The importance of HVAC maintenance – Why should I have my HVAC equipment maintained?

The installation of air conditioning / ventilation / heating equipment is a major investment and you want it to last and not let you down. If you had invested in a new vehicle you would ensure it was serviced by the manufacturer’s recommendation and you know how frustrating it is if it breaks down leaving are stranded…well HVAC equipment isn’t any different.

Preventative maintenance is like giving your HVAC system a regular service  and MOT, so it runs smoothly and reliably, along with validating the manufacturer’s warranty and fulfilling your legal compliance.

The Perks of Preventive HVAC Maintenance

1. Longer Equipment Life: Regular servicing helps reduce wear & tear, extending your HVAC system’s lifespan.

2. Less Downtime: Potential problems or faulty components can be identified before they cause the equipment to fail & leave you to deal with the consequences.

3. Lower Energy Bills: A well-maintained system runs efficiently, using less energy and helping reduce your utility costs.

4. Cleaner Air: Clean and sanitised air filters and equipment mean healthier air for you and your employees/customers/students/patients.

5. Compliance: Most air conditioning systems are subject to the F-Gas regulations which are the responsibility of the equipment owner to comply to. This is the system has to be checked annually for refrigerant leakage. Similarly, all heating appliances are subject to the Gas Safe regulations which state that any gas-fired / oil-fired heating appliance must be checked for gas safety annually.

6. Warranty: Where applicable, most recognised manufacturers will provide a 3/5/7 year parts warranty on new equipment and to validate this the equipment must be serviced at least annually or bi-annually.

How to Keep Your HVAC System Running Like a Champ

1. Schedule Regular Inspections: Don’t wait for problems. Regularly check your HVAC equipment to catch issues before they become failures and if you do have issues, make a note of what the issue is, when it was discovered, how often it happens plus take pictures to give to your maintenance contractor.

2. Clean Filters: Dirty filters can suffocate your system. They don’t help the cleanliness of the air. Clean or swap them out regularly to prevent a build-up of dirt – anyone can do this and a monthly filter check/clean is recommended.

3. Clean Coils: Dust buildup on the coils of your air conditioning / ventilation equipment makes it work harder. Regularly check them and when required give them a clean or brush off the dust – the slightest buildup of dirt will decrease the efficiency of the system.

4. Certified Contractor: Only use a Refcom/Gas Safe certified & manufacturer-approved contractor to look after your equipment – the cheapest contractor offering a ‘filter bashing’ service won’t have the knowledge and experience to look after your HVAC investment.

5. Premium Products: Make sure the contractor you select for maintaining your equipment uses quality cleaning chemicals and service products. Based on years of experience, we have created our own selection of quality cleaning chemicals including a specialist foam cleaner for the plastic casings, a pleasant-smelling disinfectant to sanitise the coils & drip trays, and re-useable wipes for cleaning the metal casings of the outdoor condenser units.

Best Practices for a Solid Preventive Maintenance Plan

1. Create a Maintenance Schedule: Build a detailed plan that covers everything—from filter changes to regular system maintenance. Our system enables us to set up maintenance schedules for all our clients so you don’t need to worry if you happen to forget when it’s due!

2. Keep Accurate Records: Track every maintenance task to help plan for future work and spot any patterns in performance. We use Joblogic software which enables all activities and visits to be recorded and record evidence of the works completed. Each client has access to this 24/7 so you can view your records whenever and wherever you want.

3. Train Your Team: Make sure your staff know the basics of HVAC upkeep and operational good practice so they know when there’s an issue or how to correctly control the system – our engineers will help you with this.

4. Use High-Quality Parts: Cheap parts lead to more breakdowns. Only use parts supplied by the manufacturer of your equipment to keep your system in top shape. A budget system might seem really good value when you installed it but could prove to be an expensive mistake if you can’t source replacement parts for it.

5. Hire the Pros: Sometimes, you need expert help. Partner with a trusted and certified HVAC company to ensure your equipment is kept in optimum condition and maintained by the manufacturers guidelines.

6. Stay Updated: HVAC equipment technology is always evolving as new products come to market. Keep up with the latest innovations to ensure your system remains fit for purpose.

The Bottom Line

Preventative HVAC maintenance isn’t just another expense — it’s essential for keeping your HVAC investment in optimum condition and ensuring that your production equipment, staff and anyone else who uses your premises is kept comfortable so they can perform to the best of their ability. Regular maintenance will prevent potential problems, you’ll avoid costly downtime & frustrated staff, so that’s why it’s not just another expense. After all, a well-maintained HVAC system keeps everything—and everyone—working like a dream!

Please speak to us so that we can better understand your needs. Call: 01332 344224 | Email: helpdesk@aura-ac.co.uk