7 Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Commercial HVAC System
As the weather starts to turn colder, it’s a great time to start preparing your HVAC system for fall. Your HVAC system needs to be in top condition to keep your building warm throughout the season and into winter. So, set aside some time to inspect the heating-specific systems and check that everything is running efficiently. Follow these fall maintenance tips to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the upcoming months.
1. Continue routine maintenance.
HVAC systems are complex, as they have a lot of moving parts. Thus, they require a lot of maintenance. And, to be safe, you should be doing routine maintenance all year round. That way, before fall comes, you can catch, prevent and fix any potential issues. According to the ENERGY STAR website, run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a typical check-up should cover:
- Thermostat settings
- Electrical connections
- Lubrication of moving parts
- Condensate drain
- Controls
2. Replace the air filter.
The air filter needs to be replaced every 1-3 months. So, the start of a new season is the perfect time to do this if you haven’t already. Most importantly, when the air filter isn’t working right, the entire system can be negatively affected.
3. Check heating-specific parts.
The EPA also recommends inspecting the following heating-specific parts and processes:
- All gas/oil connections
- Gas pressure
- Burner combustion
- Heat exchanger
If the connections aren’t in working order, they could create a fire hazard and put the health and safety of your entire office in jeopardy. Also, it’s imperative to make sure the burner is clean and that the heat exchanger is not cracked. Take care of these issues before it’s time to turn the heat on.
4. Clean up after the summer.
HVAC systems exposed to the outdoors might have some wear and tear after the summer. Use a strong cleaning solution, like a mixture of bleach and hypochlorite, to wash away any bird droppings. Also, you should clean up the surrounding area, remove any debris, and make sure everything is secure.
5. Investigate sounds and smells.
Have you noticed an odd smell? Have you heard strange noises lately? If the HVAC doesn’t sound or smell like it’s supposed to, there could be an underlying issue. Try to get to the root of the problem and get it fixed just in time for fall.
6. Don’t forget to check…
While you’re inspecting the HVAC system, don’t forget about the ducts, fan, blower motor, and safety controls. Additionally, it’s a good idea to clean critical parts, like the blower assembly, ignition system, and evaporator coil. Keep an eye out for leaks, too.
7. Replace the system.
If you’re not happy with the results from your inspection, you might want to consider replacing the entire HVAC system. As the weather gets colder, the system has to work harder to ventilate and heat the office. Therefore, if it’s not working correctly, you could be dealing with costly consequences later on. Overall, fall is a great time to replace your HVAC system in the D.C./Maryland area.
For more fall maintenance tips, contact the HVAC experts at The Severn Group. We’ll inspect, service, replace and install your system for you this fall season. If you’re local, schedule a service with us today.