As a property manager of a UK residential block or commercial office building, one of your responsibilities will be your property’s HVAC system. A sound HVAC system will keep tenants cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and it can be under constant strain in high-rise buildings, making HVAC maintenance all the more critical.
A proactive approach is far better than a reactive approach regarding HVAC maintenance. Indeed, replacing units can be time-consuming and costly, so it pays to look after what you already have. The sooner you spot a problem with your HVAC system and call in the professionals, the lower your HVAC maintenance costs will be.
The importance of HVAC maintenance
There are many reasons you should work with a company that offers HVAC maintenance. One of the most obvious is that timely maintenance and repairs can lower your utility bills, which is critical amidst today’s energy crisis.
Reducing HVAC bills is one of the most significant benefits of HVAC maintenance – with a well-ventilated property, you’ll spend less on heating and cooling. When those are needed, they’ll work as intended without expensive call-outs.
Ongoing repairs and servicing of your air conditioning units also mean that your tenants will enjoy good air quality throughout the year. Failing to maintain your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units could result in the build-up of dirt, bacteria, and other pollutants, leading to respiratory problems and complaints from your tenants.
Maintaining your units also leads to a longer lifespan. Let’s face it: HVAC units aren’t cheap, so regular maintenance means you won’t have to worry about shelling out for major repairs or replacements before it’s necessary. Other benefits include improved efficiency. Research shows unmaintained units are up to 25% less energy-efficient.
Keep your units clean
It’s common for HVAC units to get dirty when they’re located outdoors, which can cause them to work harder to create the cold and heat needed for your property. Keeping your units clean should be a priority, whether in the basement or outside. Ensure debris doesn’t build on the sides or top of your air conditioning pumps and replace filters regularly.
Replacing the filter in HVAC units can improve its efficiency and reduce the running costs of your units. Experts suggest that property managers check the filter once per month to ensure it’s not clogged or dirty, and replace it when necessary. Organisations looking to reduce their environmental impact can invest in reusable eco-friendly filters.
Schedule regular HVAC maintenance checks
Although it’s natural to want to keep costs down as a property management company, scheduling regular maintenance checks of your units makes sense. A professional technician will be able to examine your HVAC systems and ensure they’re operating in the most efficient manner. A maintenance check might involve cleaning the coils, cleaning drain lines, checking the refrigerant level, and checking for leaks. Although you can organise one-off check-ups, it’s better to arrange for a technician to visit your facility every six months to a year as part of regularly scheduled maintenance.
Consider smart thermostats
More and more property managers are investing in smart thermostats and technology to make their HVAC systems more energy-efficient and user-friendly. Indeed, in a high-rise building with dozens of units, it’s important that each tenant or client can control the heating and cool to their preferred temperature. Smart thermostats make this possible, and the best part is that you can monitor usage history and receive alerts should there be any issues with the system.
The best part? Investing in smart technology not only makes your HVAC units more efficient and cost-effective but could make your properties more attractive to tenants. According to one study, 86% of millennials say they’d pay extra for a property fitted with smart technology. Smart thermostats are even more attractive to property managers and owners who pay their tenant’s utilities, offering long-term cost savings.
If you’re looking for support with HVAC installation and HVAC maintenance, depend on the Balance Mechanical team. Give us a call on 01483 962525 and check back to the blog soon for more valuable tips and guidance.
