For most businesses, having a functional AC is a necessity. If you own a restaurant or an office space where customers and employees will be spending a lot of time, you need to have a working air-conditioning system that will make their experience comfortable. Still, air conditioner maintenance is often one of the most neglected aspects of maintenance. Since air conditioners tend to last a long time and don’t often break down, people end up not servicing them as often as they should. This makes their HVAC system inefficient. You may save a lot of money on energy bills and repair bills if you service your AC routinely. Here are some tips on how to keep your commercial AC in top condition:
Clean the AC at regular intervals
The best way to increase your air conditioner’s longevity is to keep it clean. There are certain things that you can do by yourself such as taking out the filter and cleaning it every few weeks. After a certain point, you should also replace the filter. Pay attention to the condenser unit as well. However, it is best to leave the cleaning of condenser units to professionals. Improper handling can damage the fins and stop your AC from working properly. Air ducts and pipes will also have to be cleaned. If these get clogged, your unit will require more energy for cooling and wear out faster.
Use a reliable manufacturer for parts
Sometimes, air conditioner parts will require replacement. Filters are easy to replace. If more complicated systems such as pressure independent balancing control valves stop working, make sure that you get them replaced with new ones from a reliable manufacturer. They should manufacture parts for your brand of AC. Using poorly made parts will reduce the lifespan of your appliance.
Put the thermostat at the right setting
In an office setting, it is hard to keep the thermostat at a constant, as people tend to have different tolerance for cold and heat. It is best to get a centrally operating thermostat that intelligently adjusts the temperature to a constant. The most energy-efficient setting for your air conditioner is generally 26 to 27 degrees. Setting it at this temperature will keep the machine working for a long time.
Make sure that the systems get some rest
The air conditioners in a business are often operating for long hours. Overworking the units can lead to problems arising early on. It is best to have alternating air conditioners so that the use time can be split up and too much stress is not placed on any one appliance. This is particularly something to watch out for in facilities that are open 24 hours. If you tend to leave the office without turning off the AC, make sure that you make a habit of doing so.
With the right care, an air-conditioning unit can easily last ten years. While the stress of commercial use can wear out a system, you can take these simple steps to ensure that you get the most out of your HVAC system while enjoying a low energy bill.