How often do I need HVAC maintenance?
Depending on your system and your cooling requirements, it should be serviced a minimum of once a year, with periodic inspections up to 4 times a year (or more in extreme conditions).
Based on the age, size and usage of your system, Arista can customize an HVAC maintenance plan to meet your budget requirements and keep your system running reliably.
Learn more: How Often Should Your AC Be Serviced? It depends.
Does spending the money on regular HVAC maintenance really pay off?
Yes, it absolutely does! Regular inspection, cleaning and tune-ups prevent breakdowns, prolong the life of your system, and even save money on energy bills.
Here’s how: When debris and deposits build up on the air conditioner’s coils, fan blades and other parts, the metal corrodes, leading to refrigerant leaks and eventually, system failure. It also creates a drain on the system, forcing your unit to run constantly in order to keep the space cool and using more electricity in the process.
Regular HVAC maintenance ensures that it runs at optimal efficiency and keeps the parts in good condition so they last longer.
Learn more: Air Conditioning Maintenance Doesn’t Cost. It Pays.
Can I have my maintenance staff clean my HVAC equipment?
In some cases you can. Especially if your air conditioner is under heavy load, having your cleaning crew periodically dust the coils and remove debris around the unit is a great idea. Make sure they don’t use water around the electrical components!
However, you still need to have your coils cleaned and your system tuned up regularly by a professional. We use special chemical cleaners to remove scale and buildup, and we clean parts that are dangerous for untrained maintenance staff to handle, such as the fan blade. We keep drain lines clear and empty drip pans to prevent mold growth.
Expert HVAC technicians also check electrical connections, refrigerant charge, and also inspect the entire system for worn parts and any signs of impending trouble. You don’t want your cleaning staff handling these tasks.
Why does my AC seem to need more refrigerant each year?
An air conditioning system that needs recharging of refrigerant on a regular basis is leaking and needs repair. Arista uses the latest technology to find and fix refrigerant leaks, eliminating the problem.
Leaking refrigerant not only causes your unit to lose cooling capacity and use more energy, it’s also very bad for the environment. Refrigerant gasses released into the atmosphere contribute to depletion of the ozone layer and global warming.
Learn more: Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs of an AC Refrigerant Leak
How long can I expect my new air conditioner to last?
Most light commercial systems are built to last 15 to 20 years. However, there are a number of conditions that can shorten this life expectancy. When outdoor and rooftop units are exposed to smog and salt air, as they are in NYC, corrosion and buildup of debris can cause damage to parts. The same goes for exposure to corrosive chemicals as often happens in manufacturing plants.
Neglect is probably the most common cause of an air conditioner’s early demise. Your system needs regular HVAC maintenance to get the maximum life expectancy. That means having it serviced once or twice per year (ideally, once before start-up in the spring and once after system shut-down in the fall).
My air conditioning has broken down again! Is it worth repairing or am I better off replacing it?
The answer depends on a number of factors:
- How old is the unit? If it’s more than 10 years old, and especially if it has a history of problems or uses outdated refrigerant, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.
- Has it been well maintained? If the unit has been regularly cleaned and tuned up, and the parts are in good condition, it’s much more likely that you can keep it going longer.
- What’s broken? If the problem is the compressor or leaky coils, it may be too expensive to repair it. On the other hand, if it’s an electrical problem, it may be a simple and inexpensive fix.
Arista does both repairs and new equipment installations, so we will give you trustworthy advice to help you decide.
Learn more: Repair or Replace? A Guide to Making an Informed Choice When Your HVAC Unit is Down
Why are some areas of my space too hot while others are too cold?
Temperature fluctuations can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Inadequate air flow. You may have holes and cracks in your ducts, closed or blocked vents, or clogged air filters.
- Equipment components may need repair. Simple changes like replacing a fan motor may improve your comfort conditions.
- Usage & space layout may have changed without updating equipment and ducts. It may be time for a system redesign.
- Neglected maintenance. Having your system periodically inspected and tuned up makes it run more efficiently and helps provide more consistent comfort.
Learn more: Improving an Imperfect World-Mitigating Office Temperature Extremes
If we didn’t answer your question here, feel free to contact us anytime. Our experts can answer any question you have about HVAC equipment and comfort conditions in your space.
