How Commercial AC Maintenance Helps Your Business Save Money

In commercial buildings such as hotels, restaurants and offices, people often take working air conditioning (AC) systems as a given. Even if they overperform, these indoor spaces will always be cooler and more comfortable than the outdoors—right? 

Unfortunately, this isn’t always true—and when commercial AC systems break down, the consequences for business owners’ wallets may be quickly felt. Thankfully, these unit failures can be circumvented via regular inspections from a reputable heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company like Optimum Air Solutions. With over 20 years of experience inspecting and repairing a variety of commercial heating and cooling systems, we can ensure that your AC will function reliably whenever it is needed most. 

What is Commercial AC Maintenance?

Preventative commercial AC maintenance is the process of regularly inspecting your AC system for damage or causes for concern. This allows technicians to catch and fix problems while they are small, lowering repair costs and extending the lifespan of your equipment. Additionally, by improving the energy efficiency of your unit, your AC will not have to expend as much energy to cool your commercial property. This, in turn, may reduce your energy bill.

During these business AC tune-ups, technicians will likely complete a full system inspection before working on components including:

• Evaporator and condenser coils. These AC components cool indoor air and release trapped heat into the outdoor air, respectively. Inspecting and cleaning these coils helps to ensure that they are uncompromised and working as intended.
• Refrigerant. Not only will technicians check refrigerant levels, but they may also inspect refrigerant lines for leaks.
• Moving parts. These components will be lubricated in order to keep your AC running smoothly and prevent overheating. Additionally, any misaligned, worn or damaged parts will be readjusted, repaired or replaced as necessary.
• Condensate drain pans and drain lines. These components collect and drain the moisture which falls from evaporator coils, but may become clogged or damaged over time. Regular inspections can prevent or repair leakages, increased humidity levels and mold growth, among other potential issues.
• Thermostats. Technicians will ensure that your thermostat is reading your property’s internal temperature correctly, a function which enables it to trigger your AC or heater as necessary. 
• Gas and electrical connections. Over time, these components may leak, loosen or become damaged, potentially leading to reduced AC efficiency, breakdowns or even safety concerns. 
• Ductwork. If your commercial AC is a ducted system, technicians will check for issues including holes, loose seams and seals, and lacking or damaged insulation. These problems may lead to reduced energy efficiency due to cold air being lost or warmed as it passes through the ductwork. 

Can Business Owners Handle This Maintenance In-House?

Not all maintenance should wait six months to a year before being completed, nor is every task so technical that only a professional can manage it. AC upkeep methods which you can take care of personally or assign to your team include:

• Changing air filters. While technicians will likely remove and replace any dirty or clogged filters during their inspection, they should generally be changed out every three months.
• Cleaning easily accessible vents. Running a damp cloth along external vent covers can help keep these components free of clogs.
• Clearing foliage from around outdoor units. This task, as well as pulling out any foliage which has infiltrated the unit, may prevent component damage.

How Preventative Commercial AC Maintenance Can Save You Money

For a finance-focused business owner, preventative commercial HVAC maintenance may fall by the wayside over time. After all, wouldn’t it cost less to fix issues as they crop up, rather than spend money on maintenance which may not be necessary? But while business AC tune-ups may seem like a frivolous expense, they can be huge cost-savers in the long-term. Some potential benefits of preventative commercial AC maintenance include:

1. Mechanical 

• Improved energy efficiency, which may reduce your energy bill over time.
• Mitigated full system breakdowns, which could leave your property without air conditioning for a full day, if not longer. You may even need to close down your business if the replacement is too extensive or if it is too hot outside to have people indoors without a functional AC system.
• Reduced repair costs. By catching issues early, technicians can fix them while they are small instead of allowing them to grow into larger, more costly problems. A well-maintained AC system will also likely need fewer repairs than one which is not regularly inspected.
• Fulfilled warranty requirements. Many equipment warranties require annual AC maintenance, and failing to comply may void your warranty. This may leave you responsible for the full cost of your AC repairs and replacements.

1. Professional 

• Improved employee productivity. Poor air quality or air flow due to a compromised AC system may cause employees to lose focus. As such, the speed and accuracy of their output may be reduced.
• Boosted customer comfort. A poorly maintained AC may make customers, clients or tenants uncomfortable and irritable due to increased air pollutants and indoor temperatures. This may, in turn, make patrons less willing to spend time in your property, as well as present a safety concern during heat waves.
• Continued food safety. Exposing perishables—and even dry foods—to unstable or high temperatures and unregulated humidity may lead to issues including bacteria growth, moisture buildup and pest infestations. Additionally, compromised ACs may be susceptible to mold growth and poor air filtration performance, potentially allowing contaminants into areas where cleanliness is of the utmost importance. For example, restaurant kitchens. 

Contact Optimum Air Solutions and Schedule a Business AC Inspection Today

For business owners, scheduling regular commercial AC maintenance is about more than just keeping your system functional. It allows you to maximize your savings by reducing energy and repair costs, boosting employee productivity, and maintaining the comfort and safety of visitors and tenants. Even once-per-year inspections can help keep your AC system in good working order, ensuring that it performs reliably even during extended heat waves.

Almost as important as the AC maintenance itself is the HVAC company you work with. Qualified technicians like Optimum Air Solutions will conduct comprehensive inspections, cleanings and tune-ups to ensure that every aspect of your AC unit is functioning properly. And with over 20 years of experience, our team can work on all makes and models of systems including cooling, ventilation and refrigeration in order to meet your business’ needs. So if you are looking to improve the efficiency of your commercial AC system, give us a call or send us a message today.