As you’ve probably experienced, tree pollen gets everywhere. Especially noticeable is the yellow pine pollen. As the clouds of pollen disperse, our trucks roll to clean it up.

Planned Commercial HVAC & Refrigeration Systems Maintenance

Not all businesses require the same maintenance tasks for their HVAC systems. BlueHat Mechanical offers customized commercial HVAC maintenance plans.

In general, planned maintenance serves as a tune-up for your building’s HVAC systems, helping them run more efficiently throughout the season. Several steps can be taken to correct existing issues and reduce the potential for future performance problems and breakdowns – here are some of the steps considered:

For outdoor components:

  • Coil and cabinet are inspected and cleaned
  • Drain pans and condensate lines are cleared of obstructions
  • Compressor is inspected
  • Fan motor and blades are inspected and lubricated
  • Control box, switches, wiring, and safety controls are inspected
  • Refrigerant level is measured and recharged if necessary

For indoor components:

  • Blower assembly is checked and cleaned
  • Belts are lubricated or replaced
  • Combustion blower housing is cleaned
  • Evaporator coil, drip pan, and condensate lines are cleaned and cleared
  • Burner assembly is inspected and cleaned
  • Ignition system is cleaned
  • Safety controls are tested
  • Heat exchanger is inspected
  • Flue system is checked for dislocations and wear
  • Control box, wiring, and connections are checked and tightened
  • Air filter is replaced or cleaned
  • Duct system is checked

Check and Change Air Filters

  • Air filters should be inspected every three to four weeks to ensure the filter has not become clogged with debris.
  • Changing of air filters should be performed every three to six months, per the manufacturer’s recommendation or as needed.
  • Maintenance staff should stay on top of air filter checks and changes, as restricted airflow through the HVAC systems hinders performance and increases energy consumption by this equipment. During periods of heavy use, you may find it necessary to replace filters more frequently.
  • Running your commercial HVAC systems with clean air filters can lower energy consumption by up to 15%.

Program Thermostats

  • Perform at the beginning of heating season and cooling season, and when temperatures hit the point of not using the systems regularly.
  • When it’s time to switch from one HVAC system to the next, or it’s time to not run it so frequently, it’s time to check the programming on your building’s thermostats to ensure settings are optimal for energy savings. Do this by manually programming your thermostats or through your building automation system; even if you’ve programmed heating and cooling schedules in the past, it’s still smart to recheck to make sure they still fit your needs and the same areas are still in regular use.

Periodic System Checks. Perform these monthly, or as needed.

  • Check thermostat operation. If your thermostats are not operating correctly throughout the season, your HVAC systems could be running more frequently than necessary, boosting your energy consumption. If thermostats are not working properly, have them repaired or replaced.
  • Check drip pan and drain lines. Clogs in your HVAC systems’ drainage lines can cause moisture to back up into your building, causing mold and mildew growth as well as the potential for damage. Make sure the drip pan and drain lines are emptying correctly and remove any obstructions that develop.

Content Credit HVAC.com and BlueHat checklists