Spring is the perfect time to have your commercial HVAC equipment serviced, before cooling season starts! Performing necessary cleaning and maintenance tasks will help prevent costly emergency equipment repairs and also produces substantial energy savings over the lifetime of your HVAC equipment.
When it comes to preventive maintenance, cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils in your commercial HVAC equipment should be at the top of your pre-season maintenance checklist. That includes all types of HVAC equipment— from package rooftop units to refrigeration coils to air handlers — coils collect all types of dirt, dust, pollen, and grime that build up in your systems over time. Being proactive with routine coil cleaning of your commercial HVAC system pays for itself. Not only in terms of avoiding emergency repairs, but also in regards to better control over budget costs and consistent indoor air quality for your facility.
Still need convincing? Here are 6 reasons why coil cleaning should be a top priority this Spring.
#1 – Extend the life of your commercial HVAC system.
Product longevity is a major factor in keeping equipment costs down. The less often you have to repair or purchase a new unit, the better it is for your facilities budget. And one of the best ways to achieve product longevity is through routine preventive maintenance. Neglecting the coils in your HVAC system leads to an accumulation of dust and debris, and over time all that ‘build up’ can cause your unit to have to work harder and run longer. This results in an interruption in service due to issues like overheated motors, raising the chances that the unit breaks down or dies sooner than it should. Investing in planned commercial HVAC coil cleaning can actually save money on your overall HVAC investment because you won’t have to pay for unplanned repairs or the purchase of brand new units.
#2 – Reduce your energy costs with better unit efficiency.
When you’re in charge of facilities, you have to consider more than just the cost of equipment: you have to contend with ongoing energy usage and the associated costs as well. Commercial HVAC units with dirty coils won’t be running at peak efficiency. In fact, just the opposite. The accumulation of grime on coils reduces the amount of airflow, limiting heat transfer and degrading the dehumidification process. This reduced efficiency adds up quickly in higher energy costs, such as 5-ton units barely operating at a 3-ton level. As a result, you’re drawing more amps to push the same amount of air through your system, and a higher amp draw means higher utility bills. The U.S. Department of Energy warns that “a dirty condenser coil can increase compressor energy consumption by 30%.” The bottom line is: a dirty coil can devastate your energy budget, with long-term costs far outweighing the cost of a thorough cleaning – not to mention the environmental impact of excessive energy usage.
#3 – Improve facility conditions with a system that works as it should.
Commercial HVAC systems that haven’t been cleaned or maintained properly, will start to have a noticeable impact at your facility. If you’re setting the temperature to 70 degrees, but the system can’t seem to cool the room past 74, it’s a clear indicator that your HVAC isn’t operating at peak performance. And beyond the fact that dirty coils can cause uncomfortable temperatures in your facility, they are also a breeding ground for mold, bacteria and other contaminants that can adversely impact indoor air quality. Cleaning coils can resolve those issues quickly, ensuring that everyone who relies on that HVAC system is comfortable, satisfied and safe.
#4 – Lessen your chances of system downtime.
Coil cleaning is an essential component in preventive maintenance for commercial HVAC systems, and without it, your units are far more likely to require costly repairs or need to be replaced much sooner than necessary. System downtime is never convenient, and in fact, can be devastating for any type of business. Routine maintenance can help predict when failure is likely to occur, allowing you to find a solution to problems before they escalate into expensive emergencies. Not only is the productivity of employees impacted when the heat or air conditioning is down, but it can also affect a customer’s decision to return to your place of business. Taking care of your HVAC equipment isn’t just a smart business decision — it’s necessary.
#5 – Spring cleaning involves cleaning up spring debris like cottonwood.
The best time to get coil cleaning underway is at the start of the year — spring to be more specific. Airborne pollen and plant debris, like cottonwood and dandelion seeds, are notorious for making their appearance in the spring season. These clinging outdoor contaminates are everywhere, and they can be a nightmare for your commercial rooftop HVAC system. The buds clog up the condensing coil, which dramatically affects heat transfer and prevents your units from cooling effectively. If you don’t thoroughly clean your HVAC coils, your units simply won’t be able to run at peak efficiency once the warmer temperatures set in.
#6 – Clean your system thoroughly to reduce maintenance needs later.
The fact is, commercial HVAC systems need to be cleaned at minimum once per year depending on system location and usage. Equipment that has no downtime in a facility that runs 24/7 may require additional cleanings. Make sure your equipment is properly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Routine coil cleaning is a simple and inexpensive way to improve system reliability, save on repairs, maintain consistent comfort for building occupants and save on energy bills.
Let us create a customized preventive maintenance agreement for your commercial HVAC equipment. We love discussing commercial HVAC solutions and can help you succeed in implementing routine maintenance at your facility. Call our office 914-767-0515 or email us at info@dpwolff.com to get started!