Sustainable Maintenance Management for Air Conditioning Systems in Malaysian Shopping Complexes

Abstract

Maintenance is a combination of several management methods without changing the basic features and functions of service systems. Effective maintenance planning ensures optimal use of the structure and reduces operating costs. This study investigates sustainable maintenance management practices for air conditioning systems at shopping complexes, focusing on tenant satisfaction and overall building performance involving forty (40) tenants representing diverse business categories such as retail, food and beverage (F&B), services, and entertainment. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires assessing satisfaction with maintenance work, air conditioning supply, and the relationship between these factors and business operations. The findings reveal that 55 percent of tenants expressed moderate to high satisfaction with maintenance work, while 60 percent were satisfied with the overall air conditioning supply and cooling performance. Retail and F&B tenants recorded higher sensitivity to cooling quality due to the direct influence on customer comfort and product conditions. The study concludes that adopting preventive and condition-based maintenance practices can significantly enhance system reliability, tenant comfort, and energy efficiency. Recommendations are proposed to establish a sustainable maintenance framework that integrates real-time monitoring, timely scheduling, and continuous feedback mechanisms to optimize air conditioning system performance and prolong equipment lifespan.