Understanding the real scope behind preventive HVAC maintenance for commercial and industrial systems.
If you manage a commercial property, manufacturing facility, or multi-use building, HVAC maintenance isn’t just about comfort. It plays a critical role in protecting your equipment, controlling energy costs, and keeping systems compliant and efficient.
But what does HVAC maintenance actually include? What do technicians really check, clean, or replace when they show up for a service call or seasonal tune-up? And how do you know if you’re getting your money’s worth?
At DePue Mechanical, we work with facility managers, property owners, and maintenance teams across Illinois to deliver HVAC service plans that are thorough, transparent, and tailored to your equipment. Below is a detailed breakdown of what’s included in standard HVAC maintenance, along with what you should expect from a contractor you trust.
What’s Included in a Standard HVAC Maintenance Visit
Whether you’re on a seasonal contract or scheduling a one-time service, here’s what a typical HVAC maintenance call from DePue covers:
1. Full Visual System Inspection
- Assessing indoor and outdoor units for signs of wear, leaks, rust, debris, or visible damage
- Checking access panels, fasteners, and insulation integrity
2. Filter Replacement or Cleaning
- Air filter inspection and replacement (client-supplied or provided by DePue)
- Specialty filter options for high particulate environments
3. Evaporator and Condenser Coil Cleaning
- Removing dirt and buildup that reduces heat exchange efficiency
- Coil fin straightening if necessary
4. Refrigerant Level Check and Leak Detection
- Ensuring charge is within specification and identifying low-pressure issues
- Leak testing and documentation if anomalies are detected
5. Electrical Component Inspection
- Checking and tightening connections
- Testing relays, contactors, and capacitors for wear or failure risk
6. Belt and Pulley Checks (if applicable)
- Tension, alignment, and wear inspection on drive systems
7. Fan Motor and Blower Lubrication
- Where applicable, we lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and extend lifespan
8. Thermostat Calibration
- Testing accuracy and recalibrating if temperature drift is detected
What’s Included in a Preventive Maintenance Program (PMP)
Our commercial clients often choose an annual or multi-year HVAC Preventive Maintenance Program. These plans go beyond a basic tune-up. Here’s what comes standard:
- Pre-scheduled seasonal visits, typically in spring and fall
- Full equipment performance logs for every visit
- Predictive maintenance reporting based on equipment history
- Lifecycle tracking for major components such as motors, compressors, and belts
- Digital inspection reports emailed within 24 hours
- Asset tagging for future tracking
- Priority emergency response access
This is more than maintenance. It’s proactive system management.
Add-On Services Often Requested
While not always included in standard maintenance, we also offer:
- Ductwork inspections and indoor air quality testing
- Variable frequency drive (VFD) testing and programming
- Combustion analysis on boilers
- Building automation diagnostics
- Infrared scanning for electrical faults
These services are usually recommended during seasonal transitions or when performance trends suggest a deeper review.
System Types Covered in HVAC Maintenance
Not all systems are the same. Our team is trained and experienced across a range of commercial HVAC setups, including:
- Rooftop units (RTUs)
- Split systems
- VRF and VAV systems
- Air handlers (AHUs)
- Boilers and chillers
- Ductless mini-splits
Each system type has its own maintenance needs. We tailor our approach accordingly.
What Makes a Good HVAC Maintenance Partner?
A checklist means little without a team that knows what to look for. Here’s what separates a great HVAC maintenance contractor from the rest:
- Familiarity with commercial and industrial equipment
- Detailed documentation and digital reporting
- Clear communication and proactive service reminders
- Ability to identify issues early and help prevent downtime
At DePue, our service division does more than change filters. We help you protect your investment and extend the life of your HVAC systems.
Why Choose DePue Mechanical?
- 24/7 emergency HVAC service
- In-house digital inspection reports and client dashboards
- A dedicated service team with decades of HVAC experience
- Industry-aligned best practices following ASHRAE standards
- Facility support throughout Chicagoland and Central Illinois
Our clients don’t call us just because something broke. They count on us to make sure it doesn’t.
Let’s Talk HVAC Maintenance for Your Facility
Ready to set up a maintenance plan or schedule your spring and fall tune-ups? Our service team is standing by with fast response times, digital reporting, and expert technicians who understand commercial HVAC systems.
👉 Request a Quote or Site Visit to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should HVAC maintenance be performed?
At a minimum, twice a year. We recommend 4 times a year to ensure clean filters, and the coils are cleaned at the appropriate time, typically after the cottonwood flies. High-use or sensitive facilities may benefit from monthly or bi-monthly visits.
What’s the difference between maintenance and a tune-up?
Maintenance is proactive and scheduled to monitor performance and prevent failure. A tune-up is often reactive, used to address performance issues after they begin.
What’s included in a Preventive Maintenance Agreement (PMA)?
At DePue, our PMA includes spring and fall visits, full inspections, digital reports, lifecycle tracking, priority emergency access, discounted parts, and discounted labor rates. Three-year contract options are available that offer additional savings.
Last Updated: December 2025
