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.
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.
Dirty condenser coils can increase energy consumption by 30%
Refrigerant leaks can reduce system efficiency by up to 20%
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.
Immediate energy savings: Addressing dirty coils, low refrigerant, and airflow issues can instantly improve performance
Prevent breakdowns: Summer is hard on equipment. Proactively servicing now reduces risk of failure
Extend system life: Preventative care during high-stress periods slows wear and tear
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.
Tate’s HVAC Preventative Maintenance Programs are tailored to your facility’s equipment, environment, and operational goals.
Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils
Checking and replacing air filters
Inspecting belts, motors, and fans
Lubricating moving parts
Verifying refrigerant levels and pressures
Checking electrical connections and controls
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.
While PM has a cost, the return on investment is clear. Studies show that a well-maintained HVAC system can:
Reduce energy use by 15-20%
Extend system lifespan by 30-50%
Cut emergency repair costs by up to 60%
Let’s look at a hypothetical example:
Without PM: Avg. summer HVAC energy cost = $45,000
With PM (20% energy savings): Savings = $9,000
PM cost = $4,000 per season
Net savings = $5,000 + reduced risk of downtime
Evaluate your current equipment and energy performance
Recommend a tailored PM schedule
Provide proactive reports and system condition updates
Offer emergency support, if ever needed
Unexpected outages during peak demand
Overstressed components (motors, compressors, etc.)
Accelerated aging and shortened equipment life
Tenant or employee discomfort (and complaints)
Certified HVAC technicians
Trusted PM programs
24/7 emergency response
Deep mechanical systems expertise