Poorly maintained commercial HVAC equipment can easily become a source of out-of-control monthly costs, even for relatively small commercial structures. Since most commercial buildings use rooftop units, it's easy for owners to ignore essential maintenance needs. After all, the equipment is often out of sight and out of mind, and seemingly more pressing business matters may require your time and money.

Unfortunately, deferring maintenance on HVAC can have expensive and sometimes irreversible consequences. If you aren't making maintenance of your rooftop units a top priority, check out these three ways that a poorly maintained system may cost your business far more money over the long term.

1. Ongoing Efficiency Losses

The two primary sources of efficiency loss in a commercial rooftop system are the condensers and the air filters. All HVAC systems require adequate airflow to operate efficiently, and old or dirty air filters can dramatically reduce airflow through the system. As the blower struggles to push air across the heat exchanger or evaporator, your system will struggle (and use more energy) to maintain temperature.

The condenser coils are another potential source of efficiency loss. Since the coils live outside, they'll inevitably accumulate dirt and debris over time. Rooftop commercial units don't typically become dirty as quickly as residential units on lawns, but they still require periodic inspection and cleaning. A dirty condenser can't release heat effectively, causing the system to run poorly.

2. Compressor and Heat Exchanger Damage

While maintaining your system can significantly reduce your monthly operating costs, proper maintenance is ultimately about protecting vital HVAC components. Your air conditioning system's compressor and furnace's heat exchanger are two parts of your system you never want to replace. Unfortunately, a poorly maintained system will stress both of these components.

Surprisingly, something as simple as a clogged air filter can cause a rooftop heat exchanger to overheat, eventually leading to cracks and a costly replacement. In a worst-case scenario, you may not even notice the damage, allowing harmful combustion gases to enter the building. Keeping up with routine maintenance can help prevent these costly and dangerous outcomes.

3. Higher Repair Costs

Compressors and heat exchangers are among the worst-case scenarios for repairs, but they're not the only problems a poorly maintained system can face. Lack of maintenance will affect nearly every part of your HVAC equipment, placing additional strain on everything from your furnace burners to your AC compressor to your electrical connections and blower motors.

Deferring routine maintenance on your system will cause these components to wear out more quickly, leading to more frequent repair visits and downtime. This downtime can significantly affect your day-to-day operations if your business operates in a particularly hot or cold climate. In almost all cases, keeping up with routine maintenance is an easier and more cost-effective option. For more information, contact a company like Central York Corp.