When you are managing a healthcare facility, people’s lives are in your hands. As a result, you face a great deal of risk on a daily basis. With so much to worry about, your HVAC system may be one thing that’s out of sight and out of mind. But the consequences of a poorly-performing air conditioning system (or worse, a system failure) are much more serious than just discomfort.
The health of your HVAC system has a major impact not only on the temperature, but on the overall air quality in your facility. For hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory care centers and other healthcare facilities, temperature fluctuations and air quality issues can make the difference between life and death for at-risk or elderly patients.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), some of the most common causes of poor indoor air quality include high humidity caused by poor upkeep of ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems. Neglecting HVAC maintenance can easily affect your facility’s reputation along with patient health. When temperatures and humidity levels are out of control, patients and their families may begin to question the reliability of critical lifesaving equipment or your overall quality of care. In extreme cases, you could face the loss of your facility’s professional license, the threat of expensive litigation or even criminal charges.
Risks of a Neglected HVAC System
Temperature variance.
Optimal temperatures are not a luxury in a health care facility. Patient care can be compromised by regular or prolonged exposure to air that is too hot or too cold. State and federal law requires health care facility administrators to report temperature variances beyond a certain tolerance. If an inspection finds your facility to be in violation of standards, you could be subject to sanctions or worse.
Poor air quality.
High humidity caused by an ineffective HVAC system can lead to the growth of dangerous mold and mildew, as well as the spread of airborne bacteria, viruses, dust mites and allergens. High humidity can also increase the levels of noxious chemicals in the air, including ozone (from certain equipment) and formaldehyde (released from indoor building materials). If patients or families suspect that care was compromised or problems aggravated by contaminated air in your facility, you could have a very serious problem on your hands.
Emergency Breakdowns.
Being without air conditioning for days during a heat wave is more than an inconvenience for a health care facility; you may be forced to move patients and even to shut down your facility. The fact is, neglected HVAC equipment is much more likely to break down. Dirty parts wear out faster, and the system has to work harder to regulate the air temperature. When your HVAC equipment is regularly cleaned and maintained, your technician can also spot potential problems and fix them before they cause more expensive issues and system failure.
Higher energy costs.
You may not realize that your overlooked HVAC system is costing you more in energy expenses. As much as half of the energy used in your facility is consumed by your HVAC system. According to ENERGY STAR, simple fixes like repairing leaks and insulation in air ducts can increase the efficiency of your system and reduce your bills by 20 percent or more.
Better HVAC care means better health for your patients and your facility
Air quality and temperature problems in your facility can be easily fixed with regular maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment. Schedule a visit from an HVAC service expert, or even better, sign up for a preventative maintenance contract to handle the following and more:
- Clean or replace filters
- Clean evaporator and condenser coils
- Seal holes in ductwork and replace insulation
- Clean drain lines and drip pans
- Check refrigerant levels
- Calibrate thermostats and humidistats
- Check electrical connections
- Inspect units for worn parts
Heath care is complex. Luckily, caring for your HVAC system is not when you sign up for a preventative maintenance agreement with a quality HVAC service company like Arista. We work with you to develop a customized plan based on your specific needs and your budget, and keep your HVAC equipment running at peak efficiency so you can focus on patient care and driving financial performance.
Taking care of your heating and cooling equipment will help both you and your patients breathe easier.
Interested in learning how investing in a service contract for preventative maintenance can keep your building healthy and also save you money? Download our helpful guide to HVAC Preventative Maintenance Contracts: How to Find the Right One for Your HVAC Infrastructure.
