When you’re spring cleaning your commercial premises, don’t forget to include a thorough check of your HVAC system – this will help avoid future breakdowns. There are several things you can do to ensure your commercial HVAC performs optimally – continue reading to find out more!
If you have a business establishment that requires continuous heating, ventilation or air conditioning, any major breakdown in your commercial HVAC system could mean either serious inconvenience for your customers and employees, or shutdowns or periods of downtime. In either scenario, the consequences are the same: your business stands to suffer loss of income.
To avoid all of this, you should carry out regular preventive maintenance and cleaning on your HVAC system. Here’s a checklist of the things to do during spring to maintain your commercial HVAC system:
1. Apply lubricants to moving parts
All the mechanical moving parts in an HVAC system, such as the fans and motors, must be properly lubricated to maintain smooth functionality. Remove any signs of corrosion or accumulation of dirt and remember to tighten the bolts.
2. Conduct testing of sensors, valves, relays, and shutoff switches
These components are essential in controlling the flow of air and temperature. If they malfunction, your HVAC system won’t be able to automatically adjust your business’ internal climate.
3. Check refrigerant levels and see if there are contaminants
Refrigerants like freon and R-410A carry heat through the heat exchangers. The heat from a room or an entire building is pumped out through the use of these refrigerants. If refrigerant levels are low, the air condition motors have to work harder than they should to maintain a comfortable temperature. Contaminants in the refrigerant also reduce the efficiency of your HVAC.
4. Monitor the pressure and inspect for leaks
Lubricant pressure may fluctuate depending on several factors, such as ambient temperature and motor speed. Excessive pressure can cause leaks, so it’s crucial to maintain the pressure at a normal range to prevent gasket blowouts. Conversely, leaks can cause the pressure to go down. Monitoring it will provide you with insights about possible defects in your HVAC system.
5. Calibrate the thermostat
The thermostat controls the heat exchange rate in your HVAC system. It can be programmed to respond to the fluctuating temperature outside your commercial building, and in doing so, maintains a comfortable internal climate. However, if your thermostat is not properly calibrated or is malfunctioning, the internal climate control will not work properly.
6. Regularly change your air filters
Air filters in HVAC systems ensure that dust and other particles are significantly minimized, ensuring the air in your building is clean and safe to breathe. Some particulates, like pollen, are allergens that should be prevented from getting inside in order to maintain the safety of staff and customers. If your building is located in an area with high levels of particulate pollution, dirt can accumulate in your filters very easily. To keep the air safe, you need to regularly change the air filters before they get too dirty.
7. Remove debris around the outdoor condenser units
The outdoor condenser units should be free from debris and obstructions. If there are leaves, twigs, grass, vines or other debris on the units, airflow will be reduced, vents could become blocked, and the condenser coils might get bent. Heat exchange will also be less efficient. Therefore, it’s crucial that you regularly clean the area around the outdoor condenser units.
8. Clean the indoor components
The blower fans, evaporator coils, and control panels in a commercial HVAC system should also be regularly cleaned. In fact, even a simple clean will prevent early deterioration. While indoor components like these might not be as exposed as outdoor components, they’re still susceptible to dirt accumulation.
9. Inspect the electrical and electronic components
One of the main causes of fire in commercial buildings is faulty electrical wirings in HVAC systems. Loose electrical connections are dangerous because they have the potential to cause short-circuit sparks. You may need to hire a professional electrician or a commercial HVAC company to inspect and repair any damage in the electrical system.
10. Clean the drain lines
Make sure that the condensate drains are clear of obstruction so that the moisture can flow freely. It’s a good idea to apply an algaecide in order to prevent algae growth, which could block the drain and lead to the system becoming flooded.
If you’re in the Kansas City metro area and would like to chat about your commercial HVAC system, contact us today for your customized quote.