It’s a question we get asked all the time: How often should my HVAC be serviced? Unfortunately, there isn’t one simple answer that applies to every system and every customer.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the factors that impact the frequency and timing of your HVAC system maintenance visits.
How often should your HVAC be serviced? 5 things that impact your maintenance plan
1. System type and size.
What types of HVAC equipment do you have? Some types of HVAC equipment need servicing more often than others.
A heating system that consists of a single boiler, for example, is a fairly simple and reliable heating system that probably only needs an inspection and cleaning once per year, ideally in the fall when it’s time for startup.
On the other hand, if you have a complex chiller system providing cooling and heat for a large zoned facility, there’s a lot more that can go wrong. And the consequences can be greater when something does go wrong. So you’ll want to have that inspected several times throughout the cooling system to prevent downtime.
2. Equipment age and condition.
If you have a brand new air conditioning system, things are not likely to break or need cleaning too soon… possibly until the next cooling season.
But if your heating and cooling equipment is aging and has been less-than-reliable of late, it’s smart to get more frequent maintenance. That way your technician can catch parts that are failing and replace them before they damage the entire system. You’ll also get more warning if it looks like a system replacement will be needed, giving you time to research and plan for the cost instead of having to react quickly to an emergency.
Learn more: Do you need an HVAC maintenance plan for a new system?
3. Location and environment.
Where is your HVAC equipment located? If it’s on a rooftop (or elsewhere outdoors), it’s exposed to the elements including sun, rain, ice and snow, smog, debris and pollution, so it needs more frequent cleaning to keep it working properly. If it’s in a mechanical room, it’s easier to keep in good condition and it won’t need cleaning as often.
The air quality inside your space matters, too. Here’s a great example: we have customers in the garment manufacturing industry here in New York City. Those spaces can have so much fiber floating in the air that they need monthly maintenance to change filters and clean the equipment. Industrial facilities and even spaces exposed to a lot of vehicle exhaust need more frequent HVAC system maintenance.
If you have poor air quality for any reason, have your equipment checked more often.
4. Occupancy and usage.
What’s happening in the space and how it is being used? In a busy hospital or medical office building, the temperature, humidity and air quality are impacting people’s health. More frequent maintenance is needed to ensure that conditions are consistent and reliable.
A small system for a family home or small business that has low occupancy might only need maintenance once or twice a year. A space with high occupancy, such as a theater, might need more frequent maintenance due to the increased heating and cooling loads on the system.
Learn more: Return to the Office: Occupancy & AC Maintenance in NYC
5. Your risk tolerance.
Do you hate surprises, especially when it comes to repair costs? Then you may want an HVAC system maintenance plan that includes more frequent inspections and tuneups. You can also get a contract that includes the parts and labor for any problems that come up during the contract period. That allows you to budget in advance for all your HVAC expenses.
Learn more: HVAC Service Contract Pricing Guide
Need an HVAC system maintenance plan? Talk to an expert.
Still not sure how often your HVAC should be serviced? If you’re here in NYC, it’s easy to find out what’s right for you: talk to one of the experts at Arista. We’ll create a customized plan based on your specific needs and situation.
Request a quote for a commercial maintenance agreement today!
