HVAC Maintenance Tips for Commercial & Industrial Facilities

Think about what would happen to production, inventory, or customer comfort if your HVAC system failed. From food processors that rely on chillers to factories that depend on air circulation and commercial buildings that require clean, conditioned air—your heating and cooling systems are vital to daily operations.

When an HVAC system goes down, your team’s focus shifts from profitability to problem-solving. But there’s good news: with just a few proactive steps, you can avoid costly breakdowns and extend the life of your equipment. According to Dave Taylor, Technical Services Division Manager at Hurckman Mechanical, a routine HVAC preventative maintenance strategy is essential for long-term performance.

Here are four expert-recommended tips to include in your HVAC maintenance checklist:

Replace Belts Before They Fail

Some commercial and industrial HVAC systems still use belts to drive fans or other components. Over time, these belts can fray or crack—causing clanging or clicking sounds and ultimately leading to system failure. Replacing worn belts before they break is a simple but critical part of any HVAC tune-up.

Change Filters Regularly

“Dirty filters are perhaps one of the main reasons HVAC units don’t operate efficiently,” Taylor said. “We’ve seen really bad conditions where dirt ends up in the coils of the unit and the only solution is to strip down the units and wash the coils.” He adds this is not something people want to do themselves. Changing filters regularly helps improve airflow, reduce strain on equipment, and maintain air quality. This is especially important in large-scale facilities with high particulate levels.

Clean the Condenser to Maintain Cooling Performance

The condenser is a set of outdoor coils that play a vital role in your air conditioning system. A fan pulls air across these coils, dissipating the heat from the refrigerant inside and allowing it to convert back into a liquid, at which point it’s sent back inside to start the process over again. Without the condenser, the refrigerant retains its heat and the air conditioning system cannot be completed, thus the condenser normally shut down in a high-pressure situation. Routine cleaning of the condenser should be part of every HVAC service visit.

Don’t Skip Boiler Maintenance in Industrial Buildings

Many industrial facilities, schools, and large commercial buildings use traditional boilers rather than gas-forced air systems. Over time, boilers accumulate buildup that affects performance and safety. Unless your maintenance team is specially trained, furnace repair and boiler cleaning should be handled by professionals.

“Changing your HVAC filters is something that can easily be done,” Taylor said. “They fill up with bugs, pollen, dust, and if you don’t use clean filters, the dirt can end up in the coils of the HVAC system and decrease efficiency.”

Neglecting this step can result in energy waste, inconsistent heating, or even complete system failure.

Bonus Tip: Invest in a Preventative HVAC Maintenance Plan

At Hurckman Mechanical, our Peak Performance Maintenance Agreement (PMA)is built specifically for commercial and industrial facilities that rely on consistent, efficient HVAC performance.

With a PMA, you get:

• 10% off labor rates
• 10% off replacement parts
• Priority service—your business goes to the top of the queue, ahead of non-agreement customers
• A customized maintenance plan based on your specific building systems and equipment needs
• Scheduled seasonal visits throughout the year
• A detailed log of your HVAC equipment so you always know what’s in your facility and when it was last serviced

Each visit covers more than 40 operational checkpoints and includes complete inspection, cleaning, testing, and lubrication of your heating and cooling (HVAC) equipment. From chillers to boilers, we help you prevent breakdowns before they interrupt production, shipments, or comfort.

Contact Us for Professional HVAC Service

Avoid unexpected breakdowns and protect your equipment with expert-level HVAC maintenance. Contact Dave Taylor at Hurckman Mechanical to learn more about our preventative maintenance services or to schedule your next HVAC tune-up.