If your commercial building has ever experienced an interruption to its heating or air conditioning, you know just how costly it can be in terms of repairs and tenant dissatisfaction. Maintaining the heating and air conditioning equipment of your commercial building is critical for tenant comfort, cost savings, and peak system performance.

What is planned maintenance?

Planned maintenance is scheduled and consistent HVAC equipment cleaning, inspecting, and servicing. This is important for the longevity and efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system. Did you know that neglected commercial units are at risk of a shorter equipment lifespan, often by 5-10 years, than systems that are routinely maintained?

At Encore Mechanical, we provide superior service and maintenance no matter the brand of the equipment, as our service technicians are trained and certified on all VRF HVAC manufacturers – including, but not limited to Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG, Samsung, Lennox, Toshiba, Hitachi, Fujitsu, Midea, Trane, York, Hisense, Sanyo, and Carrier.

Top five benefits of planned HVAC maintenance:

i. Minimizes Disruptions and Costly Breakdowns –When experienced technicians perform regular inspections, potential problems are managed before they produce unexpected HVAC failures which lead to emergency calls, expensive repairs, and dissatisfied tenants.

ii. Increases Tenant Comfort – Whether it is an office building, multi-family unit, or hotel, no one wants their customers to experience inconsistent cooling or temperature hot spots. A well-maintained VRF system responds faster to demand changes, operates quietly, and improves indoor air quality, essential for occupant comfort and health.

iii. Extends Equipment Lifespan – Just like having your car’s oil changed regularly keeps the engine running smoothly, well maintained VRF systems operate more efficiently and last longer when kept on a maintenance program. Your building’s HVAC system was a large financial investment, and routine maintenance will help ensure that your system lasts its full 15–25-year life expectancy.

iv. Improves Energy Efficiency – One of the biggest advantages of Variable Refrigerant Flow systems is their exceptional energy efficiency, but clogged air filters, dirty coils, and malfunctioning systems result in the system having to work harder, increasing both energy consumption and operational costs. Ongoing maintenance provides opportunities to assess and address any area hindering the 30-40% energy savings that VRF is known to provide compared to traditional HVAC systems.

v. Provides Warranty Protection – Most VRF manufacturers mandate professional maintenance twice a year to keep the warranty obligated. Maintaining your equipment and documenting these services ensures that your system is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

What to Expect from a Planned Maintenance Visit by Encore Mechanical

Encore Mechanical follows all VRF Manufacturers recommended maintenance instructions, and our customers receive a report when the work is complete. Our comprehensive planned maintenance plans evaluate the following areas and more:

• Check for refrigerant leakage
• Examine inverter compressor operation
• Clean/replace air filters and condenser coils
• Inspect drain pans and condensate pumps
• Check all electrical connections
• Inspect pipe insulation, supports, and leveling
• Inspect refrigerant temperature sensors
• Record VRF system Electronic Data, per each system (via the VRF Command Center, VCC, or manufacturers tool), evaluating optimal performance and operation to compare to factory parameters.

Encore’s Maintenance Program

Planned Maintenance Agreement customers (PMA) receive priority response times and preferred service rates.

RATES as of March 1, 2026:

VRF Lead Technician:  PMA Customers: $157.50/hr         Street Rate: $190/hr

HVAC Apprentice:        PMA Customers: $105.00/hr        Street Rate: $123.50/hr

Schedule your Commercial Buildings’ HVAC Planned Maintenance with Encore Mechanical

Implementing a Planned Maintenance program with Encore Mechanical is fast and easy. Call Encore Mechanical today at 817-416-2881 or complete an online request service.