MYTH: My new construction warranty will take care of my HVAC equipment.
FACT: New construction warranty covers defects in material and installation only. Air filter changes, fan belt inspections and changes, and lubrication are the owner’s responsibility. Waiting for the end of the warranty period could cause damage to the equipment or lead to expensive emegency repairs.
MYTH: The cost of a Preventative Maintenance Contract is too expensive and not within my yearly budget.
FACT: PM Contracts are less expensive than you think. Equipment downtime, customer and/or employee discomfort or worse, equipment failure can cost ten times that of a good PM Cont
MYTH: My HVAC equipment does not cost me much in energy to operate.
FACT: HVAC equipment is expensive to opreate. The average business owner spends 45% to 50% of the yearly utility cost for heating and cooling. Lighting consumes another 30% to 35% while computers, electronics, and data systems consume the remainder.
MYTH: My system runs continuously. I only have conventional (non-programmable) thermostats or pgrammable thermostats that everyone changes the set point on without my knowledge and I do not have the time to adjust the set points everyday. Operating my system does not cost that much!
FACT: Changing your unoccupied set point up or down five degrees for 8 to 10 hours a day can save up to 10% on the yearly HVAC cost. A small investment for a new Programmable Thermostat, which is a password protected device, will prevent occupants or employees from changing the set point or time schedules, thus saving energy. A slightly larger investment into a Direct Digital Control (DDC) System can save even more energy on you yearly utility cost by adding such items as supply air reset, outside air economizer, holiday time schedules, and now web-based solutions, which allow customers to access their system remotely from anywhere in the world with a standard internet connnection.
MYTH: I can change my own air filters when they need to changed.
FACT: Most owners do not prepare a PM schedule for air filter inspections and changes. They are busy running their business and do not pay attention to the HVAC equipment until there is a problem or complaint. Air filters that are not changed on a regular basis become clogged with dirt, dust, and moisture, reducing airflow throughout the system which could cause the cooling system to ice up, stop working, or worse; a leak of rerigerant into the atmosphere. Dirty air filters are the main cause of “sick buildings.”
MYTH: All HVAC service companies are the same and the lowest price is the best for my business.
FACT: Not all HVAC companies are the same or are the best for your business. Choose a company with a good track record and that has been in business in the area for more than 20 years. A company with only a P.O. Box, a resedential address, or just an answering machine is most likely a smaller company and may difficult to work with when there is a problem with the equipment or service.
MYTH: I don’t know who to call for my HVAC preventative maintenance service needs.
FACT: Sure you do. Call Thermo-Trol Systems, Inc. at (757) 428-4646.
Myths and Facts about HVAC Maintenance
MYTH: My new or existing HVAC equipment is working fine now.
FACT: Only a complete inspection by a qualified HVAC Technician can determind the existing conditions and efficiency of the equipment. Scheduled Preventative Maintenance (PM) inspections will insure peak performance of your equipment and the ability of the equipment to last through the expected life span.
MYTH: I can change my own fan belts when they need to be changed.
FACT: Again, most owners do not prepare a PM schedule for fan belt inspections and changes. Dried, cracked, or loose fan belts reduce airflow throughout the system and again could cause the system to ice up, stop working, or worse; a leak of refrigerant into the atmosphere. Misaligned fan belts will cause the belt to jump off of the fan pulley or could cause bearing and/or fan blade damage. Low airflow is the second cause of “sick buildings.”