Simple routines that catch failures early and make service calls more productive.
Build an assigned maintenance schedule, use the mechanical-room walkthrough to collect observations and keep corrective findings open until verified.
There is no universal 'change every 90 days' rule for commercial HVAC filters. Occupancy, construction dust, filter efficiency, outdoor-air load, runtime, and system design all matter. Build your interval from inspection history and pressure-drop data where available.
A consistent daily walk catches leaks, odors, hot/cold complaints, restroom issues, door problems, abnormal equipment sounds, and safety hazards while they are still small. The value comes from walking the same route and comparing today's building to yesterday's.
A good service call starts with evidence: exact location, symptom, equipment identity, controller readings, error codes, timing, affected areas, and what changed recently. Five minutes of documentation can prevent repeat trips and reduce diagnostic time.
Restrooms generate a constant stream of small maintenance problems. A monthly inspection of flushometers, faucets, drains, partitions, accessories, caulk, exhaust, lighting, and hidden leaks catches water waste and user complaints before they become emergencies.
A usable PM calendar is simple, equipment-specific, assigned to a person, and tied to recurring work orders. Start with critical assets and common failure points instead of trying to document every component in the building on day one.
Doors fail gradually through loose hinges, leaking closers, latch misalignment, damaged panic hardware, and worn seals. A short quarterly inspection catches these before they become security or life-safety problems.
A roof walk is about finding changes: blocked drains, loose debris, membrane damage, open flashings, standing water, and equipment-service damage. Use the same route and photos each time.
A monthly mechanical-room walk catches water leaks, abnormal sounds, blocked access, dirty filters, pump issues, chemical storage problems, and changing gauge readings before they become shutdowns.
The best time to discover clogged condensate drains, dirty filters, failed fans, and dead thermostats is before the first hot week. Focus on airflow, drainage, controls, and obvious operation.
Winter preparation should focus on freeze exposure, heating operation, exterior doors, roof drainage, and spaces where cold air can reach piping. Do it before the first hard freeze.
Generator readiness starts with controller status, fuel level, leaks, charger indication, housekeeping, and whether the unit is in AUTO. Visual checks do not replace required exercise or service.
A monthly water-heater inspection should focus on leaks, temperatures, relief-valve discharge evidence, recirculation condition, unusual sounds, and housekeeping without casually operating safety devices.