Is Your Facility’s HVAC System Properly Supported?

When managing a large facility such as a school, manufacturing plant, or commercial property, ensuring that your current HVAC equipment are properly supported is critical for efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term cost of operating. But…if you’re not an HVAC expert, how can you know if your system is performing as designed? Here are a few key areas to inspect and review to ensure your facility’s HVAC systems are getting the attention that it needs.

Preventative Maintenance Programs (PMA’s)

HVAC systems for large-scale facilities require routine maintenance to prevent unplanned emergency costs. Check with your team for maintenance records to confirm that:

• Filters are being replaced regularly to a set filter program
• Coils & drain lines are clean and free of any loose debris
• Belts, bearings, and motors are inspected and lubricated as needed (no loud squealing)
• System diagnostics and performance evaluations are conducted periodically throughout the year

If maintenance seems sporadic or reactive (fixing issues after unit failure), it may be time to take another approach and implement a structured preventative maintenance plan.

Air Quality and Ventilation

Proper indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential for the health of the building occupants. Here’s what to look for:

• Unusual odors, excessive dust, or humidity issues
• Stagnant or poor airflow in certain areas of the building
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels that may indicate improper ventilation.

If your facility struggles with stale air, moisture issues, or occupant complaints…your HVAC system may need to be recalibration.

Energy Efficiency and Utility Costs

Rising energy bills can be a sign that your HVAC system is inefficient. Evaluate:

• Whether your HVAC system is ENERGY STAR-rated or meets current efficiency standards
• If programmable thermostats and building automation systems (BAS) are properly configured
• How energy usage trends compare year over year
• If rebates or incentives are available for upgrading outdated equipment

Facilities that haven’t upgraded their HVAC systems in the past 10-15 years can benefit from energy-efficient solutions that reduce operating costs.

Temperature Control & Overall Comfort

Are certain rooms or zones too hot or too cold? Having uneven temperature distribution can indicate a few action items to be addressed:

• Poor system balancing OR improper zoning
• Malfunctioning dampers, actuators, or thermostats
• Aged HVAC equipment unable to meet demand for the area

Addressing these issues ensures that all occupants remain comfortable while optimizing system efficiency.

Equipment Age and Condition

Any mechanical item that moves will fail at some point…HVAC systems don’t last forever. Take a look at:

• The age of your HVAC units (typical systems have a 15-20 year lifespan).
• Signs of wear, rust, leaks, or unusual noises.
• Service logs to determine frequent calls on said unit(s).

If your equipment is aging and maintenance costs are increasing, it may be time to plan for a capital replacement to get ahead of a looming failure.

Emergency Preparedness

In the event of an HVAC failure, does your team have a plan in place?

• Response times for HVAC service & repair.
• Agreements with a HVAC contractor for priority service.

WBG’s HVAC Service Team – Greenville, Columbia, Charleston

If any of these areas raise concerns, working with a skilled HVAC service provider can help identify and resolve issues before they escalate. At W.B. Guimarin & Co., we specialize in providing proactive maintenance, system upgrades, and providing responsive service to ensure your facility operates as intended.

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