There is an invisible system working every day: HVAC.
If air conditioning, ventilation, and air quality systems in a mall are not regularly maintained, short-term effects may go unnoticed, but long-term serious technical and commercial issues arise.
Many mall facility managers think calling service when a failure occurs is enough. Maintenance is not just “repair”; it’s a prevention and sustainability strategy.
1. Sudden HVAC Failures and Decreased Customer Satisfaction
In systems without proper maintenance, fan motors burn out, filters clog, and drains overflow. The result:
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Ambient temperature becomes uncontrollable
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Air circulation decreases
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Customers sweat, shiver, or feel uncomfortable
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Perception of “stuffy, bad smell” develops
Example case:
In a mall where the cooling unit failed during summer, customer dwell time dropped by 28%, and food court occupancy decreased by 37%.
Solution:
Periodic checks of fans, compressors, and sensors can prevent such failures by up to 80%.
2. Declining Air Quality and Increasing Complaints
Without regular filter replacement:
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CO₂ and VOC levels rise
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Odors spread
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Dust and particulate accumulation occurs
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Asthma and allergy complaints increase
Customer comments:
| Comment |
|---|
| “It smelled heavy inside.” |
| “We had difficulty breathing.” |
| “My child’s nose was running; we left.” |
Solution:
Filters should be checked at least every 3 months, and F7/F9 class filters should be mandatory.
3. Increased Energy Consumption and Cost Burden
Dirty filters and misaligned dampers make fans work harder, resulting in:
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10–30% higher electricity consumption
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Stress on system capacity
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Reduced energy efficiency
HVAC systems typically account for 40–60% of a mall’s total energy consumption. Without maintenance, this proportion increases further.
Solution:
Annual energy analyses, fan speed control, and cleaning of heat recovery units can significantly reduce energy consumption.
4. Fire and Safety Risks
If fire dampers, smoke exhaust systems, and fresh air dampers integrated with HVAC are not maintained:
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Smoke evacuation may fail during fire
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Dampers can get stuck
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Pressurization systems may not engage
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Evacuation is delayed, increasing risk to life
Legal requirement:
According to TS EN 12101, fire dampers must be tested every 6 months.
Solution:
Monitor fire scenario components with a separate checklist and perform regular automation tests.
5. Decreased Tenant and Brand Satisfaction
When HVAC systems do not function properly, tenants are also affected:
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Indoor temperature and humidity imbalance | Product spoilage, deformation |
| Odor complaints | Negative customer perception |
| Employee dissatisfaction | Reduced productivity |
Long-term effects:
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“That mall is stuffy”
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“The air conditioning fails every summer”
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“The store is uncomfortable to stay in”
Solution:
Periodic maintenance of tenant-specific climate control systems is a strategic investment to maintain commercial relationships.
Periodic Maintenance Plan
| Period | Action |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Filter inspection, CO₂ sensor cleaning, drain pan check |
| Quarterly | Fan motor check, airflow measurement, duct inspection |
| Semi-Annual | Damper test, fire scenario simulation, automation analysis |
| Annual | Energy efficiency report, heat recovery unit cleaning, full system check |
All maintenance actions should be documented and shared with mall insurance providers, auditing bodies, and investors if necessary.
Recommendations for Mall Management
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Conduct an annual HVAC performance evaluation
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Integrate air quality sensors into building automation systems
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Include penalties and quality standards in maintenance contracts
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Track customer complaints digitally → provide technical responses
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Communicate openly with tenants → explain benefits of system maintenance
No Maintenance = No Comfort, No Revenue
The air in a mall determines visitor behavior, store revenue, and brand image. The only way to keep this invisible system healthy is a regular maintenance plan.
No matter how large a mall is, a neglected HVAC system deprives not only the air but also the customers.
İlker KURAN
Alperen Mühendislik Ltd. Şti.