Commercial HVAC: How Often Should Units Be Serviced?

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Commercial air conditioning outdoor unit How Often Should Commercial HVAC Units Be Serviced?

At Total Air and Heat, we know the difference between a comfortable workspace and one that feels like a sauna in the summer or a walk-in freezer in winter. If your commercial HVAC system isn’t getting the attention it needs, you’re gambling with more than just temperatures — you’re risking your bottom line.

Commercial HVAC systems aren’t like the unit keeping your home comfy. They run harder, cover more ground, and support dozens — sometimes hundreds — of people at once. So, how often should commercial HVAC be serviced? Here’s the straight answer: twice a year, minimum. Once in the spring for cooling and once in the fall for heating. Let’s break it all down.

Why Biannual HVAC Service Matters

Think of your HVAC like a company vehicle. You wouldn’t skip oil changes, right? The same goes here. Regular service keeps the system running longer and more efficiently and helps us catch little things before they become budget-busting disasters.

We’ve seen clogged coils slow down cooling like molasses in January. Dirty filters choking air supply. The belts are so loose that they might as well have been spaghetti. All of it is avoidable.

Our techs — we call them Eagle-Eyed Techs for good reason — catch these issues before they snowball. And we don’t just check boxes. Our only way is all the way.

When to Call for Professional HVAC Service

Here’s your cheat sheet. If you check off any of these, it’s time to give us a ring:

  • Weird noises: Banging, screeching, clicking — HVAC systems shouldn’t sound like a garage band.
  • Uneven temps: Some rooms feel like the Arctic while others are a sweatbox? Something’s off.
  • Sky-high energy bills: A sudden spike without a clear cause usually means the system’s working too hard.
  • Funky smells: Musty, burning, or chemical smells aren’t normal.
  • Poor airflow: If it feels like you’re barely getting a breeze, it might be a filter, duct, or fan issue.
  • Humidity problems: Offices feeling sticky in summer or bone dry in winter? That’s an HVAC red flag.
  • Short cycling: Turns on, then off, then on again — like it can’t make up its mind.

Even if your system seems fine, regular servicing is cheaper than emergency repairs or full replacements. Peace of mind costs a whole lot less than a new rooftop unit.

What Happens During a Commercial HVAC Service?Close up of Air Conditioning Repair team use fuel gases and oxygen to weld or cut metals, Oxy-fuel welding and oxy-fuel cutting processes, repairman on the floor fixing air conditioning system

We like transparency, so here’s what you can expect during a Tip Top Tuneup from Total Air and Heat:

Thermostat Calibration

We make sure your thermostats are accurate. A few degrees off? That adds up on your power bill.

Air Filter Check and Replacement

Dirty filters choke your system. We’ll replace them on the spot.

Coil Cleaning

Dirty coils force the system to work overtime. Clean coils cool faster and more efficiently.

Blower and Fan Inspection

These move the air. If they’re out of whack, you’ll feel it — or worse, not feel it.

Refrigerant Level Check

Too much or too little refrigerant affects cooling. We check levels and top it off if needed.

Electrical Inspection

Loose wires and bad connections? That’s a fire hazard. We tighten and replace anything suspect.

Belt and Motor Check

Worn belts lead to breakdowns. Motors get tested to catch failure before it happens.

Ductwork Evaluation

Leaks in the duct system waste money. We check for obvious problems.

Drain Line Flush

Blocked drains = water leaks and mold. We clean them thoroughly.

System Test Run

Once we’ve tuned everything, we fire it up and monitor performance.

FAQTwo men seen working on HVAC equipment from above

How often should commercial HVAC systems be inspected?

Twice a year, at minimum. Once before summer and once before winter. But if your building runs 24/7 or supports sensitive equipment, quarterly checks make more sense.

Do I need to shut down operations during HVAC service?

Nope. We work around your schedule to minimize disruption. Early mornings, late afternoons — whatever you need.

How long does a commercial HVAC service take?

Usually a few hours, depending on system size. For larger buildings or rooftop units, expect closer to half a day.

Is regular maintenance really worth it?

Absolutely. It reduces energy costs, avoids expensive repairs, and keeps your employees and customers comfortable.

Can you help us create a service schedule?

Of course. We’ll set up a custom plan that fits your system, your building, and your budget.

Why Choose Total Air and Heat?

We’ve been your trusted next-door neighbor for 65 years. We treat every system like it keeps our team comfortable. No fluff. No shortcuts. Just hard work and know-how.

Our techs don’t show up to “have a look.” They show up to fix, test, clean, and optimize — and they do it with pride. We’ve worked in schools, data centers, warehouses, office buildings, and strip malls. If it cools or heats, we’ve serviced it.
And when we leave, you’ll feel the difference.

Ready for a Tip Top Tuneup?

Don’t wait for your HVAC to wave a white flag. Let’s keep it in fighting shape — spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Give us a call today, and let’s get your system back to doing what it does best: keeping everyone comfortable while keeping your costs in check. Because at Total Air and Heat, We’re Not Comfortable Until You Are.