Yes, regular HVAC maintenance can significantly reduce your energy costs. When your system runs efficiently, it uses less power to heat or cool the same space, which means you spend less money each month.
Harold Brothers has worked with hundreds of building owners and facility managers across Massachusetts who were shocked to find how much energy they were wasting on equipment that hadn’t been properly maintained. After cleaning coils, sealing ducts, and tuning controls, many saw their monthly energy bills drop by 10–25% without replacing any equipment.
In this article, we’ll explain why neglected HVAC systems drive up your energy bills, what’s actually involved in proper maintenance and how it improves efficiency, how much money you can realistically save, and when maintenance alone might not be enough to solve the problem.
Why Do HVAC Systems Drive Up My Energy Costs?
In most commercial buildings, HVAC systems account for about 40% of total energy use according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s a huge portion of your operating costs, and it can climb higher if your system isn’t regularly maintained.
Here’s why:
Dirty Filters Restrict Airflow
When filters are clogged, your equipment has to work harder to push air through. That extra strain can raise energy use by up to 15%.
Dusty or Blocked Coils Reduce Heat Transfer
The evaporator and condenser coils are responsible for moving heat in and out of your building. When they’re dirty, your HVAC system becomes less effective and runs longer to achieve the same result.
Leaky Ductwork Wastes Conditioned Air
According to ENERGY STAR, leaking ducts can lose up to 30% of the air your system moves, which means you’re paying to heat or cool air that never reaches your occupants.
Unbalanced Refrigerant or Faulty Sensors
When the refrigerant charge isn’t correct or a sensor is malfunctioning, the compressor runs inefficiently, using more electricity and shortening its lifespan.
Small issues like these don’t just raise your utility bills; they also cause comfort complaints, uneven temperatures, and eventually expensive breakdowns.
What Does HVAC Maintenance Actually Include?
A proper maintenance plan isn’t just a quick visual check. It’s a detailed, hands-on process that keeps every part of your HVAC system running efficiently. During a typical service visit, your technician will replace dirty filters and clean the coils to keep airflow steady and heat transfer strong.
They’ll also check refrigerant levels to make sure the compressor isn’t overworking and calibrate thermostats so your building’s controls match real-world conditions. Ducts are inspected and sealed to prevent energy loss, while motors, belts, and bearings are lubricated to reduce friction and extend the life of mechanical components.
Finally, technicians clear drain lines and clean sensors to prevent water damage and inaccurate readings.
Each of these steps helps your system work less to do more, and that’s the real key to lowering your energy use and keeping utility bills in check.
HVAC Maintenance Checklist
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Task |
Completed |
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Replace or clean air filters regularly |
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Clean evaporator and condenser coils |
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Check and adjust refrigerant levels |
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Calibrate thermostats and building controls |
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Inspect and seal ductwork to prevent leaks |
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Lubricate motors, belts, and moving parts |
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Clear condensate drain lines and clean sensors |
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Verify proper system airflow and temperature balance |
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Review maintenance logs for recurring issues |
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Schedule seasonal tune-ups (spring and fall) |
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How Can Regular Maintenance Lower My Utility Bills?
The savings from proper HVAC maintenance depend on your system’s age, size, and how often it runs, but typical commercial buildings in Massachusetts can expect to save 10–25% on annual utility costs.
To put that into perspective, if your building spends $50,000 a year on electricity, saving just 15% adds up to $7,500 back in your budget every single year.
And that’s just the start. Regular maintenance can also:
- Prevent costly breakdowns
- Extend the life of your system by 3–5 years
- Improve indoor air quality and comfort
- Reduce tenant complaints and downtime
According to ENERGY STAR and Mass Save, consistent HVAC maintenance is one of the most effective ways to control operating costs without major capital investment.
When Is HVAC Maintenance No Longer Enough to Save Energy?
Maintenance can do a lot, but it can’t fix everything. If your system is more than 15 years old or still uses outdated refrigerants like R-22, even the best care won’t bring it up to modern efficiency standards.
You may also be losing energy through building envelope issues, poor insulation, or inefficient controls. In those cases, it might make sense to explore:
- A Building Management System (BMS) to automate temperature control
- High-efficiency HVAC replacements with variable-speed fans and compressors
- Envelope upgrades like better insulation and window sealing
The good news is that maintenance helps you make that decision with real data. You’ll know exactly what’s working and what’s not before spending on new equipment.
Why Is HVAC Maintenance About More Than Just Saving Money?
For many building managers, the biggest benefit of HVAC maintenance isn’t just the lower utility bills; it’s the reliability that comes with it. Regularly scheduled service visits provide early warnings about potential issues, help track system performance over time, and significantly reduce the chances of unexpected breakdowns or budget surprises.
Think of it like an annual physical for your building’s heart and lungs. A little care now can prevent a lot of pain later.
What’s the Real Takeaway on HVAC Maintenance and Energy Savings?
Yes, better HVAC maintenance really can lower your utility bills. By cleaning, tuning, and inspecting your system regularly, you reduce wasted energy, extend equipment life, and improve comfort throughout your building.
Neglect is expensive. Even small issues like dirty coils or leaky ducts can quietly drive up your costs month after month.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward lowering your energy use even more, read our article on Massachusetts Commercial HVAC Incentives to learn how local programs and rebates can help you save on upgrades and efficiency improvements.
At Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors, we’ve helped facility managers and building owners across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire save energy, lower costs, and get more life from their systems through professional maintenance. If your HVAC has been running nonstop and your bills are climbing, we can help you find out why and fix it before it gets worse.
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