After a long, cold winter, the warm spring weather means more than fresh air and blooming flowers - it means spring-cleaning.

Zimmer's chief building engineer, Scott Slavens, CFM recommends building owners have their air-conditioners serviced in the spring to check that systems are operating at peak performance and efficiency. Service should include a thorough cleaning of the exterior coils, air-conditioner unit and any roof-top equipment, plus changing the air filter. At the very least, owners should do a visual inspection to make sure condenser coils are not full of cottonwood seeds or dirt. The best time to have service completed is April or May before the heat of the summer months puts too much strain on HVAC equipment.

According to Slavens, a typical roof air-conditioner until should last 20 to 25 years but if regular preventative maintenance is not conducted, the lifespan of the equipment can be shortened, which results in value lost for the owner.

It is best to conduct regular, preventative maintenance and inspections to help with proper operations throughout the summer months. "Preventative maintenance is designed to extend or ensure equipment reaches its intended life expectancy, which means both energy and dollar savings" says Slavens.

Typical preventative maintenance schedules check life safety equipment such as emergency lights and fire equipment, elevator phones, lighting systems. Some preventative maintenance is done monthly, others quarterly or annually, depending on the specific equipment.

Spring is also a good time for storm drain management; to make sure drains are open and free of debris before the heavy spring rains. It is also a good time to do a roof inspection to see if any problems have arisen from the winter snow and ice. "Water causes so much damage in our line of work," Slavens says.