The Air Handling Units (AHUS) are the workhorses of the heating and cooling system in a building. They are what keep the air quality good, maintain the temperature and circulate air. However, as they constantly work to make our lives a bit more comfortable, it is time to take care of them to keep them in good condition.
When you miss maintenance, small issues begin to accumulate. Such things as blocked filters, filthy components, or worn-down motors. This results in costly energy bills, rooms that feel too hot or too cold, and repairs that cost you a fortune when you could have prevented them so easily.
Servicing your system regularly is the best way to keep your system in good shape and avoid unexpected breakdowns, as well as maintain a comfortable environment for those using the building.
This blog post will cover what AHU maintenance entails, why it is so critical, and how you can maintain your system in prime condition in the long term.
Why Air Handling Unit Maintenance Is So Important
When an AHU is properly maintained, it operates smoothly and silently in the background. But behind that quiet performance are multiple components working hard: fans, filters, coils, sensors, dampers, motors, and belts. Each one is subject to wear and tear over time.
Neglecting regular servicing often leads to:
- Reduced energy efficiency: Dirty coils and clogged filters force your system to work harder, increasing energy use.
- Poor indoor air quality: Accumulated dust, mould, and bacteria in filters and coils can circulate harmful pollutants through your building.
- Shortened system lifespan: Unchecked wear on components like motors, fans, or bearings accelerates equipment failure.
- Unplanned downtime: Unexpected breakdowns can disrupt business operations, especially in temperature-sensitive industries like manufacturing, data centers, or healthcare.
- Non-compliance: Many commercial buildings are required to maintain certain air quality and ventilation standards under local regulations.
By implementing a scheduled Air Handling Unit maintenance plan, facilities managers can ensure performance remains consistent and breakdowns are avoided.
What’s Included in an AHU Service?
Though specifics of the AHU service may differ due to the size and complexity of the system in question, a checklist of things to include in an average maintenance visit should consist of the following checks and procedures:
1. Filter Replacement: The initial protection against air particles is the use of filters. Contaminated or blocked filters cause flow restriction, system stress and poor air. One of the easiest, but most important, maintenance tasks is changing or washing filters.
2. Coil Cleaning and Disinfection: Coils in evaporators and condensers may become dirty, wet and even moldy. The rinsing of the coils enhances convection and minimizes microbial growth. In highly trafficked or sensitive areas, disinfection of coils could also be suggested.
3. Fan and Motor Inspection: Air circulation is done by fans and motors. Technicians will test wear, overheating, vibrations or loose connections. They will also see that motor bearings are lubricated as well as that all fasteners are fastened.
4. Belt and Pulley Checks: Belts pass power between the motor and the fan. Damaged or unbalanced belts will result in vibrations, noise and energy wastage. These need to be checked, tuned, or changed as required.
5. Ductwork and Damper Inspection: Ducts and dampers are used to direct air that can move through the AHU to distinct areas of the building. Technicians will ensure that there are no leaks, blockages or damage that might interfere with the distribution of the airflow or system balance.
6. Sensor and Control Calibration: AHUs now use sensors and automated controls to be effective. Sensors tend to become out of calibration with time. The technicians will check and recalibrate sensors to observe accurate temperature, pressure, and humidity readings.
7. Efficiency and Performance Testing: Some services may also include airflow measurements, pressure drop analysis, or thermal imaging to assess how efficiently the system is running and to identify early warning signs of issues.
How Much Does AHU Maintenance Cost?
The cost of Air Handling Unit maintenance depends on several factors:
- System size and design: Larger AHUs or those with complex configurations will typically cost more to service.
- Accessibility: Units located on rooftops or in hard-to-reach areas require more time and effort to access.
- Frequency of service: Some facilities require quarterly servicing, while others may only need biannual or annual visits.
- Number of units: Sites with multiple AHUs may be able to benefit from bundled service pricing.
In general, businesses can expect AHU maintenance costs to range between £200 and £600 per unit per visit. However, this is just a ballpark figure—custom quotes based on a building’s specific needs are always the best way to budget accurately.
Signs Your AHU Might Be Overdue for Maintenance
Not sure whether your AHU is due for servicing? Watch out for these common warning signs:
- Unusual noises from the unit (rattling, buzzing, whirring)
- Increased energy bills without a clear explanation
- Reduced airflow or uneven temperatures in different rooms
- Frequent tripping of HVAC system components
- Foul odors or visible dirt around vents
- Rising humidity levels indoors
- Complaints about air quality from staff or occupants
These signs indicate the system is straining, and it’s only a matter of time before a minor issue becomes a major fault.
Choosing the Right AHU Service Provider
When selecting an AHU maintenance company, don’t just go with the cheapest option. Look for:
- Qualified engineers with HVAC or air handling unit relevant qualifications
- Written reports for every service visit
- Flexibility of service, ideally the ability to service AHUs outside normal business operational hours
- Emergency call-out options outside of normal operational hours should be available in case faults develop
- Local and knowledgeable expertise for timely response and assistance
Choosing a provider who understands your AHU and your building will result in the least disruptions and maximized system operation effectiveness.
AHU Maintenance Across the Midlands
When it comes to commercial and industrial buildings, especially in the Midlands, you will surely need a reliable maintenance partner.
Cormek Solutions provides full Air Handling Unit service based on your particular system. Our engineers ensure your HVAC system operates well all year round through regular servicing that keeps your AHU in good shape, whether you have a single or multiple AHUs in your facility or three units in your home.
We can make sure that we fit into your schedule without interrupting your routine, and each visit will involve a full condition report, so you never have to worry about the health of your system.
Book Your AHU Service Today
Do not wait until it breaks down before you remind yourself of the need to maintain it. Regularly maintained AHU will save you money, safeguard the air quality of your building and keep your HVAC running flawlessly in the forthcoming years.
Get in touch with Cormek Solutions to arrange an AHU maintenance service or find out more about our packages for commercial and industrial premises services across the Midlands.