It’s easy to forget about your business’s commercial HVAC system… until it breaks down at the worst possible moment. Getting caught in this all-too-common scenario can seriously impact your bottom line. But when you prioritize proactive HVAC service the risk of a breakdown drops to virtually zero.
We know because at AC Power & Comfort we’ve served the commercial HVAC needs of local businesses for 20+ years. Our biggest piece of advice for any commercial facility is: don’t ignore your HVAC system’s regular maintenance needs.
Read on to understand the importance of proactive HVAC service how it benefits your business and why it’s especially important in Florida’s extreme climate.
What is Proactive HVAC Service?
Proactive HVAC service means you have HVAC maintenance and inspections performed based on industry guidelines rather than waiting for something to break down.
Think of it this way: changing your vehicle’s oil when it’s recommended—as opposed to when your engine starts smoking—is proactive vehicle maintenance.
Prioritizing proactive HVAC service looks much the same. You’re doing things like making sure your HVAC filters are changed on time scheduling tune-ups for your chiller and cooling tower and making sure your coils stay clean.
And when you go this route breakdowns happen rarely—if ever. Any worn components or potential issues will be noticed before they become an emergency. This is the opposite of reactive HVAC service where you have to sit on your hands while waiting for crucial HVAC components to ship.
Potential Consequences of Waiting for a Breakdown
Some people mistakenly think it’s cheaper and more effective to put off maintenance until it’s urgent. But the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” approach just isn’t wise here.
Your HVAC system doesn’t fail all at once—first certain components become strained. Once they can no longer bear the added workload then the breakdown happens. But if you’d noticed the issue early on the repair would’ve likely been more affordable and taken less time.
Here are some other serious consequences you might face if you wait for a breakdown:
- Delayed repairs – As supply chain issues continue to plague our industry you may have to wait days for the specific part you urgently need
- Loss of productivity – Your workforce and equipment almost certainly won’t be as efficient while your HVAC system is offline
- Drop in revenue – Customers may not want to spend time in your space or make purchases due to the environmental discomfort
- Costly service work – Breakdowns often require a more seasoned technician more hours of labor and more expensive replacement parts
What are the Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance?
The benefits of prioritizing regular HVAC maintenance for your commercial or industrial space are:
- Better IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) – This is good for your workforce’s productivity your customers’ comfort and your sensitive equipment’s lifespan
- Boost energy efficiency – A well-maintained system uses less energy which means savings on your energy bills
- Predictable spending – Knowing the price for your maintenance visits and when they’re scheduled makes budgeting as easy as can be
- Long-term savings – When you aren’t paying for expensive urgent repairs or shelling out for a brand-new system earlier than expected the savings add up fast
- Peace of mind – You can say goodbye to losing sleep over every little sound that comes from your HVAC components
Florida’s Climate Vs. Your HVAC System
In every commercial HVAC system certain components act as a “workhorse.” When these fail or break the rest of your system can’t function:
- Compressor (Seized burnout or shorted to ground)
- Condenser coil (microchannel Coils leaks at the bottom liquidline)
- Evaporator coil (Ice-up which can lead to hairline fractures in-between tubes)
- Condenser fan motor (Seized motor or burnt terminals)
- Evaporator fan motor (Shorted to ground or worn bearings)
- Components for HVAC controls (Pitted contacts on contactors defective pressure controllers oxidized wires etc)
Even for the leading brands and models you can’t get these parts overnight. This can be especially stressful for South Florida businesses since our climate is rarely conducive to the work happening indoors.
You don’t want your employees or your delicate equipment in a hot humid space for days on end. But that’s exactly what can happen when you choose not to invest in proactive HVAC service.
How Can Regular Service Improve HVAC System Performance During Extreme Weather?
Here’s how regular service can improve HVAC system performance during extreme weather in Florida:
- Maximizes efficiency – All components are clean and lubricated so your HVAC system will be able to perform well even under maximum load
- Prevents breakdowns – You don’t have to worry about system failure because refrigerant will be topped off and every moving part is in excellent condition
- Better airflow – Since your ducts are clean and fans/blowers are functioning properly airflow will reach all parts of your building
- Maintain IAQ – A healthy HVAC system will keep indoor air pure and reduce the risk of interior mold growth
- Extends HVAC lifespan – Extreme weather can strain poorly maintained systems which cuts its overall lifespan
Having additional parts in stock is crucial for a commercial building. For example equipment like cooling towers boilers or chillers require pumps to move water throughout the building. Since these pumps are connected to motors having an additional pump on hand can truly prevent downtime. Therefore maintaining some form of redundancy is smart and aligns perfectly with being proactive.
Protect Your Profits with a Proactive HVAC Service Contract
At the end of the day you want your business to turn a profit. But when your HVAC system isn’t receiving preventative maintenance you can get stuck in a “one step forward two steps back” cycle.
Anytime you start to feel like you’re creating momentum you have to spend your profits on expensive unexpected HVAC repairs—and worst of all you can’t run your business while you wait for the parts to come in.
This is why a proactive HVAC service contract can be such a smart investment. You’ll know ahead of time exactly when each appointment is as well as the expected cost. Even if a repair is necessary it’ll be far less urgent and costly than waiting for a breakdown. Call AC Power & Comfort at (561) 405-5946 (Palm Beach) or (954) 204-8399 (Broward) to learn more about our contract options.
