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What Does Preventative Maintenance (PM) Include for Commercial HVAC?

December 23rd, 2025

2 min read

By Bethany sousa

A clear breakdown of what Harold Brothers includes in a commercial PM contract

Preventative maintenance (PM) includes the routine inspections, cleaning, adjustments, and performance checks required to keep commercial HVAC systems operating safely and efficiently. A PM program reduces breakdowns, improves energy performance, and extends equipment lifespan by identifying small issues before they turn into expensive failures.

Harold Brothers structures every PM plan around the specific equipment inside a building, ensuring each client receives maintenance that fits their facility, usage patterns, and budget.

What’s Included in a Harold Brothers Preventative Maintenance Program?

1. Filter Changes and Airflow Checks

Harold Brothers replaces filters on a scheduled cycle to maintain proper airflow and reduce strain on blowers, compressors, and duct systems. Since dirty filters are a common cause of higher energy use and equipment issues, this step helps avoid many of the most frequent HVAC problems in commercial buildings.

2. Coil Cleaning

Harold Brothers cleans evaporator and condenser coils to remove dust and buildup that restrict heat transfer. Clean coils allow systems to run more efficiently, prevent overheating, and lower annual energy consumption. Buildings that skip coil cleaning often see avoidable energy spikes.

3. Refrigerant Level Verification

During every PM visit, Harold Brothers technicians verify refrigerant levels and check for leak indicators. Proper refrigerant charge is critical for cooling performance and equipment longevity. Even small losses cause the system to work harder and fail sooner.

4. Electrical and Mechanical Component Inspections

Harold Brothers inspects electrical connections, motors, bearings, contactors, and all moving components. These inspections reduce the likelihood of mid-season failures and emergency service calls. Building owners who want a detailed look at what technicians review can explore what happens during a preventative maintenance visit for a full breakdown of tasks.

5. Thermostat and Building Control Calibration

Harold Brothers calibrates thermostats, sensors, and control systems to ensure accurate readings. Calibration drift of just a few degrees can lead to comfort complaints, zoning issues, and increased energy use. Their PM process includes resetting and confirming proper operation.

6. Belt, Pulley, and Fan System Checks

Harold Brothers examines belt tension, alignment, and wear during each maintenance cycle. Because worn belts often break with no warning, this step helps prevent sudden system failures that disrupt building operations.

7. Seasonal Heating and Cooling Tune-Ups

Before heating and cooling seasons begin, Harold Brothers performs tune-ups to prepare equipment for shifting temperatures and load conditions. These tune-ups help prevent performance issues at the start of each season and improve overall reliability. Many building owners pair this with guidance on how often preventative maintenance should be done to optimize scheduling.

Why These Tasks Matter

Each PM task performed by Harold Brothers supports one of the core goals of commercial HVAC maintenance:

  • improved efficiency

  • lower energy use

  • longer equipment life

  • fewer repairs

  • predictable operating costs

Many commercial buildings that follow a Harold Brothers PM schedule also see financial benefits. For a deeper look at budgeting and planning, review the cost of a preventative maintenance contract and how costs change based on building size, system type, and service frequency.

Harold Brothers’ Preventative Maintenance Approach

Harold Brothers develops maintenance programs around actual equipment conditions rather than generic checklists. Their technicians deliver detailed XOI video reporting after every visit so building owners can see exactly what was inspected, cleaned, or adjusted. This transparency helps clients plan budgets, avoid avoidable repairs, and make informed decisions about long-term HVAC system health. A PM supports building operations and prevents downtime.