Trustworthy HVAC/R Maintenance for Your Business

Poor IAQ is often caused by inadequate ventilation, lack of fresh outdoor air, or contaminated air entering the building. Other common factors include poorly maintained HVAC/R systems, excess moisture or humidity leading to mold growth, and indoor activities like construction or the use of harsh cleaning products. Regular HVAC/R maintenance and proper ventilation are key to maintaining healthy air quality.

Good IAQ means maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity level, while ensuring a consistent supply of fresh outdoor air, and effectively controlling pollutants from both indoor and outdoor sources. These factors contribute to a healthier, more comfortable environment for building occupants.

Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air inside a building as it relates to the health and comfort of the occupants. Including factors such as temperature, humidity and the presence of airborne pollutants such as dust, mold, or chemicals.

You should replace your furnace air filter every 30 to 90 days, depending on the filter type and your indoor environment. Higher-quality filters may last longer, but it’s always important to use the correct size to ensure proper airflow and filtration. The filter is designed to capture dust, allergens, and other particles helping keep your air clean.

If it’s been more than 3 months since your last filter change – replace it right away.

Regular Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) is proactive, not reactive. Technicians identify and fix minor issues like loose connections, low refrigerant levels, or worn belts before they escalate into major failures. This significantly reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, ensuring continuous operation (uptime) and avoiding costly emergency repairs which can be 3 to 5 times more expensive than scheduled maintenance.

Commercial HVAC/R systems should typically be serviced at least twice a year (biannually)—once for the heating season and once for the cooling season. Systems with heavy usage or those critical to operations (e.g., data centers) may require quarterly or even more frequent checks. A customized PPM contract is the best approach for optimal uptime.

• Replacing/Cleaning Air Filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing the system to run longer and harder. They should be checked monthly and replaced/cleaned every 30-90 days.

• Cleaning Coils (Evaporator and Condenser): Dust and debris on coils impair heat transfer, dramatically reducing efficiency.

• Checking Refrigerant Levels: Incorrect refrigerant charge strains the system, reduces cooling capacity, and wastes energy.

• Duct Sealing: Sealing leaks in ductwork prevents conditioned air loss, ensuring the system efficiently delivers air where it's needed.

• Key standards and regulations include:

  • ASHRAE 90.1: Sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings.

  • ASHRAE 62.1: Defines minimum ventilation and indoor air quality standards.

  • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Regulations: Governs the handling, recovery, and disposal of refrigerants (e.g., under the Clean Air Act, Section 608) to prevent environmental harm.

  • OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Standards: Sets workplace safety requirements for technicians performing maintenance, including handling hazardous materials and working on elevated surfaces.

  • Local Building Codes: Varies by municipality and dictates specific installation, safety, and operational guidelines.