A Business Case for Proactive HVAC Maintenance

Introduction

As occupants begin to return to buildings, expectations for safe, comfortable, and efficient facilities are higher than ever before. Gone are the days when a HVAC system malfunction would be overlooked as a minor mishap. Now, HVAC downtime means immediate distrust in your facility’s ability to provide a safe and comfortable environment for occupants. For 2021 and beyond, proactive capital maintenance is key when it comes to long-term facility success. In fact, regular HVAC maintenance is reported to reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by as much as 95%, avoiding pitfalls like unpredictable costs, occupant dissatisfaction, and more.

The Cost of Inaction

Run-to-fail operations inevitably lead to emergency repairs that come with big price tags. Over time, reactive operations incur higher costs, depreciate assets, increase utility spend and shorten HVAC machine lifespan. The risk of unpredictable costs can be mitigated with strategies for stability, like preventative maintenance and the installation of high-efficiency equipment. Without consistent maintenance, HVAC systems have the potential to use upwards of 40% of the total electricity consumed in any building. While a run-to-fail operation may seem less expensive in the short term, the risks greatly outweigh the benefits when it comes to opting out of proactive maintenance services.

Satisfied Occupants Lead to Client Success

On a list of the top five priorities for facility managers, building image ranks noticeably higher than hygiene (ensuring that facilities are clean, healthy, and safe). However, when it comes to occupant satisfaction, unseen indoor environmental factors are often the most noticeable. Mold, pollen, dust, and smog are all contaminants that can negatively affect occupants in the long term if not filtered correctly. In a recent study titled “A Paradigm Shift to Combat Indoor Respiratory Infection” published in the journal Science, researchers called for a change in how citizens and government officials think about indoor air quality (IAQ). Similarly, a joint study conducted by Harvard University and Syracuse University found that when ventilation was doubled in an office environment, employee cognitive performance increased by more than 100%. Other occupant benefits included 30% fewer headaches, reduced respiratory problems, and a boost in overall performance. The benefits even followed occupants home, with increased sleep quality.

From Proactive Plan to Proven Results

How clients across the country upgraded their HVAC system and, in turn, their business
- CENTER COMMONS MRI PITTSBURG, PA: Revenue lost to equipment breakdowns, increasing operational costs, and unreliable, aging infrastructure was countered with a Guaranteed Lifetime Protection program providing fixed cost solutions covering all parts, emergency services, and complete replacement, resulting in increased revenue and decreased energy cost.
- U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION LOS ANGELES, CA: Technological upgrades needed alternative funding, which was addressed with an additional phase of HVAC and control system upgrades leading to a deep energy retrofit reducing energy use by 50%.
- EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT EL PASO, TX: Lack of funding to fix aging infrastructure was resolved with HVAC upgrades paid for through an Energy Performance Contract, achieving $14.8 million guaranteed savings in energy and operating costs from HVAC, lighting upgrades, and more.
- CITY OF FREMONT, OHIO FREMONT, OH: Chiller and boiler failure and infrastructure needs for residents were met with HVAC replacements and retrofits for six facilities helping create savings to fund water meter upgrade, resulting in $12 million in energy and operating cost savings from HVAC, lighting, and other upgrades.
- ANHEUSER-BUSCH, INC. CARTERSVILLE, GA: Excessive costs and capital expenses from labor and breakdowns were tackled with preventative maintenance and updated control system, achieving total budget control and significant reduction of administrative costs.
- BRANDSMART SOUTH FLORIDA: Enriching shopping environments while decreasing carbon footprint and energy costs was accomplished by upgrading HVAC systems for multiple locations through leveraging PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) program, saving $2 million a year through HVAC, controls, and lighting upgrades with proactive maintenance.