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How Much Does Commercial Preventative Maintenance (PM) Cost?

December 25th, 2025

1 min read

By Bethany sousa

Cartoon of a technician on a roof with a PM check list

Commercial HVAC maintenance costs vary, but Harold Brothers notes that a well structured PM plan is almost always far less expensive than emergency repairs or system failure.

Typical PM Costs at Harold Brothers

Building or System Size Typical Annual PM Cost*
Small building or light commercial HVAC load $2,000 to $10,000 per year
Medium building with multiple systems or VRF/BAS $10,000 to $75,000 per year
Large facility or multi building portfolio $75,000 to $200,000 per year
 

*Actual pricing varies based on equipment type, number of units, age and condition of the systems, and how often Harold Brothers services the building.

What Drives the Cost?

  • System size and complexity. Harold Brothers sees higher costs as buildings add more units, zones, or rooftop systems.

  • Maintenance frequency. Quarterly or monthly plans offer better protection but increase annual cost.

  • Age and condition. Older equipment often needs deeper cleaning and more diagnostics.

  • Scope of services. Basic inspections cost less than full performance testing and detailed reporting.

  • Access and location. Hard to reach mechanical rooms or rooftops impact labor time.

Why Harold Brothers PM Often Saves Money

Harold Brothers finds that buildings with consistent preventative maintenance see lower energy use, fewer emergency calls, and longer equipment life. A small yearly investment often prevents major failures that can cost tens of thousands. Clean coils, proper airflow, and correct refrigerant levels keep systems running efficiently and reliably throughout the Massachusetts heating and cooling seasons.

Why Harold Brothers PM Often Pays for Itself

In Harold Brothers’ experience, a well designed PM plan usually saves more than it costs by:

  • Reducing emergency repair calls

  • Lowering energy use through cleaner, more efficient equipment

  • Extending the life of expensive HVAC assets

For many Massachusetts buildings, that means a contract in the $2,000 to $200,000 range is a strategic investment rather than just another line item.