How Often Should Your PPM Visits Be Scheduled?

One of the most common questions we hear from facility managers is: "How often does our air conditioning need servicing?" The answer isn't one-size-fits-all — it depends on several factors including system type, operating hours, and environment.

General Recommendations by System Type

Split and Multi-Split Systems

Most commercial split systems benefit from two visits per year — a minor service before summer and a more thorough check before winter. High-usage environments such as restaurants, gyms, or retail may require quarterly visits.

VRF / VRV Systems

Variable refrigerant flow systems are complex and typically require quarterly minor checks and an annual major service. Regular filter maintenance on indoor units should be performed monthly by in-house staff.

Chillers and Central Plant

Large chiller systems usually need quarterly inspections at minimum, with comprehensive annual servicing including oil analysis, refrigerant checks, and controls calibration.

Air Handling Units (AHUs)

AHUs should be inspected every 3–6 months, with filter changes as often as monthly depending on air quality. Belt drives, dampers, and heating/cooling coils need regular attention.

Factors That Increase Service Frequency

• Systems running 12+ hours daily
• Dusty, greasy, or coastal environments
• Healthcare, food production, or cleanroom settings
• Systems over 10 years old
• F-Gas systems requiring mandatory leak checks
• Previous history of breakdowns or refrigerant leaks

Minor vs Major Services

At Chill Care, we structure maintenance around two service levels. Minor visits cover filters, visual checks, drainage, and basic performance readings. Major visits include deep coil cleaning, refrigerant analysis, electrical testing, and full F-Gas compliance checks.

A typical PPM plan combines both — for example, two minor and one major service per year for a standard office installation.

Don't Wait for Problems

Manufacturers generally recommend at least annual servicing to maintain warranties. Beyond warranty requirements, regular maintenance is simply more cost-effective than reactive repairs. If you're unsure what's right for your site, our initial consultation is free.