If you operate a commercial business in NYC, you probably recognize the dangers your HVAC system faces in such a densely populated city. On top of that, operating within local regulations and providing a safe working environment for your occupants tenants is certainly no easy feat. That said, it’s essential for your business to have an HVAC preventive maintenance plan in place and a reliable team to execute said plan.
From reduced costs and big savings to increased energy efficiency, here’s why having a preventive maintenance plan can best serve your business.
HVAC Preventive Maintenance Reduces Costs
One important aspect of HVAC preventive maintenance is the fact it can help reduce energy costs.
Consider this: would you rather pay one fee upfront to have maintenance services performed on your HVAC system, or would you rather pay a piling list of fees due to an increasing number of problems your HVAC system causes? Preferably the former, right? Well, with preventive maintenance, you can make sure that your HVAC system remains in good health and working condition — thus avoiding said piling list of fees and the need for repairs.
Some items that are top priority to inspect are…
- Thermostat
- Compressor
- Condenser coils
- Heat pumps
- Gas furnace
- Cooling systems
- Heaters
- Air filters
Increased Energy Efficiency
As previously stated, HVAC preventive maintenance reduces the need for repairs. When your HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency, it will be consuming less energy than normal. This means that any problems with your system will be easier to spot and fix before they become big problems.
On top of that, according to U.S. Department of Energy (via the Indoor Air Quality Association), you can save upwards of 30% on your energy bills after conducting preventive maintenance.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
HVAC preventive maintenance also leads to improved indoor air quality — a crucial component in ensuring the safety of your building’s occupants. Cleaning out all of the intricate parts of your HVAC system is important, especially considering the moisture that can build up in your system.
Consider the condensation that builds up as a result of heat transfer. As this gets deposited in the drain pan, it creates the perfect breeding ground for microbes and other bacteria to form. As bacteria thrives in warm, dark environments, your building occupants can be exposed to air that is harmful and injurious to their health.
As a result, festering bacteria can lead to outbreaks of illness. Take legionella for example; its growth can lead to the potentially deadly Legionnaires disease in the office. According to OSHA, “Around 6,000 Legionnaires’ disease cases are reported each year in the United States,” though “scientists believe the reported totals are much lower than the actual cases due in part to the difficulty in distinguishing Legionnaires’ disease from other types of pneumonia.”
Symptoms include headache, fatigue, chest pain, nausea, and abdominal pain. Be sure to be mindful of this and other symptoms that may arise in your building’s occupants!
Environmental Protection through HVAC Preventive Maintenance
Not only is HVAC preventative maintenance good for your system and your occupants, it’s also good for the environment. Perhaps you’ve heard of Local Law 97, a legislative initiative that requires businesses to reduce their carbon footprint greatly by 2025.
While preventive maintenance won’t necessarily put you ahead of the curve in regards to LL97, it will give you an idea of the scope required for compliance. Having a healthy HVAC system means that you can run it efficiently and, in turn, for less time than usual. In performing such maintenance, you can ensure that your HVAC system isn’t overworking and pumping harmful irritants into the outside air.
Performing HVAC Preventive Maintenance with Donnelly
At Donnelly, we want to ensure that your New York City facility -based building is operating at optimal efficiency. Our team of trained professionals can diagnose any problems your HVAC system may have — whether it’s physical damage, leaky vents, or poor indoor air quality.
With services ranging from HVAC preventive maintenance maintenance to 24/7 emergency repairs, Donnelly has your back for all your clean air needs. To learn more about our services, please visit our website and give us a call today!