Your Complete Spring HVAC Preventive Maintenance Checklist

As the hot Texas summer approaches, it’s crucial for businesses to ensure their HVAC systems are in tip-top shape. Neglecting routine maintenance could result in unexpected downtime, costly repairs, and even safety hazards. That’s why it’s essential to create a spring maintenance checklist for HVAC systems to keep them running efficiently and effectively. Here are some things to consider when preparing your checklist.

Why Texas Businesses Should Emphasize HVAC Spring Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is crucial for commercial heating and cooling systems, as it helps ensure high performance. Here are some reasons why HVAC preventive maintenance is important:

Reduced energy costs: Regular preventive maintenance ensures that the system is running efficiently, which reduces energy costs. An HVAC system that is not appropriately maintained can use more energy than necessary to heat or cool the building.
Improved indoor air quality: HVAC systems can harbor mold, dust, and other allergens, which affect the air quality of the building. Regular preventive maintenance helps prevent the buildup of these contaminants, which in turn improves indoor air quality.
Prolonged lifespan of equipment: Regular maintenance keeps HVAC systems running smoothly and prolong the lifespan of equipment. Properly maintained equipment experiences less wear and tear, reducing the need for expensive repairs and replacements.
Fewer emergency repairs: HVAC systems that are not appropriately maintained can malfunction, leading to costly repairs. Regular HVAC preventive maintenance identifies and addresses potential issues before they become major problems, reducing the likelihood of emergency repairs.
Compliance with regulations: Many commercial buildings must comply with regulations related to indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and more. Proactive maintenance helps ensure that HVAC systems are in compliance with these regulations.

Waiting for HVAC issues to crop up isn’t a strategy—it’s shortsighted. Whether you’ve had your system for a few months or 15 years, it’s wise to go through a spring maintenance checklist to keep it operating in tip-top condition.

The hottest part of the year is coming, and as the heat rises, your HVAC system might struggle to keep up.

Here’s How to Keep Your HVAC in Top Shape

8 HVAC Summer Maintenance Tips

The Dallas-Fort Worth area has a unique climate. Unlike other cities where it might not get warm until late spring, temperatures can spike here as early as late March or early April. Combine that early start date with the incredible humidity, and you’ve got a recipe for trouble should your HVAC system fail to perform up to your standards. To prevent costly and uncomfortable issues from interrupting your business operations, we recommend getting serious about HVAC preventive maintenance. Here are several suggestions:

1. Replace Air Filters

Replacing air filters is an essential part of maintaining your HVAC system. Dirty filters can decrease airflow, reducing the system’s efficiency and increasing energy costs. They can also lead to poor indoor air quality and, in severe cases, cause the system to fail. Therefore, it’s important to change the air filters every three to six months, or more often if the system is in heavy use.

2. Inspect the Ductwork

The ductwork is responsible for distributing cooled or heated air throughout the building. It can become damaged over time, allowing cool air to escape and leading to energy waste. Ductwork can also accumulate dust and debris, which reduces indoor air quality. To avoid these issues, inspect the ductwork for leaks, cracks, and damage. Clean it regularly to prevent the buildup of contaminants and debris.

3. Clean the Condenser Coil

The condenser coil plays a crucial role in the cooling process. It’s responsible for removing the heat from the refrigerant, allowing the air conditioning unit to cool the air. Over time, the condenser coil can become dirty, reducing its efficiency and preventing it from performing correctly. As part of your maintenance checklist, it’s essential to clean the condenser coil regularly.

4. Check the Refrigerant Levels

The refrigerant is responsible for cooling the air in the HVAC system. If the refrigerant levels are too low, the system may not be able to cool the air effectively, leading to higher energy costs and reduced efficiency. It’s essential to check the refrigerant levels regularly and top them off when necessary. This should be done by a licensed professional to ensure it’s done safely and correctly.

5. Inspect the Electrical Connections

Electrical connections are responsible for powering the HVAC system. Over time, these connections can become loose or damaged, leading to power issues, inefficiencies, and even safety hazards. As part of your maintenance checklist, inspect the electrical connections to ensure they are tight and free from damage.

6. Lubricate Moving Parts

The moving parts of an HVAC system, such as the blower motor and fan, need to be lubricated regularly. This helps reduce friction, preventing wear and tear and extending the lifespan of the system. Lubrication should be carried out as part of your maintenance checklist to ensure the system is running smoothly and efficiently.

7. Test the Thermostat

The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature of the HVAC system. If it’s not working correctly, it can cause the system to overheat or underheat, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary energy costs. As part of your maintenance checklist, test the thermostat to ensure it’s regulating the temperature correctly.

8. Consider a Professional Inspection

While some maintenance tasks can be carried out by building owners or maintenance staff, it’s essential to have a licensed HVAC professional inspect the system at least once a year. A professional inspection can identify any potential issues before they become significant problems, so the system runs efficiently and safely.

Need HVAC Preventive Maintenance? Start With a Commercial HVAC Inspection From A&G

A&G keeps your HVAC system operating in excellent shape all year round. That includes helping you check everything off your HVAC maintenance list. Want to learn more about how we can help? Let’s talk.

Your Complete Spring HVAC Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Why Texas Businesses Should Emphasize HVAC Spring Maintenance

The hottest part of the year is coming, and as the heat rises, your HVAC system might struggle to keep up.