The term “creep” has been applied to any number of functions within business during the past few years, from “project” to “price.” In every case, it means that something hasn’t been accounted for and that costs are spiraling up. In the case of energy, it’s estimated that a properly maintained commercial air-conditioning system will lose about 1% efficiency each year. An improperly maintained system may lose double or even triple that number. So, after 10 years, your efficiency could be off by as much as 20% to 30%. And you pay the price of that creep.

But, according to Michael Flores, Director, Services & Technology at Direct Energy, there are several simple steps you can take to protect your equipment. While he could write a book on the subject, he offers a few, easy-to-implement ideas:

• Make sure your coils are clean—“Dust-clogged or dirty coils restrict air flow, which makes your motors and pumps work harder,” Flores says. “Make sure there is nothing near the coils that could restrict air flow.”
• Change your filters—A clogged filter can also make every other part of the system work overtime to keep you cool. Because filters tend to be an “out of sight, out of mind” part, they don’t get replaced as often as they should, but it’s likely the cheapest form of maintenance you can perform.
• Test and inspect regularly—“In a general sense, you need to examine the entire system no less than once and preferably twice a year before the beginning of the heating and cooling season,” Flores says. “Inspecting key problem-prone areas and all moving parts is critical for long equipment life. Electrical contacts might need to be cleaned; belts might need to be tightened; you need to be sure that all motors and fans are working properly and have proper lubrication; and you need to make sure there is no rust or crimped or kinked wiring.”

Even if you stopped at the immediate energy savings alone, Flores’s ideas make sense. But the benefits extend far beyond that. Well-maintained equipment results in reduced costs over the entire life of the system, which is also extended when it’s well cared for. “You can tie system maintenance back to several advantages,” Flores adds. “Good filtration may reduce bacteria and germs, resulting in fewer sick days and better productivity. It aids in employee, client and supplier comfort. It’s even related to the value of the property. A well-maintained A/C system can help you recruit tenants and, if you own the building and plan to sell, make that process easier. Do the math, and you’ll find that good system maintenance can benefit your business in many ways.”