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Many commercial buildings have their HVAC equipment installed on the roof. Rooftop installation keeps the equipment out of the way of entrances, and landscaping is lot more attractive when all the HVAC is tucked out of sight.

Out of sight isn’t always a good thing, though. When you don’t see your HVAC unit on a regular basis, it’s a lot easier to forget about maintenance. HVAC equipment should be serviced on a regular basis by a qualified, knowledgeable HVAC professional.

Rooftop Unit Maintenance Checklist

Here’s what your HVAC technician should do each time he or she services your equipment:

  • Make sure the roof is in good shape— While your HVAC technician is up there, they should make sure that the area around the unit is still in good shape. If repairs need to be made, call a roofing professional.
  • Ensure the unit is level on the roof— For best performance and correct circulation of refrigerant, the HVAC unit needs to be level. If the building has shifted and the unit is no longer level, it’ll need boosters or shims
  • Inspect the whole system— The unit needs to be inspected inside and out for damage, loose parts, worn-out seals on the seams, and other common problems. Worn-out parts should be noted and replaced if necessary.
  • Change out the air filters— Just like your home heating or cooling system, rooftop HVAC units have air filters that need to be changed at every maintenance visit. A dirty filter can let in dust and pollen and also reduces HVAC performance, costing you more money and potentially even causing malfunctions.
  • Clean the unit thoroughly— The condenser, evaporator coils, belts, pulleys, and bearings need to be cleaned to ensure the unit remains in good working order.
  • Lubricate moving parts— All the moving parts should be lubricated to make sure they maintain freedom of movement. Otherwise, it’s a breakdown waiting to happen.

Why Rooftop HVAC Maintenance is Important

Every type of HVAC system needs regular preventative maintenance. Here’s what can happen when you don’t schedule seasonal maintenance:

  • Efficiency loss— An unmaintained unit will take more fuel and electricity to heat or cool your building. This is a waste of money and it’s not very eco-friendly.
  • Insufficient heating or cooling— If your unit isn’t running at its best, you might not be able to get the building as warm or as cool as you want it. There might also be hot or cold spots within the building.
  • Malfunctions— Sometimes minor malfunctions aren’t preventable, but most of the time they are. A good HVAC technician will notice an issue before it actually becomes a problem. This way, you can fix it ahead of time and you won’t have to make an emergency call.
  • Total breakdown— If an HVAC unit is neglected for too long, it might develop problems that are so serious they can’t be fixed. You’ll have to replace the entire unit, which can be a huge blow to the budget. Regular maintenance does cost money, but it’s definitely less than the thousands you’ll have to spend if you end up needing to replace the unit.Our goal is to provide education on HVACR in Commercial facilities. For more information on rooftop unit maintenance contact us today.

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