Deferred HVAC maintenance could cost you!
Commercial building managers and owners are operating on a tight budget. The demand for equipment that produces more energy efficient technology is becoming an expensive necessity. As funds previously allocated for HVAC maintenance are pushed aside for improved technologies, many managers are relying on deferred maintenance as a means to cut costs. While this may seem like a solution, postponing maintenance activities as a means to save money could actually lead to higher costs, asset deterioration, and potential health and safety issues.
A True Misnomer
The term “deferred maintenance” doesn’t accurately convey what happens to a unit that hasn’t received maintenance for a long period of time. The result of deferring maintenance can range from a simple component issue to the complete failure of major pieces of equipment. Waiting for an error to occur is not only the most costly way to maintain a commercial building, but it’s also the most dangerous.
Costly and Inefficient
Deferring maintenance allows for minor issues to pile up, resulting in more severe issues down the road. HVAC systems in commercial buildings are responsible for more than 40% of total energy use. With deferred maintenance, equipment efficiency decreases roughly 5% annually just from normal wear and tear. This not only puts a strain on your equipment, but also your budget as your energy bills steadily climb year after year. Facilities that implement an HVAC preventive maintenance program use about 20% less energy than those that do not.
Many companies that still opt for deferred maintenance argue that they simply can’t afford to keep up with the consistent billing of preventative maintenance. Preventative maintenance is a practice that involves fixing minor errors to avoid serious problems from occurring. Although the charges may be more consistent, the cost of repairing a failed HVAC unit comes at an exorbitant price.
Reduce Costs/ Reduce Energy / Improve Building Safety
When a system’s filters are not clean or the thermostat is no longer calibrated properly, the general costs increase. Preventative maintenance ensures that your unit runs as effectively as possible, extending the life of your buildings unit, decreased costly repair costs, and encouraging a safer environment for anyone who steps foot into the building. If you’re looking for expert services in an area near you, call Crockett Facilities.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals lower their operating expenses through HVAC preventive maintenance. We can develop a cost-effective, customized preventive maintenance plan for your commercial building that will provide you with peace of mind, improved comfort, and energy savings.
To learn more about the importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or sales@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.