When it comes to preventative maintenance, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is deciding what contractor to hire.
In our last post, we discussed the overall concept of preventative maintenance and the value of a comprehensive service plan. Now, we’ll go into more depth on choosing the right vendor for your needs.
There are a wide variety of contractors — not all necessarily specialists in HVAC services — who offer preventive maintenance agreements for commercial buildings.
These include:
Mechanical Contractors
Mechanical contractors can design, install, repair and perform operations and maintenance on all types of mechanical equipment, including controls.
Maintenance Service Contractors
In addition to HVAC maintenance, installation and repair, maintenance service contractors offer a broader range of services, which may include lighting maintenance and janitorial services. These firms may or may not have qualified HVAC technicians on staff — meaning repair work may be subcontracted to a third party.
National Maintenance Service Firms
These companies subcontract with local mechanical service providers throughout the country, giving them the appearance of belonging to the firm’s national service team.
Specialized Service Contractors
Specialized service contractors generally sell, install, repair and service a particular type or brand of equipment.
Manufacturers
HVAC equipment manufacturers of HVAC equipment often provide maintenance service contracts or agreements for the equipment they manufacture, as well as other systems in the building.
Maintenance Management Firms
Building owners and managers may outsource all or part of their maintenance needs to outside firms rather than having in-house staff on the payroll.
Remember…a skilled professional can help identify and offer proactive solutions to problems, hopefully preventing equipment failure or expensive downtime. By making an informed decision, you’ll find the right type of contractor to fit your needs.
For more tips on HVAC maintenance contracts, download HVAC Preventive Maintenance Contracts: How to Find the Right One for Your HVAC Infrastructure.
