How Much Should We Budget for Church AV Maintenance?
Maintenance is usually cheaper than emergency replacement.
Unfortunately, it's also less exciting, so it is easy to remove from the budget.
A maintenance budget might include replacement cables, microphone elements, batteries, lamps, projector service, computer replacement, network hardware, software subscriptions, system tuning and professional service.
Budget from an equipment inventory
The exact amount depends heavily on the system.
Instead of looking for one universal percentage, build an equipment inventory and identify likely expenses over the next several years.
Large systems should also have replacement reserves.
Eventually a console, projector, amplifier, computer or wireless system will fail.
Having a plan turns that event into a purchase.
Not having one turns it into a crisis.
Need help making Sundays easier?
Prioritize the improvements that solve real problems with Ignite's church AVL equipment upgrades and consulting.
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About the author
Chris Eslinger is a founder and partner at Ignite Sound + Stage and Creative Production Director at Greenwood Christian Church. A contributor to Technologies for Worship Magazine, he helps churches improve audio, video, lighting and volunteer workflows through practical, hands-on training.
Read Chris's Yamaha DM7 mixing console review in Technologies for Worship Magazine.
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