As a facilities/building manager, your role is all about efficiency, compliance, and creating a comfortable environment for the people who use your building. One area that often determines how smoothly everything runs — yet can easily be overlooked — is your HVAC system.
Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) isn’t just a box to tick — it’s a smart, strategic approach to facilities management. Here’s why it’s critical for commercial buildings across the UK.
- Stay Compliant with UK Regulations
Commercial HVAC systems must meet a range of legal and environmental standards in the UK, including:
- F-Gas Regulations: Systems containing fluorinated greenhouse gases must be regularly inspected and leak-checked.
- Health and Safety at Work Act: Ensures the building environment does not pose risks to employees or visitors.
- TM44 Inspections: Required for air conditioning systems over 12kW, assessing energy efficiency and recommending improvements.
By having a structured maintenance programme in place, you’re not just avoiding fines — you’re demonstrating due diligence and responsible asset management.
- Reduce Operational Costs Through Energy Efficiency
With energy costs remaining volatile, efficiency is more important than ever. Poorly maintained HVAC systems can consume significantly more energy than necessary due to:
- Dirty filters or coils
- Refrigerant leaks
- Inaccurate thermostat readings
- Poor airflow
A well-executed PPM strategy helps maintain peak performance, improving your building’s energy rating and reducing long-term utility costs — a win for your budget and your sustainability targets.
- Prevent Disruptive and Costly Breakdowns
There’s never a good time for your HVAC system to fail — especially when it affects staff productivity, customer comfort, or critical operations.
Planned maintenance means:
- Small issues are caught early
- System lifespan is extended
- Emergency repair costs are minimised
It also reduces the number of reactive callouts, which often come with higher fees and logistical headaches.
- Improve Occupant Comfort and Indoor Air Quality
Temperature complaints and stuffy air can seriously impact morale and productivity. In high-traffic commercial environments — from offices and retail to education and healthcare — maintaining a consistent, healthy indoor climate is non-negotiable.
Regular HVAC servicing ensures:
- Consistent airflow and temperatures
- Clean filters for healthier indoor air
- Reduced risk of mould, allergens, and airborne pollutants
- Gain Peace of Mind and Predictable Budgets
With a planned maintenance schedule, you’re not only prepared for seasonal demands — you’re also better equipped to manage your budgets. No surprises. No urgent decisions under pressure.
Many service providers (including us at QVAC) offer:
- Flexible maintenance contracts based on your building’s needs
- 24/7 emergency support for total peace of mind
- Detailed service records to support audits and reporting
As a facilities manager, your time is valuable — and reactive maintenance is the fastest way to lose control of your building’s climate and your budget.
Investing in a reliable, tailored PPM plan for your HVAC system means fewer problems, lower costs, and happier occupants. It’s one of the smartest ways to future-proof your facility — and stay one step ahead.
Need help reviewing your current HVAC maintenance plan?
At QVAC, we specialise in supporting facilities managers with tailored, flexible HVAC solutions that meet compliance and deliver consistent comfort. Let’s talk
