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HVAC + PLUMBING
Performance Over Price What to look for in an HVAC preventative maintenance program By Jason Hughes S.A. Comunale
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n the dynamic landscape of the commercial HVAC industry, facility managers often find themselves overwhelmed by the myriad choices available when selecting a preventative maintenance program. With a wide array of contractors vying for attention, how can one determine which maintenance agreement stands out from the rest?
A robust maintenance agreement should encompass more than routine tasks such as changing filters, replacing belts and cleaning coils. It needs to embody a proactive and predictive maintenance strategy, designed to minimize downtime, extend the lifespan of equipment and optimize operational efficiency – thereby cutting overall operating costs. A comprehensive maintenance agreement should present property owners and managers with vital information that enables them to accurately forecast equipment conditions and ages. This includes a detailed assessment of 48
yearly maintenance costs per unit and the types of refrigerants used in each machine. Such transparency empowers you to make informed decisions regarding equipment replacement, identifying which units are ripe for an upgrade. This knowledge is particularly crucial in today’s rapidly changing refrigerant landscape, where outdated units relying on costly, soon-to-be phasedout refrigerants may demand expensive repairs. Replacing these units with newer models that employ environmentally friendly A2L refrigerants can yield significant long-term savings and increased efficiency.
Regular evaluations play a crucial role in maintaining effective agreements. Quarterly face-to-face meetings with management from the HVAC firm ensure that both parties remain aligned on goals and budgets, allowing for timely adjustments as needed. This proactive communication fosters a partnership that is responsive to the evolving needs of the facility. Another critical consideration is the frequency of maintenance visits, which should be tailored to the occupancy levels and activities conducted in the space. For example, spaces with lower usage may benefit from semi-annual Properties | May 2025