In Las Vegas, the extreme heat during summer can make it difficult for people to focus on their work. If you’re running a business, you have to provide a comfortable work environment in order to maintain good employee performance. One of the main factors affecting comfort in the office during summer is the HVAC system. A poorly maintained air-conditioning system can negatively impact your business in many ways.
The easiest and most effective way to ensure your commercial HVAC system will be continually functioning at an optimal level is to enter into a commercial HVAC maintenance agreement. With this agreement, you’ll receive regular visits from an HVAC expert who will perform all the maintenance, inspection, and repair tasks needed to keep your equipment in tiptop condition. Here’s the low-down on a commercial HVAC maintenance agreement:
What Is a Commercial HVAC Maintenance Agreement?
A commercial HVAC maintenance agreement is a contract between the owner of a commercial air-conditioning system and an HVAC service provider. According to this agreement, the service provider is required to perform preventive maintenance on the HVAC system in your office or building at regular intervals in exchange for a payment.
The contract specifies the tasks to be performed by the HVAC contractor and the assurances or guarantees you can expect. In many cases, customers who sign up for a commercial HVAC maintenance plan are eligible for discounts on other services provided by their contractors.
What Are the Benefits of a Commercial HVAC Maintenance Agreement?
Regardless of the temperature outside, the HVAC system in your office works tirelessly to create a comfortable environment in your office or building. It has to work even harder in times of extreme temperatures. To ensure that it’ll be able to withstand the high levels of strain, you need to give it a thorough tune-up at least once a year.
The following is a list of reasons why you should consider signing up for a commercial HVAC maintenance agreement:
Reduce Operational Costs
Due to dirt buildup and wear and tear, a poorly maintained commercial HVAC system is more likely to struggle to keep your office or building comfortable and consume more energy in the process. As a result, it’ll drive up your energy bills. According to the Department of Energy, air-conditioning accounts for about 35 percent of the total energy consumption in a commercial building. This means that it can have a significant impact on your operating costs.
By entering into a commercial HVAC maintenance contract, you’ll have an HVAC expert perform a wide range of maintenance tasks on your HVAC system, from replacing filters to cleaning air ducts. With proper maintenance, your equipment will be able to operate more efficiently, resulting in lower utility bills.
Keep Temperature Consistency
Another problem with an ill-maintained commercial HVAC system is that it may not be able to maintain a consistent temperature in your office. Inconsistent temperatures can cause your employees to feel uncomfortable, making it harder for them to concentrate on their work duties. This can have a negative impact on work quality and productivity. Also, if you’re running a retail store or have customers visiting your office frequently, you can jeopardize the reputation of your business by failing to provide a comfortable environment.
When your commercial HVAC system is producing inconsistent temperatures, it can be because of a variety of issues, from leaky ducts to a malfunctioning thermostat. During a commercial HVAC maintenance visit, the technician will help you identify and fix the problem so that your air-conditioner will be able to consistently keep everybody in your office or store comfortable and happy.
Minimize Breakdowns
Over time, your commercial HVAC system will experience wear and tear and become more prone to breakdowns. Breakdowns are more likely to occur if your equipment isn’t properly maintained. Besides making your office more uncomfortable; they may also force you to temporarily shut down your operations. Fixing a broken HVAC unit can be costly, especially if you need to replace an expensive component or call for emergency service.
One of the main benefits of a commercial HVAC maintenance agreement is that it comes with inspection services. The technician will thoroughly evaluate the condition of your HVAC system and detect and fix any issues it’s experiencing. This will lead to fewer breakdowns and lower repair costs.
Extend Service Life
A commercial HVAC system is a substantial investment, so you should take proper care of it. If you fail to service your unit regularly, it won’t be able to serve you well for a long time. Having to replace your air-conditioner more often will increase your equipment expenses and result in higher long-term costs.
Regular commercial HVAC maintenance can help keep the components of your HVAC system in good condition and prevent premature system failure. Your equipment will experience less wear and tear and continue to operate smoothly for a longer time. By extending the lifespan of your air-conditioner, you’ll make your investment more worthwhile.
What Is Included in a Commercial HVAC Maintenance Agreement?
A commercial HVAC maintenance agreement usually includes all the maintenance tasks needed to keep your commercial air-conditioning system in the best possible condition. These tasks are carried out to enable your HVAC unit to run effectively, reduce wear and tear, and minimize the risk of mechanical failure. They also help keep your energy bills low and improve safety in your office or building.
The list of tasks included in a commercial HVAC maintenance agreement may vary depending on the HVAC contractor you’re working with. However, there are certain tasks that are found in almost every commercial HVAC maintenance agreement, such as:
1. Checking and Replacing the Air Filter
The air filter in your commercial HVAC system serves the important task of preventing dirt and dust from being distributed around your office or building, creating a healthier environment for your employees and customers. However, when they can become dirty and clogged over time, they can restrict airflow and cause your equipment to experience extra strain. This results in a more uncomfortable and unhealthier environment and higher energy bills. During a maintenance visit, the HVAC technician will check the air filter in your commercial HVAC unit and replace it if necessary.
2. Inspecting Thermostat
The thermostat is the main component for controlling the temperatures produced by your commercial HVAC system. It allows you to adjust the temperature to your preferred setting to create a pleasant environment in your office. The HVAC technician will inspect the thermostat to see if its temperature settings are similar to the actual temperature in your office. If there’s a marked difference between the two temperatures, there may be something wrong with the thermostat or the HVAC unit.
3. Lubricate Components
Components such as gears, bearings, and belts are in constant motion when your commercial HVAC system is operating. If they aren’t properly lubricated, they can experience friction and prevent your equipment from working smoothly, leading to increased wear and tear and higher utility bills. Lubricating these components is one of the tasks your HVAC technician will perform during a maintenance visit, so you can rest assured that your HVAC unit will be able to function optimally.
4. Cleaning the Evaporator and Condenser Coils
The evaporator coil absorbs the heat inside your office or building, while the condenser coil discharges it into the outdoor air. Over time, as coils become soiled, the coils will become less effective in transferring heat out of your indoor space. This will reduce your HVAC system’s ability to cool your office. As part of the commercial HVAC maintenance agreement, the HVAC technician will clean your air-conditioning unit’s evaporator and condenser coils to enhance its cooling power.
5. Clean Your HVAC System Thoroughly
Many other components of your commercial HVAC system need to be cleaned regularly, such as air ducts, vents, grills, drain pan, blower motor, and heat exchanger. If these parts are dirty and grimy, they can have a negative impact on the performance of your HVAC unit and air quality in your office or building. The HVAC technician will clean them properly to make your equipment look and work like new.
6. Look for Air Leaks
Air ducts transfer conditioned air from your HVAC unit to different parts of your office or building. According to Energy Star, air-conditioning systems lose an average of 20 to 30 percent of the air they produce due to leaks, cracks, holes, and loose joints in the ductwork. With a commercial HVAC maintenance agreement, you’ll have an HVAC technician conduct regular inspections on your air ducts and fix any leaks they detect. Proper maintenance of your air ducts can improve comfort in your office and lower your utility bills.
7. Check for Refrigerant Leaks
An HVAC system uses refrigerant to produce cool air. Over time, poor maintenance, accidental damage, or other factors can cause your air conditioner to leak refrigerant. Besides making your equipment less effective in cooling your office, refrigerant leaks can also be a safety and environmental hazard. This poisonous substance needs to be handled by someone who is licensed to handle freon. Your HVAC technician will test refrigerant pressures and check the refrigerant lines to see if your system is leaking refrigerant. If necessary, they’ll repair the leaks.
8. Inspect Electrical Connections
Bad electrical connections not only affect your commercial HVAC system’s ability to function properly, they also increase the risk of fire. While performing commercial HVAC maintenance agreements, the HVAC technician will check and repair all the electrical connections in your system to prevent short circuits, electric shock, and the possibility of fire. This is an important task for maintaining a safe work environment for your employees.
9. Perform a Thorough Inspection
While some HVAC issues are obvious, others may be more difficult to detect. These unnoticeable problems may have an insignificant impact on the performance of your air-conditioner, but they can become major issues in the future if left unattended. Other than doing all the necessary maintenance tasks, the HVAC technician will also conduct a thorough diagnosis of your commercial HVAC system to detect all potential problems and fix them before they grow into major problems that require costly repairs. In addition, they’ll provide recommendations on how to improve the performance and efficiency of your equipment.
A commercial HVAC maintenance agreement is a comprehensive solution to all your HVAC problems, so it’s definitely worth your consideration. However, it’s essential to read the agreement carefully before purchasing it. At the minimum, it should include all the aforementioned tasks. If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced HVAC contractor that provides a thorough and effective commercial HVAC maintenance plan, contact The Cooling Company at (702) 567-0707.
