Neglecting regular maintenance on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have serious consequences for your building’s comfort, energy efficiency, and bottom line. In this article, we’ll explore the costs of neglecting HVAC preventative maintenance through a real-world case study.
The Case Study: A Neglected HVAC System
A 20-year-old office building in a suburban area had a rooftop HVAC unit that had not been properly maintained in over 5 years. The building’s management company had been putting off regular maintenance due to budget constraints, hoping to save money in the short term. However, this decision ultimately led to a series of costly problems.
The Consequences of Neglect
- Increased Energy Bills: The neglected HVAC system was consuming more energy than necessary, resulting in a 25% increase in energy bills over the past year.
- Reduced System Lifespan: The system’s components were wearing out faster than expected, reducing its overall lifespan. The building’s management company was facing a premature replacement cost of $50,000.
- Frequent Breakdowns: The system was breaking down frequently, resulting in costly emergency repairs and disrupting the comfort and productivity of occupants.
- Indoor Air Quality Issues: The neglected system was circulating dirty air, exacerbating allergies and respiratory problems among occupants.
The Costs of Neglect
The building’s management company faced the following costs due to neglecting HVAC maintenance:
- Increased Energy Bills: $10,000 per year in additional energy costs
- Premature Replacement: $50,000 to replace the entire system 5 years earlier than expected
- Emergency Repairs: $5,000 per year in emergency repair costs
- Productivity Losses: Estimated losses of $20,000 per year due to occupant discomfort and reduced productivity
Total Cost of Neglect: $85,000 (over 5 years)
The Benefits of Regular Maintenance
In contrast, regular HVAC maintenance would have:
- Saved Energy Costs: Regular maintenance would have reduced energy bills by 10-15%, saving $5,000 per year.
- Extended System Lifespan: Regular maintenance would have extended the system’s lifespan, delaying the need for premature replacement.
- Prevented Breakdowns: Regular maintenance would have identified potential issues before they became major problems, reducing the need for emergency repairs.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Regular commercial hvac preventative maintenance would have ensured the system was circulating clean air, improving occupant health and comfort.
