As the temperatures climb and the air conditioners hum across the Mid-Atlantic, facility managers are under pressure to keep buildings cool, operations running, and energy costs under control. But what many don’t realize is that mid-season is actually the perfect time to give your HVAC system a boost.
Tate Engineering’s HVAC Preventative Maintenance (PM) Program offers a strategic and timely solution that not only helps you beat the heat but also boosts energy efficiency and lowers your operational costs. In this blog, we’ll break down why mid-season maintenance matters, what energy-saving opportunities it unlocks, and how Tate can help you get the most out of your HVAC investment.
The Hidden Cost of HVAC Inefficiency
It’s easy to forget that your HVAC system is one of the largest energy consumers in your facility. In commercial buildings, HVAC accounts for up to 40% of total energy usage. During the summer months, that number can climb even higher.
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Dirty condenser coils can increase energy consumption by 30%
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Refrigerant leaks can reduce system efficiency by up to 20%
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Worn belts, clogged filters, or failing components can drive performance down while spiking costs
Most facility teams prioritize PM in the spring, and rightly so. But mid-season is not too late to intervene. In fact, a mid-season tune-up offers a fresh opportunity to fine-tune performance while your equipment is operating at peak demand.
Benefits of mid-season HVAC PM:
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Immediate energy savings: Addressing dirty coils, low refrigerant, and airflow issues can instantly improve performance
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Prevent breakdowns: Summer is hard on equipment. Proactively servicing now reduces risk of failure
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Extend system life: Preventative care during high-stress periods slows wear and tear
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Improve occupant comfort: Consistent, reliable cooling enhances employee productivity and tenant satisfaction
Think of it like a pit stop during a race: your system is already running hard – a quick tune-up ensures it finishes strong.
What’s Included in a Tate PM Tune-Up?
Tate’s HVAC Preventative Maintenance Programs are tailored to your facility’s equipment, environment, and operational goals.
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Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils
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Checking and replacing air filters
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Inspecting belts, motors, and fans
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Lubricating moving parts
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Verifying refrigerant levels and pressures
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Checking electrical connections and controls
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Testing thermostats and system response
Our technicians don’t just check boxes – they uncover performance issues and suggest long-term strategies to optimize your system. If replacement parts are needed, we’ll work with you on budget-conscious solutions.
The ROI of Preventative Maintenance
While PM has a cost, the return on investment is clear. Studies show that a well-maintained HVAC system can:
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Reduce energy use by 15-20%
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Extend system lifespan by 30-50%
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Cut emergency repair costs by up to 60%
Let’s look at a hypothetical example:
Case Study: Office Building, 100,000 sq. ft.
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Without PM: Avg. summer HVAC energy cost = $45,000
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With PM (20% energy savings): Savings = $9,000
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PM cost = $4,000 per season
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Net savings = $5,000 + reduced risk of downtime
Custom Plans for Your Equipment & Budget
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Evaluate your current equipment and energy performance
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Recommend a tailored PM schedule
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Provide proactive reports and system condition updates
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Offer emergency support, if ever needed
The Hidden Risk of Deferred Maintenance
Deferred maintenance can lead to:
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Unexpected outages during peak demand
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Overstressed components (motors, compressors, etc.)
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Accelerated aging and shortened equipment life
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Tenant or employee discomfort (and complaints)
Ready to Get More from Your HVAC System?
Tate Engineering has supported the Mid-Atlantic region for over 100 years with:
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Certified HVAC technicians
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Trusted PM programs
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24/7 emergency response
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Deep mechanical systems expertise