Is your commercial building not staying as warm or cool as it should?
Are your energy bills climbing, even though your system is running more than ever?
If you’ve ever wondered what really happens during an HVAC maintenance visit and whether it’s worth it, we’ve got you covered.
At Harold Brothers Mechanical, we’ve been helping businesses stay comfortable year-round with trusted HVAC services. Our licensed experts handle everything from simple tune-ups to full system replacements, and we believe great maintenance starts with knowing what’s actually being done.
In this article, you’ll find out exactly which parts of your HVAC system get checked, cleaned, and tuned, so you’ll feel confident about what to expect and why it’s important.
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Maintenance means checking your system to make sure it's working properly. It's like a checkup at the doctor's, but for your commercial building's HVAC system.
When a professional HVAC technician comes to perform a maintenance check, they inspect various parts of your system to ensure everything is clean, safe, and functioning properly.
Your HVAC system needs regular care to keep your commercial building comfortable and your energy bills low.
If parts are dirty or worn out, the system works harder than it needs to. That means higher energy use, more wear and tear, and even early breakdowns. Maintenance helps prevent those problems before they start.
The technician will check your air filter and replace it if needed. Clean filters maintain healthy indoor air quality throughout your commercial building and help your HVAC system work better. It’s good to change them every 1 to 3 months, depending on how much you use your system.
Your HVAC system uses electricity to run many of its parts.
The technician will check wires, relays, and circuits to make sure nothing is loose or damaged. Bad electrical connections can be dangerous and make your system less reliable.
When your AC runs, it removes moisture from the air. That water needs to drain out safely.
The condensate drain line can get clogged with dirt or algae. If it backs up, it can cause water damage or even make your AC stop working. A technician will flush the drain to make sure water flows out properly.
These coils are what help cool your building in the summer.
The evaporator coil, located inside your building, and the condenser coil, positioned outside, play critical roles in your HVAC system’s ability to cool your space effectively. When these coils accumulate dirt and debris, airflow becomes restricted, reducing the system’s efficiency. During a maintenance visit, the technician will carefully clean both coils to restore proper airflow and ensure your system operates at peak performance.
Refrigerant is what makes your AC cold.
If your system doesn’t have the right amount, it won’t cool properly. The technician will check the levels and look for leaks. If your system is low, they may need to fix a leak before adding more.
The blower fan moves air throughout your commercial space.
The technician will look at the blower motor and fan to make sure they’re working well. They’ll also check for strong, even airflow throughout all zones and occupied areas of the building. If the air feels weak, there might be a problem with the ducts or the fan.
Parts like motors and fans need to stay smooth and quiet.
If they get dry or dirty, they can wear out faster or make loud noises. Lubrication keeps everything moving easily and helps your system last longer.
For commercial buildings with heating systems, the technician will check the internal parts of your furnace.
This includes checking the burners, heat exchanger, and all safety controls. Identifying issues such as cracks in the heat exchanger is especially critical, as they can pose serious safety risks and lead to system failure. This inspection step is essential for maintaining both occupant safety and system reliability.
A technician will turn your system on and off to make sure it runs smoothly.
They’ll listen for strange noises and check if the system starts quickly and shuts down the right way. This helps spot any issues that only happen while the system is running.
Some companies also offer duct inspections during maintenance.
This helps identify leaks or blockages that may prevent air from reaching certain areas. While it’s not always part of regular maintenance, it’s good to ask if it can be included.
Skipping maintenance can lead to:
Just like skipping oil changes for your car, ignoring an HVAC system can lead to costly problems.
Most experts recommend:
Some companies even offer maintenance plans that remind you when it’s time to schedule.
Yes! Regular HVAC maintenance in commercial buildings can significantly reduce energy costs, extend the lifespan of your system, and ensure a safe, comfortable environment for occupants. It also allows you to identify and address minor issues early, before they escalate into costly repairs or unplanned downtime.
Many commercial property managers and operations teams don’t think about HVAC systems until something goes wrong.
At Harold Brothers Mechanical, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your HVAC system with expert maintenance, honest advice, and dependable service.
Want a deeper look at what takes place during a commercial HVAC maintenance visit? Read our article, “What Happens During a Commercial HVAC Preventative Maintenance Visit?” for a full breakdown.