Air Conditioning in Commercial Workplaces: The Importance of Regular Maintenance
In today's office environments, air conditioning has become a standard feature, but this isn't always the case across all commercial spaces.
Retail and hospitality sectors typically have air conditioning, as do modern schools and hospitals. However, businesses like warehouses and manufacturing facilities can find it challenging to design and install effective air conditioning systems, even though the benefits are clear. When these systems are installed, they often face high demands due to the nature of the environment.
Regardless of location or the level of demand, all air conditioning systems require routine maintenance and servicing. This is crucial for prolonging the system's lifespan and maximising the value of the investment. Regular maintenance not only makes good financial sense but also enhances operational efficiency, reduces energy costs, and boosts productivity. Anyone who has tried working in an office with temperatures soaring close to 40 degrees knows how difficult it can be to stay productive. Air conditioning can be a wise investment for businesses.
Servicing Your Air Conditioning System
Although most air conditioning systems are durable and dependable, even the best systems are vulnerable to breakdowns, despite regular servicing. The specific demands on each system can vary, but it’s generally recommended to service your air conditioning system once a year. Without a scheduled maintenance plan, your system may start losing efficiency, as it will have to work harder to maintain the same level of performance.
For larger systems or those with higher demands, such as those in schools or large retail stores, more frequent service visits might be needed. The level of usage also plays a role—systems in factories or server rooms that are constantly managing high heat loads might run 24/7, requiring regular attention.
Frequent servicing may also be essential in environments where air quality and temperature are critical to business operations, such as laboratories, hospitals, factories, or warehouses that store temperature-sensitive goods. In such settings, maintenance may need to be done every six months or even quarterly to ensure the system can maintain the required conditions. In these cases, it's always better to be proactive.
How to Know When You Need an Air Conditioning Service
While a planned service schedule ensures regular maintenance, there are warning signs that indicate when a system may need servicing outside of its regular check-up. These include:
The system has been unused for a while or has been overused.
Strange noises during normal operation.
Leaks or visible drips around condensers or pipework.
Air from vents is not at the expected temperature.
Changes in the business environment that increase the system’s workload, such as expanded office spaces or extended working hours.
Be proactive by regularly inspecting your HVAC system for signs of wear or damage, which may require maintenance sooner than expected.
What to Expect During an Air Conditioning Service
The specifics of an air conditioning service will depend on the size and design of your system. However, in general, the service engineer will clean and inspect air filters, coils, and fins. Clogged filters reduce airflow, making the system work harder and use more energy, or preventing it from properly cooling or purifying the air. The engineer will also check for leaks in the pipework, inspect switches, controllers, fans, evaporators, and outdoor condensers, and assess refrigerant levels.
It is crucial that a qualified and registered air conditioning engineer conducts the service to ensure both safety and efficiency.
An efficiently operating air conditioning system can reduce energy costs, extend its lifespan, and help maintain a productive business environment.
For all your air conditioning servicing and HVAC maintenance needs, contact The Oltec Group. Our team of certified engineers is ready to assist and provide expert advice tailored to your system’s requirements.
