Reactive vs preventive
Reactive maintenance waits for a failure. Preventive maintenance follows a schedule of inspections, cleaning and checks designed to catch problems early, reduce downtime and keep systems running close to their design performance.
What a typical plan covers
For HVAC: filter changes, coil and drain cleaning, refrigerant and pressure checks, electrical connections and controls. For ventilation: fans, belts, dampers and air quality. For lighting: fixture condition, emergency lighting tests and control settings.
Frequencies follow manufacturer guidance, the operating hours of the building and applicable regulations.
Records and reporting
Logging every visit, finding and replacement creates a history of each asset. This supports warranty claims, budgeting for replacements and informed decisions about upgrades.
Choosing a maintenance partner
Look for clear scope per system, defined response times, access to spare parts and the ability to handle both maintenance and equipment supply when replacement is the better option.