Commercial HVAC Maintenance: 12 Practical Tips for Summer Posted on August 1, 2025 As summer temperatures soar, so does the demand on your HVAC system. For facility managers, landlords, and building supervisors, ensuring the AC works isn’t just about comfort. It’s about protecting your staff or tenants’ well-being and keeping energy bills under control. To help you out, we created this handy guide for HVAC summer maintenance, tailored specifically for commercial buildings — whether you manage an office complex, retail space, apartment building, or warehouse. Keep the summer heat at bay and your tenants cool and comfortable! Why Summer HVAC Maintenance Matters in Commercial Settings ✔ Energy Efficiency Did you know that HVAC accounts for up to 40–60% of the energy used in commercial buildings? Dirty coils or failing components can dramatically spike utility bills and increase operational expenses. ✔ System Longevity Regular maintenance can extend the life of your HVAC system by several years, prolonging the need for replacements or upgrades. ✔ Tenant Comfort & Retention Poor cooling performance can significantly affect employee productivity and tenant satisfaction. ✔ Essential to Equipment Upkeep Office and commercial equipment like monitors, PCs, and copiers tend to generate heat, and require lower temperature to operate efficiently. High ambient temperatures can lead to overheating and equipment breakdowns. ✔ Health & Safety Clean air filters and proper ventilation help maintain indoor air quality – highly essential during allergy season and periods of high pollution, as warm weather tends to exacerbate dirt and dust in the environment. Commercial HVAC Tips for Summer 1. Schedule a Pre-Summer HVAC Inspection Start the season with a comprehensive inspection by a qualified HVAC technician. This should include: Checking for refrigerant leaks Inspecting electrical connections Verifying thermostat function Examining belts and motors Ensuring proper airflow across coils Tip: Schedule this inspection in late spring just before peak cooling demand hits. 2. Clean or Replace Air Filters Monthly Dirty air filters reduce airflow and make systems work harder, increasing energy use and leading to overheating. High-traffic or multi-tenant buildings: Check filters every 2–4 weeks. Standard offices or retail spaces: Replace every 1–3 months. Check out our guide to AC Filter Cleaning. Tip: Use MERV-rated filters that balance air quality and system efficiency. 3. Evaporator and Condenser Coil Check When coils are dirty, heat transfer is compromised, and efficiency can drop by as much as 30%. Clean condenser coils (typically outdoors) of dust, pollen, and debris. Clean evaporator coils (usually indoors) to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Use coil cleaners or hire a professional for deep cleaning. We carry coil cleaning solutions and tools designed specifically for commercial ACs. 4. Clear Condensate Drains Clogged condensate lines can lead to water leaks, structural damage, and mold growth. Flush the condensate line with bleach or vinegar. A gallo gun can also be used to clear clogs. Install drain line alarms to detect potential overflows early. Ensure drains are pitched properly so gravity helps clear them. 5. Calibrate Thermostats and Building Controls Optimize your thermostat settings to ensure consistent comfort and minimize excessive cooling. Upgrade to programmable or smart thermostats with zoning features. Adjust schedules based on building usage patterns. Make sure thermostats are placed away from heat sources or drafts. Tip: Centralized control systems allow you to manage multiple zones efficiently from a single dashboard. 6. Inspect Ductwork for Leaks or Blockages Leaky ducts can result in a 20-30% loss of conditioned air, resulting in inefficient cooling and heating. If multiple tenants complain about uneven cooling, ductwork may be the issue. Conduct duct pressure testing. Seal visible gaps with mastic or foil-backed tape. Remove obstructions or debris that can reduce airflow. 7. Check Refrigerant Levels and Pressure Low refrigerant levels reduce cooling performance and can damage the compressor. Ensure refrigerant matches system specifications, especially with the phaseout of older HFC refrigerants in favor of the newer A2L standard. Monitor pressure readings and address any discrepancies promptly. Keep in mind that only licensed HVAC professionals should handle refrigerant-related maintenance. 8. Lubricate Motors and Bearings Friction increases wear on HVAC components and can lead to premature failure. Apply manufacturer-recommended lubricants to motor bearings and fan blades. Look for signs of overheating, noise, or vibration. This is especially important for rooftop units which are continually exposed to extreme sun and heat. 9. Ensure Adequate Ventilation and IAQ In commercial spaces, poor air circulation can lead to sick building syndrome and health complaints. Check for proper operation of exhaust fans Ensure there is sufficient makeup air. Use CO2 monitors in high-density environments. Replace or upgrade air purification systems if needed. We carry industrial-grade air cleaners for commercial applications. 10. Monitor Energy Use and System Performance Use building automation systems (BAS) or energy management systems (EMS) to track: Runtime hours Cooling load vs. capacity Sudden spikes in power draw Tip: Review monthly energy reports to catch inefficiencies early and plan repairs before failures occur, especially before the peak cooling and heating season. 11. Keep Outdoor Units Clear Rooftop and ground-mounted units must have adequate clearance to expel hot air. Trim shrubs and remove obstructions within a 2-3 foot radius. Clean off bird nests, leaves, or trash. Check that unit panels are closed and not missing insulation. 12. Prepare for Emergency Repairs Even well-maintained systems can fail under extreme heat. Keep emergency HVAC contacts on hand. Stock extra air filters and fuses. Consider renting portable ACs for backup in critical environments. We have high-capacity portable ACs for commercial use. Additional Summer Tips for Different Commercial Settings ☑ For Office Buildings: Use occupancy sensors to reduce cooling in unused rooms. Encourage the use of blinds or shades to minimize solar heat gain. ☑ For Apartment Complexes: Send HVAC care reminders to tenants (examples: don’t block vents, report abnormal noises). Regularly check shared ventilation systems and rooftop units. ☑ For Retail and F&B: Inspect refrigeration and cooling systems together to avoid overload. Ensure ventilation systems meet local health code standards. ☑ For General Industry: OSHA is proposing new heat regulations that require a consistent working temperature below 80°F. Heat hazards, including relative humidity and heat sources, must be properly mapped. Conclusion Regular HVAC maintenance isn’t just a summer task; it’s a critical part of commercial property management. By taking these steps early in the season and monitoring performance throughout the summer, facility managers and landlords can save money on energy, reduce downtime and maintenance, and provide a safe, comfortable environment for everyone in the building. Need help with your AC maintenance? We carry a wide range of HVAC replacement parts, filters, programmable thermostats, and cleaning tools. Whether you’re managing a single location or a large portfolio, our team can help you find the right equipment to keep your building cool and efficient. Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
