Commercial air conditioners require regular maintenance for efficient performance. Whether your building is a business office, retail store, or apartment complex, these routine maintenance tasks are the most efficient ways to prevent problems and help conserve the lifespan of your HVAC system.

Change Air Filters Consistently

The air filter is an important component of your commercial air conditioner. This device keeps dirt, dust, and other particulates out of the internal workings of your HVAC system. Over time, however, these particles can block and clog your filter. This restricts airflow and makes the air conditioner use more energy or stop working altogether.

Experts recommend changing your filter every three months. While most businesses stick with this schedule and change filters at least four times a year, you should switch filters out more often if they are visibly clogged or dirty. Buildings with greater amounts of dust, dirt, pet dander, or other airborne particulates should change the filters more often. To stay on the safe side, you can check the filters once a month and hire a professional HVAC service to ensure proper installation.

Calibrate the System Biannually

It is crucial to check your system controls to ensure they are in excellent working order. System controls include functions like the thermostat and operating sensors. These checkpoints correspond with weather changes that can cause indoor temperature to rapidly increase or decrease. Experts recommend checking the system controls at least once before winter and again before the summer months.

An HVAC professional can then make adjustments or calibrations to properly reflect these seasonal changes. Allowing a professional to make these changes can help conserve energy and reduce the wear and tear on your system. In addition to seasonal changes, you can also consult an HVAC service after any business or pattern changes. For example, consider the need for calibration if activities have increased in certain parts of the building or your company’s operating schedule has changed. A maintenance service can determine the right setting to suit your business needs.

Inspect Drainage Lines Regularly

Air conditioners create water vapor throughout the cooling process. This water vapor soon condenses into water droplets. Over time, the HVAC system must filter these water droplets out of the building to prevent structural damage. Most commercial AC units achieve this by collecting the water droplets into a tray or pan with a drainage tube. The moisture left in the tray will naturally evaporate into the surrounding air.

Unfortunately, the damp tray can provide the perfect host environment for microbes like bacteria, algae, indoor allergens, mildew, and mold. At the very least, an unchecked water tray can simply overflow and cause damage to the building. To prevent this, request to have a professional HVAC service check and clear drainage lines. A professional can remove any blockage from your drain system or collection pan. In addition, an experienced professional can also provide information about using an algaecide or mold remover to prevent organic growth.

Repair Leaks and Replace Refrigerant

A professional commercial HVAC service can perform tests and inspect your refrigerant levels. The air conditioner refrigerant is fluid that produces a cooling effect while the unit performs its vaporization. HVAC professionals can check this chemical to ensure that your unit maintains manufacturer-recommended levels. The inspector can add more refrigerant if necessary.

Other forms of inspection include checking for malfunctioning components such as disconnected pipes, rust buildup, broken water pumps, or dirty refrigerant lines. A professional HVAC service has the right tools to perform repairs in the event of leaks or unit damage.

Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Commercial air conditioner units have evaporator and condenser coils that are constantly exposed to circulating air. Because this air is not always clean, the condensation left behind can create deposits and buildup that can lead to mold, algae, fungi, mildew, or other debris. These contaminants can significantly compromise the performance of your unit, and they can eventually cause structural damage to the surrounding area.

Fortunately, an HVAC professional can check evaporator and condenser coils at least twice a year. Many HVAC services use tools like motorized cleaners or pressurized air to remove any harmful buildup on interior coils. Trained professionals can also replace any damaged coils.

Check Ducts, Belts, and Bearings

To operate efficiently, most air conditioner units contain belts, bearings, and other moveable parts. These parts are subjected to constant grinding during the hottest summer months. Schedule regular testing of the belts and bearings to ensure that these parts can move freely or smoothly.

An HVAC technician can add lubricant to reduce wear and avoid the need to replace your unit altogether. Similarly, an HVAC technician can examine your duct system and verify that all components remain tightly packed. They can repair broken ductwork or insulate existing ducts with industry equipment like fiberboard or fiberglass.

Clean the Exterior Air Conditioner Unit

While it is essential to keep interior components pristine, it is also important to clean the exterior portion of your air conditioning system. Any outdoor components of an HVAC system should remain clear of materials that compromise airflow. For example, businesses should remove old leaves, sticks, grass, pebbles, or rocks that block vents around the outdoor unit. Similarly, businesses should trim vegetation like hedges or shrubs to enable plenty of room around the outdoor HVAC unit.

Examine and Tighten Electrical Connections

All air conditioning units contain electrical connections that require professional maintenance to function properly. Loose or faulty electrical connections can cause operation problems as well as pose a safety hazard. A professional HVAC service can check your system for problems like torn, frayed, or corroded wiring. The technician can also check for and troubleshoot issues with fuses, breaker switches, or outlets. These issues may require either tightening or replacement.

Because of the nature of electrical connections, it is important to avoid trying to alter these components yourself. Instead, you can work with a licensed and trained professional to ensure all wiring operates correctly within your unit.

Choose the Top Professional HVAC Service

An efficient commercial air conditioner can help ensure a safe and productive working environment. No matter the business type, maintaining the right temperature can make the premises comfortable for customers and employees. Although it may feel tempting to avoid maintenance or attempt to resolve issues yourself, doing so can result in more costs and damage in the long run. It could also void any warranties. The best approach is to contact a professional HVAC service to conduct diagnostics, repair, or replacement of your commercial air conditioner.

Mackey Services provides reliable air conditioning maintenance for the greater Houston area. These services include system installations as well as troubleshooting and repair. Mackey Services can also provide indoor air quality checkups and licensed electrical maintenance and repair. No matter the season, scheduling routine air conditioner maintenance can ensure that the unit in your Houston business achieves optimal performance throughout the year. Call us today to schedule your yearly maintenance.

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