Buildings rely on HVAC systems to ensure comfort year round. However, all too often, the regular upkeep of HVAC systems isn’t a priority…until something goes wrong or they don’t work as they should. Routine HVAC preventative maintenance is essential for comfort, healthier indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and peace of mind—and it’s something that should begin well before an issue occurs. In fact, the best move you can make for ensuring HVAC equipment longevity is to set up your system for long-term success with equipment supports as part of a complete rooftop support system.
Before we dive into our recommendations, we’ll outline some basic HVAC components, what they do, and why preventative maintenance should be a priority for all building managers.
Overview Of HVAC Components
In order to understand why maintenance improves the operation of HVAC systems, it’s helpful to understand how some of the individual components work.
Thermostat: Sometimes a problem with the HVAC system isn’t located where most people think. The thermostat is the control center of the HVAC system and tells your HVAC system when to turn on and when to shut off.
Blower Motor: Your HVAC unit has a fan that helps circulate heated air through your ductwork, and out the registers pulls cooler air from the return registers. When you turn on your air conditioner, the blower acts as a source for air distribution as well.
Combustion Chamber: The combustion chamber, also called a burner, allows air to become heated when combustible material ignites. This is where the furnace burns natural gas to heat the air before sending it through the ductwork.
Condenser Coil: This part of your HVAC system is located outside the building. The condenser moves hot air outside in the warmer months, which cools down your interior.
Evaporator Coil: This component absorbs heat from the air inside and sends it outside. It also works with the condenser coil to complete the heat exchange process. The refrigerant inside the coils goes through a series of valves, which evaporates the refrigerant into gas.
Heat Exchanger: The heat exchanger kicks on when your thermostat decides that your building needs heat. The heat exchanger is either electric coils if you use electricity, or burners if you use gas or oil.
Why Have Your HVAC System On The Roof?
Many commercial buildings choose to store their heavy equipment, including HVAC systems, on the roof. Why? Many factors drive this decision, with one of the largest being the space-saving advantages it provides. Equipment roof storage also minimizes disruptions in various ways: noisy equipment is far removed from building occupants, and any work, installation, or general maintenance can proceed without inconvenience. Rooftop storage also serves as a deterrent against vandals and thieves, making access for anyone other than building personnel difficult.
Why Preventative Maintenance Is Important
HVAC preventative maintenance is the key to long-term efficiency and longevity. The average service life of an HVAC system is up to 20 years, but that’s only with routine maintenance. Without maintenance, the service life is cut in half, requiring frequent repairs before the system finally quits.
Why Rooftop Support Systems Are Critical For Maintenance
There are many reasons why rooftop support systems are critical for maintenance. Safety, ease of access, protection, and longevity are among the most important.
Access: Rooftop supports make it easier to access different rooftop areas.
Safety: Stairs and crossovers provide a safer way to navigate the rooftop, so people don’t have to climb over equipment
Protection: Rooftop supports protect the integrity of your roof by supporting your HVAC equipment properly and with zero roof penetrations.
Longevity: The ease of access and safety for technicians make it possible for HVAC technicians to ensure the quality of maintenance, thoroughness of evaluation, and longevity of your system.
Why Our Designs Make A Difference
PHP understands that every project is different and can have its particular challenges. We listen closely to understand your project’s needs, and we’ll discuss how we can customize our products to address your requirements.
Innovation and integrity are our way of life and our goal is to satisfy our clients with the knowledge and quality we provide. All our products carry a five-year warranty, and we will provide a replacement should a problem arise. Our engineers design each zero penetration rooftop support product to your specific building environment without voiding your warranty.
When you need someone to build it right, you can count on PHP Systems/Design to fulfill your needs. Our supports are engineered and designed to withstand any season while maintaining timeless quality and performance.
