Spring Maintenance Checklist for Commercial Properties 

Now that spring is settling in across Massachusetts, many business owners are focusing on fresh starts – new projects, updated goals, and getting buildings ready for the warmer months ahead. As trees bloom and temperatures shift, it’s also the perfect time to check in on the core systems of your property. 

Spring maintenance is crucial for smooth business operations. It’s the perfect time to inspect your HVAC, plumbing, drainage, and smart systems before the warmer weather adds extra strain to your property. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through a complete commercial property maintenance checklist to help you stay ahead of costly repairs. You’ll learn what to look for, what you can fix early, and when to bring in experienced commercial plumbing contractors or a trusted commercial HVAC technician. 

Keep this blog handy as you plan your building maintenance routine this spring! 

HVAC System Tasks  

As spring arrives in Massachusetts, it’s time to focus on your building’s systems, especially HVAC. Here’s a quick checklist for spring HVAC maintenance to ensure your commercial property runs efficiently and comfortably. 

Check HVAC Belts and Motors 

A squealing belt or a noisy motor is often the first sign that something’s wrong inside your commercial HVAC systems. During spring maintenance, inspect belts for cracks, fraying, or glazing. 

Listen for unusual motor sounds like grinding or humming, which may indicate worn bearings that need attention to prevent motor failure during a summer heatwave. 

Switch Commercial HVAC System from Heating to Cooling Mode 

As summer approaches, it’s crucial to transition your heating system to cooling mode properly. Start by setting your thermostats to cooling mode and lowering the temperature a few degrees.  

Listen for any strange sounds as well. Banging noises, delayed airflow, or inadequate cooling indicate it’s time to contact a commercial HVAC contractor for help. 

Replace Air Filters and Clean Ductwork 

Prioritize replacing your air filters to maintain indoor air quality and keep your HVAC systems efficient. Even if they don’t look dirty, replacing them is a smart way to prevent bigger issues later. 

Also, inspect your ductwork for dust buildup, tears, disconnected joints, or mold. Dirty or damaged ducts can reduce indoor air quality and force your HVAC unit to work harder. 

Enroll in a Preventive HVAC Maintenance Program 

One of the smartest moves you can make this spring is setting up a preventive maintenance program with a top-rated commercial HVAC company. 

A preventive maintenance plan helps identify minor issues before they lead to costly repairs and extends the lifespan of HVAC units. Commercial properties in Massachusetts that invest in routine HVAC services often experience lower operating costs and fewer emergencies. 

Plumbing for Commercial Property Maintenance 

After the freeze-thaw cycles we get here in Massachusetts, inspecting your plumbing systems early before small problems balloon into costly repairs is critical. 

Here’s what you’ll want to focus on when it comes to plumbing in spring. 

Inspect Pipes, Fixtures, and Joints for Leaks or Corrosion 

In colder months, pipes and fixtures can experience wear and tear. Musty smells, water stains, bulging sections, or drips are red flags to watch for. Focus on exposed piping in basements, boiler rooms, and utility closets, as these areas are often overlooked until a plumbing emergency occurs. 

Flush Water Heaters and Inspect Components 

Water heaters work extra hard during the winter. Spring is the right season to give them a little attention. Over time, sediment builds up inside the tank, reducing efficiency and shortening the unit’s lifespan. 

Draining a few gallons from the tank helps clear sediment and allows for inspection of parts like the pressure relief valve and anode rod, which prevents corrosion.  

Inspect and Test Sump Pumps 

Nobody wants to think about basement flooding until it happens, but spring rains can hit hard and fast around here. That’s why sump pump testing belongs on every spring checklist for commercial building owners. 

To test the sump pump, pour water into the pit and see if it activates. If it doesn’t, makes strange noises, or is sluggish, call a plumber. In Boston, where sudden rain is common, a failing sump pump can lead to significant damage to a commercial property quickly. 

Check for Water Pressure Irregularities 

It’s easy to dismiss fluctuating water pressure as “just one of those things” – but it can signal bigger problems brewing behind the walls. 

Water pressure in commercial buildings should ideally be between 60 and 80 psi. Lower pressure may indicate hidden leaks or blockages, while higher pressure can damage fixtures and HVAC systems reliant on water feeds. 

Drainage and Water Management Tasks 

Massachusetts weather can be unpredictable; even one bad rainstorm can create significant water issues if your systems aren’t ready.  Let’s walk through the key areas you’ll want to check to avoid costly flooding and water damage. 

Clear Roof Drains and Scuppers 

Standing water on a flat or low-sloped roof can cause major roofing problems, from leaks to full-on collapse if too much weight builds up. 

Clear roof drains and scuppers of debris like sticks, leaves, and gravel. Pour a few gallons of water around each drain during spring inspections to ensure proper drainage. 

Check Storm Drains, Catch Basins, and Grates 

Storm drains and catch basins protect your property during spring showers. Over time, they can become clogged with leaves, trash, and winter debris. If blocked, water can back up quickly, leading to parking lot floods or leaks into the building. 

Inspect and Clean French Drains (if installed) 

For commercial properties with French drains, it’s wise to check them each spring. These underground pipes collect groundwater and need to be kept clear all the time to function correctly. 

Find the cleanout points, typically capped pipes above ground. Remove the caps and run water to check for flow. A blockage may require professional plumbing assistance if water backs up or drains slowly. 

Electrical System Checks for Commercial Property Maintenance  

During spring property maintenance, electrical system checks often get overlooked – until issues arise. As a commercial plumbing and HVAC company, we emphasize that proactive maintenance on electrical systems saves money, protects your building, and ensures smooth operations. 

Here’s what you’ll want to include in your spring checklist for commercial building maintenance: 

Test Circuit Breakers, Fuses, and Distribution Panels 

During spring building maintenance, exercise the breakers by flipping them off and on to prevent sticking, especially in older buildings where moisture accumulates. While you’re at it, check for hot spots or signs of corrosion, as a warm breaker or rust can indicate potential issues. 

Suppose you spot anything odd, such as discoloration, a weird smell, even small buzzing sounds. In that case, it’s a good time to call a commercial electrical contractor in Massachusetts for a closer look.  

Test All Building Lighting Systems (Interior and Exterior) 

Proper lighting keeps your employees, customers, and tenants safe, especially with longer daylight hours making it easy to overlook minor issues. 

Walk around the property and check all the bulbs, ballasts, and motion sensors. Focus on parking lots, building entrances, stairwells, and emergency exits. An out bulb now can leave someone struggling in the dark later. 

Smart Automation and Building Management Systems 

As part of any good spring checklist for commercial buildings, it’s essential not to forget about the systems you don’t physically see, like your building’s smart automation and controls. These systems greatly affect your energy efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and even security. 

Update Software on Smart HVAC and Lighting Systems 

First, check whether your smart HVAC and lighting systems need a software update. You can usually find firmware updates on the manufacturer’s website.  

If you need help finding the software, contact the company or person who set up your smart office automation system. 

Recalibrate Occupancy Sensors, Smart Thermostats, and Timers 

Recalibrating your building’s occupancy sensors, smart thermostats, and timers ensures that lights, heating, and cooling systems work when needed – and power down when they’re not. 

For instance, if you manage a property in Boston and your HVAC system is still heating conference rooms that sit empty most afternoons, that’s energy (and money) out the window. 

Review and Adjust Energy Management Schedules 

Finally, take a close look at your building’s programmed schedules. 

Longer daylight and milder temperatures mean less need for artificial lighting and more efficient HVAC settings. If your BMS or energy management system is still on a winter schedule, it could lead to wasted energy and added strain on your equipment. 

Wrapping Up 

As you go through your spring maintenance checklist, consider calling a professional for specific issues. If your HVAC system is blowing lukewarm air, struggling to keep up, or making unusual noises, it’s wise to consult a licensed technician.  

Likewise, if you notice slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or minor leaks in your plumbing, it’s time to involve a commercial plumber. 

Jovel Inc. specializes in commercial HVAC systems, plumbing, drainage, electrical, and automation solutions. Our seasonal maintenance programs are tailored to your building and business needs, making it easier for new and long-time property managers and business owners to keep their properties in good condition. 

Need help getting your building ready for spring or enrolling in a preventive maintenance program? Reach out to keep your commercial building’s systems in top shape before issues arise.