If you own a home with a central air conditioner, you may think you already know everything you need to maintain larger HVAC systems. While there are similarities, and the fundamental aspects of their operation are the same, commercial structures require significantly more maintenance and general upkeep. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective property management.

Before scheduling your next service appointment, read about these three ways that your approach to commercial HVAC maintenance should differ from maintaining your home's AC system.

1. More Frequent Inspections

Commercial systems are more extensive, operate for longer periods of time, and must cool much more sizeable spaces. These added requirements place more wear on the system, which can ultimately cause parts to wear out more quickly. Where you might only schedule annual services for your home, a commercial structure should undergo an HVAC inspection at least once per quarter.

Without these inspections, problems may go unnoticed for several months, ultimately leading to costly system failures. Quarterly maintenance visits also allow your HVAC technicians to perform essential maintenance tasks, such as replacing filters and sanitizing the evaporator coils. These small jobs keep your building's air clean and prevent poor maintenance from causing severe issues.

2. Preventative vs Reactive Care

A failed home air conditioning system is usually just an inconvenience. While nobody enjoys dealing with the heat, a few days without air conditioning are unlikely to become a significant life event. Unfortunately, the same isn't necessarily true in commercial environments. A failed system can drive customers away or even create an environment that's unsafe for building occupants.

As a result, the costs of failure can be much higher than with a home system. A preventative approach to maintenance, instead of a reactive approach to repairs, can help avoid these shocks. When your inspections turn up potential problems or worn parts, take action immediately instead of waiting for failure. The small amount of money you spend now can mean big savings later.

3. Focus on Efficiency

While poor maintenance practices inevitably lead to costly repairs, these usually only occur after long-term neglect. The earliest effects of maintenance issues tend to be on energy efficiency. A poorly maintained system will struggle to keep a structure cool, driving up utility costs. For household budgets, this can be significant. For extensive commercial facilities, it can be potentially devastating.

When developing a maintenance plan with your HVAC technicians, it's critical to focus on your system's efficiency. If you notice your monthly costs skyrocketing, you can always discuss this with your HVAC service company. Their technicians can help you track down the problem as part of your regular maintenance schedule, ensuring that your building's AC can cool as efficiently as possible. Click here to read more about what air conditioning maintenance services can be provided.