For many building owners and facility managers, HVAC equipment sits out of sight and out of mind, tucked in basements, mechanical rooms, or rooftop enclosures where only technicians tend to go. But ignoring these systems until something goes wrong is becoming increasingly costly, especially as supply‑chain pressures, aging equipment, and extreme weather events make repairs more complicated than they used to be.
“The biggest challenge today isn’t the equipment itself,” says Ahmed Mourad, Manager, Commercial Sales at Enercare. “It’s the lack of consistent maintenance. While staying on top of it sounds simple in theory, it’s not something most people think about — and when maintenance slips, the consequences escalate quickly. At Enercare, we see many cases where routine inspections are skipped and owners only call when something breaks.”
This reactive approach is becoming even more risky as U.S.–Canada trade tensions continue to disrupt the HVAC supply chain. What used to be a straightforward parts-order can now involve longer lead times, higher costs, and unpredictable delays, turning minor issues into major operational setbacks for building owners and facility managers.
“A lot of older equipment still relies on parts from the U.S., and getting those parts is much more challenging than it was 10 years ago,” Mourad says. “Lead times have stretched, costs have gone up, and in many cases, waiting simply isn’t feasible, especially when essential services are affected.”
Recent flooding events in Toronto underscored just how severe this challenge has become. After a major storm left parts of the city in disarray, Mourad’s team encountered numerous pieces of equipment that were technically repairable, but waiting for replacement parts simply wasn’t an option. In multi‑residential buildings with hundreds of tenants, hot water isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential service. In those situations, replacing the equipment outright became the only practical solution, ensuring residents regained access to hot water without the delays and uncertainty tied to cross‑border parts procurement.
Canadian‑Made Equipment Gaining Ground
One positive trend emerging from these challenges is the growing shift toward Canadian manufacturing. Over the past two years, Enercare has replaced a significant amount of U.S.‑made equipment with home-grown options as part of its ongoing transition.
“We’re moving toward more reputable Canadian‑made products,” Mourad says. “This shift is helping improve part availability, reduce costs, and streamline overall convenience. And when there’s an issue on site, Canadian manufacturers will often send their own rep directly to the building, which adds real value for our technicians and for our customers.”
For facility managers, it means shorter downtimes, easier access to parts, and more predictable maintenance schedules — all critical advantages in today’s strained supply‑chain environment.
How Often Should You Maintain Your HVAC System?
When it comes to staying proactive and avoiding costly reactive repairs, every building and business operates differently, but Mourad says a twice‑a‑year maintenance schedule is a reliable baseline for most facilities.
“Typically, twice a year is a good starting point,” he explains. “You do what’s called a minor inspection: you replace filters, check belts and tensions, ensure everything is in working order. Then you do a major maintenance where you’re actually taking out the core components of the equipment and making sure everything is cleaned out.”
Usage also plays a major role in determining how often equipment should be serviced. A banquet hall, for example, may require more frequent maintenance than an office because of higher occupancy and heavier system demand. Likewise, factories and production facilities often have entirely different operational needs, meaning their HVAC systems may need more intensive or more frequent attention than those in typical commercial spaces.
Warning Signs Facility Managers Should Watch For
Whether the system is heating, cooling, or producing hot water, Mourad says the warning signs are usually similar, with patterns experienced building owners often recognize:
- Not heating enough
- Not cooling enough
- Not producing enough hot water
- Equipment cycling on and off more frequently
- More downtime than usual
- Rising maintenance costs over time
“My advice is to treat each piece of equipment as if it’s an employee,” he concludes. “If you’re in a factory or warehousing facility and it’s the middle of summer and there’s no cooling, people will go home. You have to treat every system as a valuable contributor to your business. Give it the maintenance it needs. If you’re not happy with a certain provider, get a second opinion. There’s always someone who can give you that second eye.”
With proper care, HVAC systems can run reliably for decades. As Mourad puts it, “longevity isn’t luck — it’s the result of proactive maintenance, informed decisions, and treating the equipment as a true part of the operation rather than an afterthought.”
In the end, these systems are critical infrastructure, and they deserve the same disciplined attention as any other essential asset in the building.
Four Quick Tips for Extending HVAC Lifespan and Reducing Costs
- Familiarize yourself with your equipment – Know the make, model, age, and where it was manufactured to make informed decisions when issues arise.
- Document everything – Track maintenance dates, repairs, part replacements, and performance issues to identify patterns early.
- Communicate with your service provider – Share concerns early, ask questions, and request clarity on repair‑versus‑replacement options.
- Stay consistent with maintenance – Minor and major inspections twice a year can prevent costly emergencies and extend equipment lifespan.
For more information on caring for your HVAC system, visit at: www.enercare.ca
