To keep comfortable and ensure you’re prepared for any future issues, it’s important you know your HVAC system’s health status. But after one of our newest church clients in Fairfax faced the consequences of a system failing at the most critical time of the year, they found themselves asking: is all preventative maintenance equal?  

Preventative Maintenance: Four Questions to Ask  

In the dog days of summer, this church in Fairfax had experienced issues with their HVAC system. Though they had a trusted firm handling their maintenance, a serious issue popped up, seemingly without warning. The client was left wondering, could better quality preventative maintenance had uncovered the issue sooner? 

Here’s what we do know: preventative maintenance involves regularly scheduled service visits to ensure your system is functioning properly and identify potential issues that need further evaluation. Any mechanical services firm can and should provide a detailed maintenance list. The question is, are they really doing what they should? And, how will you know? In the end, you should receive a detailed report with high-quality information. Ideally, preventative maintenance should aim to prevent big repairs or replacements from coming out of the blue.

When looking at the reports you’re getting out of your preventative maintenance agreement, here are four questions to ask: 

 Is this task list comprehensive? This is just the starting point, and most companies will provide a comprehensive maintenance task list. 

 Are there things specifically excluded as add-on services? Better to ask about this upfront.

 How will I know things are completed? A simple checkbox or handwritten measurement isn’t enough. You need proof.  

 What is the process if any critical issues are identified? Make sure you’re informed in a timely manner about any potential issues found during maintenance.  

Want to know more? Here’s another article on preventative maintenance and what red flags to look for.  

We digress. Let’s Get Back to Our Client… 

For this client, the chiller in their system failed amid the summer heat. Unfortunately, because they were in the height of summer, they found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. There was no other option but to temporarily fix the system – an unexpected cost of $6,000 – and then install a brand new system after the summer heat.

There’s no way to say with 100% certainty that there was a way to prevent spending money on a stop-gap solution. However, preventative maintenance is designed to give clients options while there’s still time. In general, not only does preventative maintenance keep your system running smoothly, but it also helps identify potential issues down the road, such as a piece of equipment that is nearing the end of its useful life. 

Trimark Mechanical Steps in to Resolve the Issue 

With the church discouraged from working with their old mechanical service provider, they called in Trimark Mechanical to head the installation of their new system. We recognized the client’s situation and wanted to help them get up and running as soon as possible.  Realizing the importance of preventative maintenance, they also decided to switch to Trimark for their maintenance needs. 

We Serve Those Who Serve the Community 

Your HVAC system is among the largest expenses in your church and comprehensive preventative maintenance is critical to protect that investment. We want to be your trusted partner and take ownership of the performance and lifespan of your HVAC system. 

Do you feel like your mechanical service provider isn’t providing you with proper preventative maintenance? At Trimark Mechanical, we’ll strive to improve the operation and lifespan of your equipment, even if we didn’t install it. The first visit is on us, and our sole aim is to give you a better understanding of your HVAC system. Let’s keep your congregation, clergy, and staff comfortable and happy. Contact us today!