If you own a business that uses a commercial HVAC system, you know that HVAC repairs and maintenance can sometimes be expensive. You also know that your HVAC system has a direct effect on your business. If you have a store or restaurant where regular customers are present, you want those customers to feel comfortable. This will ensure that they stay in your facility and make purchases. If you operate a business in one building and have numerous employees working for you, you want your employees to feel comfortable so they can remain productive. In some cases, you will rent the space from a landlord and will not be financially responsible for HVAC repairs or maintenance; however, the system still has a direct effect on your business. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to determine how much attention you would like to devote to your building’s internal environment and to decide how much it affects your bottom line. We’ve created some repair and maintenance tips that should help you save money, keep your customers and/or employees happy, and keep your commercial HVAC system running efficiently.

1. Have your commercial HVAC system serviced twice a year. At this time, all necessary repairs must be made. This bi-annual service will also include any maintenance touch-ups (ie, changing air filters). This will extend the life of the HVAC equipment and ensure it continues to run smoothly all year long. An outage in your air conditioning or heating can be extremely uncomfortable for anyone entering your building. It can cause employees to be distracted and unproductive. You can get consumers to switch to another outlet/restaurant that is more convenient for them.
2. Have your air filters changed quarterly. This will improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and provide better indoor air quality. This is especially helpful during peak allergy seasons, such as spring and fall. This is also important during cold/flu seasons. It will prevent the accumulation of allergens, mold, dust and fungi. The last thing you need is for your employees or customers to get sick because of your building. If your employees are sick, it costs your company money. If your customers get sick in your building, they may not visit again in the near future. Routinely changing the air filters will also prevent the system from freezing up, which will ultimately lead to equipment failure.
3. Consider the cost of replacement versus repair. We all want to get the most out of any product or equipment we buy. It’s second nature for us to try to squeeze every last ounce of life out of them, especially when we see smaller dollar numbers associated with the cost of a repair rather than a replacement. However, it is essential to find out what is the total amount of money you are spending on repairs versus replacing the system. Eventually, there will come a point where it is financially beneficial to replace failed equipment rather than repair it.