Annual Commercial AC Maintenance Tips For Facility Managers

Proper maintenance of a commercial air conditioning system can improve unit performance, reduce energy costs, prolong equipment life, and prevent costly repairs. As a facility manager, it's essential to develop an annual maintenance schedule for AC equipment. A schedule ensures no component goes without proper care. Below is a simplified checklist you can use to maintain AC equipment in your commercial building.

Inspect the Air Conditioner

Conduct visual inspection every few weeks, especially during the summer. These inspections unearth any underlying problems that may affect the performance of the air conditioning unit. Check for system leaks, rust of metal components, clogs due to dust accumulation, mold, and disconnections. Some areas to check include:

• Refrigerant system
• Condenser unit
• Electrical wires and connections
• Condensate lines and pans
• Blower drives and bearings
• Fan and blower motor

If you notice unusual issues, contact an AC contractor. An expert can inspect the entire system and identify faults. Once you detect faults early, you can fix them on time and avoid costly repairs. Timely repairs ensure a constant supply of conditioned air to the building.

Conduct AC Tune-Ups

AC tune-ups boost the performance of the system and prevent costly repairs. You can schedule tune-ups several times a year, depending on the components that require attention. During an AC tune-up, carry out the following tasks:

• Clean dirty air filters
• Replace worn air filters
• Clean condenser and evaporator coils and blower fan
• Clean condensate drains and pans
• Lubricate moving parts such as the bearings and pulleys
• Examine and tighten electrical parts 
• Check refrigerant levels and recharge if necessary

AC tune-ups should occur multiple times a year. Conduct this exercise before and after the summer. If your building is in a dusty area, you need to clean components such as the filters, coils, and drain lines more frequently to prevent performance issues.

Test System Operation and Efficiency

Every year, you need to carry out performance and efficiency checks. Over time, an air conditioner's performance and efficiency may deteriorate due to normal wear or lack of proper maintenance. During the annual system checks, assess the following issues:

• Recalibrate the thermostat
• Test airflow
• Check the voltage and amperage of the compressor, fans, and motors
• Test the safety controls

Keep records of the building's annual cooling costs to monitor efficiency, especially when the AC is running on maximum. If the costs are higher than average, your system may have efficiency issues.

One major role of a facility manager is ensuring that air conditioners are running optimally throughout the year. Create a maintenance schedule to optimize performance and prevent emergencies. Contact an HVAC contractor for scheduled maintenance of your building's AC equipment. If you have questions about your AC maintenance, click for more information.