Effective Planning

A scheduled maintenance plan helps you manage your maintenance activities more effectively, ensuring that necessary tasks are completed on time.

Reduced Downtime

Regular HVAC maintenance prevents unscheduled and often costly downtime, minimising inconvenience for building occupants.

Convenient Repairs

By scheduling maintenance activities, you can plan major repairs at convenient times. Again, reducing disruptions to your business operations.

Investing in HVAC Maintenance

Remember, maintaining your HVAC system is not just about avoiding problems; it’s about enhancing performance, saving energy, and ensuring a pleasant indoor environment.

Prioritise HVAC maintenance to keep your commercial HVAC system in top condition and reap the benefits of a well-maintained, efficient, and reliable system. Regular HVAC maintenance not only reduces energy costs but also extends the lifespan of your equipment, ensuring consistent comfort and optimal performance for your business operations.

Investing in HVAC maintenance is a proactive step that safeguards your system and contributes to a more sustainable and efficient facility.

Established in 1972, Weatherite Service & Maintenance Ltd specialise in the installation and service and maintenance of all aspects of the HVAC system.

Our reputation for offering the complete service has helped us become one of the UK’s leading service and maintenance companies, with a proven track record and an impressive customer base to match.

Why Weatherite?

• We have a nationwide network of highly trained, skilled, engineers providing a ‘local’ rapid response capability.
• We provide preventative and re-active HVAC maintenance programmes to suit each individual customer.
• We offer an emergency call-out service - 24/7.
• We provide complete design, installation and commissioning of new, refurbished or replacement systems.
• We’re fully ISO:9001 and ISO:14001 accredited.
• We’re members of REFCOM (Elite), Constructionline (Gold), CHAS and Safe Contractor.

Contact Weatherite today to learn more about our HVAC maintenance and service solutions. Complete our form here or call us on +44 (0) 121 543 5800.