In the world of commercial HVAC and refrigeration, reliability isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you're running a hospitality venue, healthcare facility, or retail space, the performance and lifespan of your systems can directly impact your business operations.
We sat down with Ashley Cox, Service Manager at ACRO Refrigeration, to talk about the critical role of preventative maintenance—and why it should be a top priority for every business that relies on cooling and climate control.
Ashley Cox: Thanks for having me! Preventative maintenance is absolutely vital because it allows us to catch small issues before they turn into expensive breakdowns. Regular servicing keeps equipment running efficiently, reduces wear and tear, and extends the overall lifespan of the system. In today’s climate—especially in Queensland—lowering energy consumption and avoiding downtime is more important than ever.
Ashley Cox: There are three big ones:
Energy Efficiency – Clean, calibrated systems run better and use less power. That can lead to significant savings on electricity bills.
Minimised Downtime – No one wants their walk-in fridge or air conditioning system to fail during a busy lunch rush. Preventative maintenance keeps systems reliable and reduces emergency callouts.
Extended Equipment Life – When systems are maintained regularly, components last longer, and businesses avoid the cost of premature replacements.
Ashley Cox: Absolutely. One that’s often overlooked is regulatory compliance. In sectors like food service, aged care, and healthcare, refrigeration systems need to meet very specific hygiene and temperature control standards. Preventative maintenance helps businesses stay compliant and avoid hefty fines.
There’s also the peace of mind it brings. Knowing your systems are being monitored and maintained creates a sense of stability for your team. That reliability supports productivity—especially in high-pressure environments.
Ashley Cox: The biggest one is waiting too long. People often only call us when something goes wrong—and by then, the damage is done. Emergency repairs are always more costly and disruptive than regular maintenance.
Another mistake is assuming HVAC and refrigeration units are “set and forget.” They’re not. These are complex systems that require ongoing care. If filters get clogged or refrigerant levels are off, performance drops fast—and energy usage spikes.
Ashley Cox: Great question. A proper maintenance plan should be tailored to the equipment type, age, and usage patterns. At ACRO, we start with a site assessment, then build a schedule that typically includes:
Visual inspections
Filter replacements
Coil cleaning
Checking refrigerant levels
Inspecting electrical components
Testing thermostats and controls
We also document everything, so you have a clear service history—which is helpful for warranty claims or compliance checks.
Ashley Cox: I’d just say—don’t wait. Preventative maintenance is a smart, proactive investment in your equipment, your staff’s productivity, and your customer experience. It’s not just about avoiding breakdowns; it’s about optimising performance and protecting your bottom line.
At ACRO, we’ve seen first hand how well-maintained systems last longer, perform better, and cost less to run. Our team is here to support businesses of all sizes with custom maintenance programs that work.
Ashley Cox: Thanks again—it was a pleasure to share, and I hope this encourages more businesses to take a proactive approach with their HVAC and refrigeration systems.
As Ashley Cox makes clear, preventative maintenance isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a strategic advantage. By investing in regular upkeep, businesses reduce energy bills, avoid disruptions, extend the life of their assets, and stay compliant with safety standards.
Ready to future-proof your refrigeration and HVAC systems?
📞 Call ACRO Refrigeration at 1300 227 600
📧 Email workshop@acrorefrigeration.com.au
🌐 Or schedule a maintenance consultation online