When should a mechanical room inspection be done?

January 25th, 2023

The mechanical room is one of the most important parts of a building, as it houses the components that keep the building running smoothly. That’s why it’s crucial to have a regular mechanical room inspection to ensure that it’s working correctly and to avoid costly breakdowns and damage. This article will provide you with additional details on the subject.

What is a mechanical room?

A mechanical room is a room or space dedicated to setting up and maintaining the mechanisms and systems that keep a building running smoothly. This can include heating, ventilation, cooling, lighting, plumbing, electrical, fire safety, etc. The mechanical room may also house support equipment such as electrical generators, water tanks, heat exchangers, pumps, piping, filters, etc. These items are usually installed and maintained by qualified experts to ensure safety. Usually, the mechanical room is located either in the basement for buildings that have it, or on the first floor for slab houses. Rarely, some large buildings require two mechanical rooms. An ideal size is 5’x10′ for a central heat pump and 8’x10′ for a central geothermal heat pump.

When should the inspection be done?

It is recommended that the mechanical room be inspected at least once a year, but it may be necessary to do so more frequently depending on the age and use of the room. To have optimal results, it is recommended to do it every season, therefore 4 times a year, but the minimum is at least once a year. This action should not be neglected, because an inspection of the mechanical room allows us to check the different elements that are installed there, and to verify if they do not present any leaks or damages.

What to inspect?

We inspect elements coming from these systems: central heat pump, ventilation, heating, cooling, hot water, electricity, and plumbing. Here are some suggestions for more specific checks to be made:
– Oil and coolant levels of the various mechanical equipment and refill them if necessary.
– Filters and replace them, if necessary, as they are crucial in protecting the equipment from particles and dust.
– Safety systems, such as smoke detectors and fire alarms, to ensure they are working properly. This ensures that building occupants will be notified in the event of a fire and can escape safely.
– Fire extinguishers and fire suppression equipment to ensure they are ready for use in an emergency.
– Ventilation systems, as they play an important role in regulating the temperature and humidity of the mechanical room, as well as reducing odors.

In summary, it is important to maintain the mechanical room in good condition on a regular basis to ensure the proper functioning of the equipment and to avoid costly breakdowns and damage. Don’t hesitate to call a plumbing expert if you have any questions. They will be happy to help you and come to you with the right tools and know-how to solve your concern.