The Ultimate Commercial HVAC Maintenance Checklist [Free Template]

Commercial HVAC /
The Ultimate Commercial HVAC Maintenance Checklist [Free Template]

HVAC systems are one of the biggest energy consumers in commercial buildings. The routine maintenance steps necessary to keep them running take time and effort you may not have to spare.

A commercial HVAC maintenance checklist keeps maintenance top of mind so you can attend to necessary tasks promptly, saving you time and avoiding costly emergency break-fix scenarios.

Our essential seasonal HVAC maintenance checklist breaks down the steps that will keep your heating and cooling systems in tip-top shape.

Download your FREE commercial HVAC maintenance checklist now!

Commercial A/C Maintenance Checklist: Spring/Summer

Remove any debris from around outdoor units.

Remove any large pieces of debris from around the units, wearing gloves to protect your hands. Carefully vacuum the condenser fins, then hose off any remaining loose debris.

Inspect all ducts for mold, dust, or debris.

Inspect all intake ducts for debris, including dust, mold, and pest droppings. These particles can enter your HVAC system and your internal environment, increasing infection risks and aggravating asthma and allergies.

Change batteries as needed.

Staying on top of battery changes can be challenging, especially when battery usage varies among systems. Noting battery change dates can help you establish usage patterns that will help you keep the correct batteries in stock at all times.

Inspect pulleys and belts, replacing frayed parts as needed.

A/C pulleys and belts eventually wear and slip. Check belts and pulleys for proper tension and placement. Visible cracks or warping show it’s time for replacements.

Check the refrigerant charge and inspect for leaks.

Is your refrigerant simply low, or do you have a leak? Careful inspection of refrigerant charge levels will help determine whether you have a leak that needs fixing.

Check thermostat controls for correct temperature settings.

Check temperature settings at the beginning of each cooling season or when systems are no longer running regularly. Ensuring you program the thermostat for optimal settings helps save on energy costs.

Check all electrical systems and connections.

For peak performance, check all electrical connections in your A/C equipment before the season starts. Improving the operation of existing systems and repairing malfunctioning parts helps extend the life of your unit.

Check the HVAC cabinet for leaks and ensure the cabinet door is sealed.

Cabinet integrity is vital, as high pressure can force air out of even a tiny crack. Make sure your cabinet door is sealed securely.

Check fan, airflow, blower motor, and blades and adjust accordingly.

Maintaining proper airflow is crucial. Decreased airflow can cause freezing coils and compressor failure, increasing operating costs.

Clean and check evaporator coils and condensers.

Debris can clog condenser units and temperature changes can cause ice to form on equipment, increasing pressure on sensitive components. Make sure the evaporator coils and condenser are clean.

Commercial Heating Maintenance Checklist: Fall/Winter

Inspect heating elements or heat exchangers to avoid carbon monoxide dangers.

Cracked or corroded heat exchangers can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensuring that heat exchangers are properly venting noxious gases out of the building’s ventilation system keeps indoor air quality safe.

Ensure the furnace is securely attached to the flue system.

As an additional carbon monoxide prevention step, it’s crucial that your furnace is expelling dangerous fumes out through its flue system. Cracks and leaks in the flue (or furnace exhaust stack) can cause exhaust to circle back through your heating system and into the building.

Check for gas pressure and leaks if you have a gas furnace.

Gas pressure tests ensure the reliability, safety, and leak tightness of gas furnaces.

Inspect fan, blower motor, ignition, and burner assembly and adjust as needed.

Maintaining proper airflow is crucial for any heating system. Besides inspecting the fan and blower motor, ensure the ignition, burner assembly, and heat exchanger function properly.

Maintenance Tasks for Both Heating and A/C Units

Check thermostat controls for correct temperature settings.

Remember to check temperature settings at the beginning of each season or when systems are no longer running regularly. Programming your system at optimal settings helps save on energy costs.

Check all electrical systems and connections.

Check all electrical connections in your HVAC equipment before the season starts. Improving the operation of existing systems and repairing malfunctioning parts helps extend the life of your unit.

Replace air filters as needed.

Optimizing airflow through air conditioning and heating equipment is necessary to keep performance and energy efficiency at peak levels. Keeping contaminants out of equipment chambers helps avoid system malfunctions. Dirty or blocked filters can restrict airflow, which could make your system work harder.

Lubricate motors, bearings, and all moving parts.

Moving components within A/C and heating systems experience friction through normal operation. Components wear down, causing systems to put out more energy than necessary. All motors, bearings, and moving parts require regular lubrication to operate correctly.

Clear pans and drains of standing water to avoid overflows.

Heating and A/C systems produce condensation, which must drain for efficient operation. Cleaning condensation drip pans and drain lines of collected water and debris clears any clogs.

Check the heat pump.

Effective heat pumps provide year-round temperature control. Inspect the heat pump to ensure that its heating and cooling functions are operational.

Get Your Commercial HVAC Maintenance Checklist Today!

Raise your hand if you like performing HVAC maintenance! Yeah, we thought so. But an ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure — or more. HVAC maintenance can seem never-ending, which is why we created a handy maintenance checklist to keep you on track.

Routine maintenance extends the life of your commercial HVAC system, lowers energy consumption, and detects system failures early, decreasing the likelihood of costly future repairs.

If you need help maintaining your commercial HVAC system or would like to make an appointment for an HVAC service consultation, contact us today!

Download your FREE commercial HVAC preventative maintenance checklist now!

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