Maintaining Commercial HVAC Systems in 2021

Commercial HVAC System Maintenance in 2021

Well-informed facility managers already understood indoor air quality (IAQ) was important to occupants and guests, but the pandemic has highlighted the need for the safety, health, and comfort of all as our society slowly re-opens. According to a report released by Honeywell, 75% of surveyed U.S. facility managers say COVID-19 has caused them to permanently rethink how their facility operates.

Nearly six in 10 respondents are more likely to invest in indoor air quality optimization and other healthy building solutions.1

Further, the economic advantage of keeping a clean, well-maintained HVAC system includes:

Here are four Commercial HVAC System maintenance steps that will impact IAQ and save your business money.

Commercial HVAC System Maintenance Tip: Clean Ducts Regularly

Indoor air contains dust, pollen, mold spores, and, yes, bacteria and viruses. The HVAC blowers circulate the air well, but when the blower stops, gravity takes over. Airborne particles begin to fall, and particles inside the ductwork are deposited in the ducts. Some particles will remain where they land, creating an ideal source of food for microorganisms. Other particles continue to recirculate until trapped in an air filter.

A professional duct cleaning crew will begin with an inspection, looking for large items trapped inside the duct. Specialized equipment, including an industrial-strength vacuum system with a HEPA filter, loosens dust buildup and removes it from the building. A chemical disinfectant solution will ensure a clean surface, free of microbial growth.

How often should you clean ductwork? Each building has different criteria—a hospital and a small retail building will need different care. Consult a trusted HVAC professional for further assistance.

Commercial HVAC System Maintenance Tip: Replace Filters Often

Air filters are the essential barrier that stops contaminants and keeps them from re-entering indoor space. Filters will continue to catch particles and will eventually become clogged and restrict airflow. Changing filters ensures clean air and helps the entire system function efficiently.

The size of your facility(s) will determine whether this is a simple matter of replacing one filter or several hours of work. In most settings, filters need to be changed at least every three months; check with your HVAC professional for further assistance.

Commercial HVAC System Maintenance Tip: Clean Air Conditioning Coils

Air conditioners remove humidity from the air and that work is completed by the evaporator coils. These coils remain dark and wet during the cooling season, attracting any particles that come through the system. This is an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. Biological growth will contribute to a musty odor. Mold spores are a dangerous and harmful contaminate.

Since evaporator coils can be located in hard-to-reach spaces and are best cleaned with specialized equipment and solutions, most facility managers will call an HVAC professional to clean evaporator coils.

Commercial HVAC System Maintenance Tip: Cooling Tower Cleaning

Large facility cooling systems may use water as a refrigerant in chillers and cooling towers. Municipal water supplies quite often contain dissolved chemicals, such as lime. These minerals can build up and the resulting scales can clog water lines.

Just like the evaporator coils, cooling towers can also be an ideal spot for the growth of mold or infectious bacteria, such as Legionella.

Cooling towers should be inspected for scale and slimy biological growth on a monthly basis. There are several descaling and disinfecting solutions available. At the completion of the cooling season, the whole system should be drained and thoroughly cleaned, descaled, and disinfected.

A Professional Custom Commercial HVAC System Cleaning Plan

Since commercial facilities include buildings large and small, with a diverse spectrum of uses—hospitals and laboratories, multi-story office complexes or hotels, malls, government buildings, and restaurants, HVAC professionals will customize a PM program for your facility.

Technicians will make themselves familiar with “your” building, its components, and cleaning requirements. A schedule may include monthly, quarterly, or annual visits as needed. The proper equipment and supplies will be available for each HVAC component.

Interested in Commercial HVAC System Maintenance?

Our four decades of experience as a commercial HVAC Unit contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise in Commercial HVAC System maintenance.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

Maintaining Commercial HVAC Systems in 2021

1 Source: https://www.achrnews.com/articles/145099-honeywell-survey-reveals-healthier-buildings-top-the-list-of-back-to-work-priorities

Full Service Air Conditioning & Heating, Commercial HVAC, Ductless HVAC and
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