The Importance of Preventative HVAC Maintenance

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From seasonal cleanings to routine inspections, having an HVAC maintenance plan to prevent continuous repairs is critical to your HVAC system’s lifespan. Commercial HVAC maintenance is essential to running an efficient and effective system while minimizing overhead costs.

Some benefits of regular HVAC maintenance include:

  • Decreased risk of having to stop operations
  • Longer-lasting systems
  • Improved Indoor Air Quality
  • Safer performance

How do you know if preventative maintenance is appropriate for your HVAC system? We’ll cover what preventative maintenance is, its benefits, and RBI’s approach with our preventative maintenance program. If you aren’t already implementing preventative maintenance, learn about how it can be beneficial to your HVAC system.

What Preventative Maintenance is

Preventative HVAC maintenance is performed as a routine checkup, usually at certain times of the year, such as spring and fall, to ensure everything is running properly and adjusted for potential season changes. Maintaining various components of your commercial HVAC system will ensure that your building’s air conditioning and heating needs are met year-round.

Did you know?

Preventative maintenance is beneficial for maintaining both new and older equipment.

Two service technicians testing the voltage of HVAC equipment.

Your commercial HVAC system’s preventative maintenance plan will be customized to your business objectives, risk tolerance, and manufacturer’s recommendations. Our industry experience allows us to create tailored plans that keep your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible while considering your other business and building needs.

Examples of preventative maintenance include cleaning air ducts and condenser coils, tightening electrical connections, and changing air filters.

What Is Typically Included in Commercial Preventative HVAC Maintenance

The scope of preventative HVAC maintenance depends on the terms of your preventative maintenance contract and the specific needs of your commercial heating and cooling systems. However, most routine service visits follow a thorough checklist of inspections and tune-ups designed to improve system efficiency, prevent costly breakdowns, and extend the life of your HVAC equipment. Typical commercial HVAC maintenance services include:

Air Filter Inspection & Replacement

Dirty or clogged filters can restrict airflow, reduce indoor air quality, and force your system to work harder than necessary. 

Ductwork Inspection for Leaks or Blockages

Damaged or leaking ducts can result in air loss, reduced comfort, and increased utility bills.

Electrical System & Connection Checks

Loose connections, worn wiring, or faulty components can lead to system failure or fire hazards.

Thermostat Calibration & Function Testing

A properly functioning thermostat ensures accurate temperature control and system responsiveness.

Seasonal System Adjustments

Seasonal tune-ups prepare your HVAC system for upcoming weather demands, whether that’s ensuring optimal cooling before summer or reliable heating before winter.

Evaporator & Condenser Coil Cleaning

Dust, debris, and buildup on coils can hinder heat exchange, leading to higher energy consumption and uneven temperature control. 

Condensate Drain & Pan Cleaning

Clogged drain lines or overflowing pans can cause water damage or promote mold growth.

Lubrication of Moving Parts

 

Friction in motors, bearings, and other mechanical parts can lead to premature wear.

Refrigerant Level Checks & Leak Detection

Incorrect refrigerant levels can impair cooling performance and damage your compressor.

Maintenance Recordkeeping

Documenting each service visit provides a clear history of maintenance activities, supports warranty compliance, and helps with future troubleshooting and planning.

Benefits of Preventative HVAC Maintenance

The most significant benefits of maintaining your commercial HVAC system revolve around optimal performance and how that plays into other factors, such as costs, safety, and business efficiency.

Benefits of routine HVAC maintenance include:

Want to know how long your HVAC equipment can last with proper maintenance? Check out our guide: How Long Does Commercial HVAC Equipment Last?

Maintenance Needs for Various HVAC Types

Each type of commercial HVAC system has its own set of components and will have some unique maintenance requirements.

  • Furnace: Technicians will inspect and clean burners and heat exchangers while checking safety controls to ensure reliable and safe heating. 
  • Boiler: Includes flushing the system to remove sediment and inspecting pressure valves and pumps to maintain proper operation.
  • Chiller: Technicians will monitor refrigerant levels and clean condenser tubes to support efficient cooling and prevent system strain.
An RBI employee working on a commercial boiler in a prefabrication shop
  • Split-System: Regular service includes cleaning indoor and outdoor coils and checking the condensate drain and electrical connections.
  • Packaged Unit: Involves inspecting fan motors, cleaning coils, and ensuring weather seals and rooftop components are in good condition.

RBI Preventative Maintenance Services

Gone are the days of familiarizing yourself with new companies that all take different preventative maintenance measures. RBI makes it easy to keep your system in optimal condition with our continuous program, letting you focus on business goals while we keep up with your system’s routine maintenance. If you’re still unsure if your commercial system needs regular maintenance, remember that planned maintenance is usually easier than unplanned maintenance.

RBI’s Preventative Maintenance program includes detailed services such as:

  • Refrigeration cycle peak efficiency calibration
  • Cleaning, adjustment, lubrication, and calibration of all equipment
  • Temperature control service
  • Operational analysis of the system
  • Predictive belt replacement

In addition, our preventative maintenance program includes all labor and expense for testing, inspecting, maintenance supplies, and all other preventative maintenance measures. When you work with RBI, you can expect fast, 24/7 emergency service guaranteed by our certified service professionals.

Preventative maintenance with RBI is made simple with our use of Visual Intelligence, a reporting feature that provides technicians and facility managers with an overview of maintenance status, repairs, and recommendations.

Finding the Right Preventative Maintenance Routine For Your HVAC System

Is Preventative HVAC Maintenance Worth It?

Yes, preventative maintenance for your commercial or industrial HVAC system is worth the investment because it provides numerous long-term benefits.

Regularly inspecting, testing, and maintaining your commercial HVAC system will help produce optimal working conditions for staff while minimizing downtime. Implementing a Maintenance Program will benefit your system by reducing the number of repairs and keeping your system running efficiently for longer.

RBI offers a preventative maintenance program that covers various maintenance measures to extend the life of your HVAC system. We serve commercial and industrial buildings throughout the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Looking for a trusted commercial HVAC maintenance partner?