As a building manager, it’s important you understand the importance of maintaining your building’s commercial HVAC system. You have a responsibility to the occupants of your building to keep your commercial HVAC system in good condition over a long period of time by organising professionals to conduct routine maintenance checks.
At Air-rite Solutions, we help businesses across Brisbane and South East Queensland maintain their commercial HVAC systems. We work closely with building managers to keep their system in good health, and in today’s guide, we will explore everything you need to know about your building’s air conditioning unit.
The Biggest Mistake Building Managers Make With Their HVAC Systems
One major issue lies in building managers’ tendency to choose the cheapest contractor as the incumbent service provider. Unfortunately, these contractors often offer low prices to secure breakdown and repair jobs. This has led to a recurring situation where our team is frequently contacted to verify quotes, as building managers discover that their current service agent charges excessively high prices.
We have also received reports that certain contractors secure service contracts by only attending to 25% of the units each month, which violates the regulations set forth in AS3666. According to these regulations, the minimum requirement is to service the units on a quarterly basis to best mitigate the risk of breakdowns occurring.
Why Do Queensland Businesses Need HVAC Systems?
HVAC systems are crucial for Queensland businesses due to the region’s subtropical climate. These systems provide climate control, ensuring a comfortable working environment by regulating indoor temperatures. They also help maintain good indoor air quality by filtering out dust, allergens, and pollutants. HVAC systems are necessary for temperature regulation, especially in industries with specific requirements like healthcare, data centres, and food storage.
They protect sensitive equipment from damage caused by extreme temperatures and humidity. For businesses in the hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors, HVAC systems create a comfortable atmosphere for customers, potentially increasing sales. Compliance with regulations regarding indoor air quality, temperature control, and ventilation is also achieved through properly designed and maintained HVAC systems.
How Long Does a Well-Maintained Commercial HVAC System Last?
The significance of maintaining HVAC systems extends beyond energy efficiency and operating costs; it also impacts the overall health and productivity of occupants. With proper maintenance, an HVAC system can last its expected lifespan of 10-15 years. Neglecting regular servicing leads to frequent repairs and temporary fixes that merely keep the unit operational.
Over time, the cumulative expenses of these repairs can become excessive and even surpass the cost of replacing the entire unit. Therefore, when the annual service costs start outweighing the replacement costs, or when they exceed half of the replacement cost, it is advisable to consider replacing the unit. By doing so, you can ensure that the unit operates optimally, preventing further disruptions, and prolonging its effective lifespan.
Prioritising maintenance not only avoids unnecessary expenses but also promotes better air quality, energy efficiency, and overall comfort for occupants, positively impacting their well-being and productivity.
Building Managers Taking Action
Our valued customer, Harbour Quays Aged Care, has consistently demonstrated exemplary adherence to their service requirements. Despite having over 100 installed units, only a few of them present occasional issues. Breakdowns are a rarity, thanks to their proactive approach to preventive maintenance.
Our diligent HVAC technicians at Harbour Quays Aged Care promptly identify potential areas of concern during their routine visits, enabling them to address any impending issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach significantly minimises the need for emergency call-outs and ensures that necessary work is completed during the next scheduled visit.
By staying ahead of maintenance requirements, Harbour Quays Aged Care has successfully created a smooth and uninterrupted operation, providing a high level of reliability and comfort for their residents.
Contact Air-rite Solutions
If you are a Queensland building manager who needs help maintaining their commercial HVAC system, contact the trusted team at Air-rite Solutions today!
