What is the Best HVAC Maintenance List for My Building?
‘Tis the season for fall and winter maintenance checklists galore. However, not all buildings are created equal, so should all HVAC maintenance lists be? Not really. While there are some commonalities across most commercial buildings, they can vary. So, that begs the question, what is the best HVAC maintenance list for your building? We have talked about typical fall maintenance but now, let’s break it down by building type and what could change.
Healthcare Facilities
While HVAC expenses may seem, well, expensive in healthcare facilities, the risk of it not working is even more so. For instance, this includes hospitals, birth centers, hospice homes, ambulatory centers, etc. An improperly maintained healthcare building could lead to high humidity, temperature fluctuations, equipment failure, and/or compromised IAQ. Thankfully, with proactive maintenance, any medical facility is more likely to run smoothly. Here are some maintenance tasks to pay specific attention to:
- Clean Evaporator & Condenser Coils
Your equipment will struggle to work properly if the coils are dirty. - Check Refrigerant Levels
Make sure you have appropriate levels. If low, this could be a sign of a leak. - Inspect Thermostats and Humidifiers
Calibrate so these aren’t malfunctioning and the thermostat isn’t turning on too frequently. - Clean Belts & Similar Moving Parts
Inspect for wear and tear. Catching these early can help prevent larger issues. - Inspect Ducts for Leaks
Even the smallest holes can cause leaks, causing your system to work harder. - Check Electrical Connections
Take a look at any wires to see if they are loose or any connections aren’t secure. - Consider Updating Technology
Better systems might be a bigger cost upfront but could save money in the long run.
Furthermore, if you are looking for more information on proper healthcare facility HVAC maintenance, check out the importance of ventilation and medical gases.
Data Centers
The infrastructure of data centers relies heavily on cooling systems. As servers run hot, making sure they don’t overheat, even in the cooler month, is crucial. Here are some fundamental items to include on your checklist:
- Check Compressors
Look for leaks and inspect oil levels. Too much or too little can impact the lifetime of the system. Make sure to check the OEM recommendations on the oil that should be used. - Change Air Filters
Replace clogged filters as dirty ones reduce airflow. This can cause increased stress on the blower drive systems. In fact, as air filter pressure decreases (as filters collect dust and dirt), this can increase the need for additional energy. - Maintain Cooling Units
The water needs to be maintained to make sure it is contaminant free. Also, evaporator coils should be checked periodically so they are free of all debris and clean. - Inspect Blower Drive Systems
Make sure to look at the belts, bearings, motors, and wheels. Regularly inspect for wear or damage that could compromise the equipment. In addition, belt tensions should be checked monthly, too.
Learn more about preventative maintenance for data centers here. Also, we have an entire category dedicated to data center HVAC tips.
Office Buildings
Now, these fall under your typical preventative maintenance checklists. However, even in this category, what is important can vary from building to building. For example, this can include retail space, or individual or multi-unit offices. It can also include restaurants and countless other businesses. Here are some things to consider for these type of spaces:
- Re-Calibrate Your System
Bi-Annually, make sure you re-calibrate your HVAC system. This is particularly good to do before the winter and summer months. - Clean Drainage Lines
Check the drainage pans frequently so they don’t overflow, which can cause damage to your building. Also, cleaning them frequently keeps them free of bacteria. - Visually Inspect Equipment
This may seem trite, but a simple visual inspection could help prevent costly issues. Looks for holes, leaks, damage, and disconnections. - Have Consistent Practices
It’s not just about facility managers having checklists. Make sure renters or leasers know how and when to report HVAC issues, too.
Overall, it’s really about saving money in the long run by not letting any potential issues become system-wide failures. If you need professional help and regular maintenance, contact us today. We hope this helps you understand that not all commercial properties are the same. And, the best HVAC maintenance list really comes from making one fit your system and facility.