Preparing Your Commercial HVAC Unit for Fall and Colder Weather
It’s the middle of summer. Right now, you probably aren’t thinking about the coming cold weather, but it’s a good time to ensure that your commercial HVAC unit is prepared to handle the strain. Today, we’re going to list some tips that will ensure you’re prepared when the leaves start to change color and the temperature drops.
Fresh Filters
Fall is a good time to change out your furnace, air conditioner and humidifier filters. Ideally, these should be changed out monthly, but with the coming colder air (and more closed doors), indoor air quality becomes more important than ever.
Furnace Checkup
Furnaces require regular maintenance to run efficiently, which will save money on your energy bill. An annual inspection will help to prevent your heat going out when it’s below freezing outside and you need it most! Our technicians will clean and inspect all parts on your furnace, ensuring that it’s in good working order.
Duct Inspection and Cleaning
Ducts need regular cleaning and maintenance to efficiently heat your office and provide optimal air quality. Our duct professionals will check for damaged areas or holes where heat can escape, as well as areas of worn insulation.
Seal Leaks
Winter drafts are definitely an issue that can be prevented. Over time, seals, caulking, and weather stripping dries and cracks, allowing cold air in and warm air out. Ensure that all doors and windows are properly sealed for maximum energy efficiency.
Check Your Fuel Level
If your heating system runs on oil or propane heat, ensure that your tank is full as the temperature drops. Regular deliveries should be arranged in order to avoid running out as the cold season progresses. Your heating oil company will be able to provide you with an idea of how often you’ll need to schedule these deliveries, based on past usage. If your system runs on natural gas, this is a non-issue.
Boiler Maintenance
If you have a steam boiler, check the water level. If water levels get too low, the boiler could potentially burn out when it’s running at maximum performance. If this happens, either the replacement or the fix will be costly! To check your water level, turn the system off, let it cool, and find a sight glass on the side of your system. Water should come up to a mark on the glass showing the optimum water level. If it’s low, add water until the level reaches the mark on the sight glass. Another option is to install an automatic water feeder that will refill your boiler’s water tank as needed.
If you have a forced hot water boiler, ensure that your pipes aren’t making any cracking or banging sounds. This means that there is air in the system, which can affect energy efficiency. Contact us to set up an appointment to purge your system and get it back to optimum condition.
Regardless of if you have a boiler system or forced hot water heater, the water running through the pipes should be clear. If it’s cloudy or dirty, contact us. We can flush the system and ensure that it’s running at peak performance. Your radiator, too, should be clear of any dust or debris. Shrubs and tree branches should be cleared away from boiler exhausts, and furniture should be pulled away from any baseboards.
Most modern HVAC systems are equipped with freeze stats and sump heaters. Freeze stats are a safety feature that keeps the coils from freezing. This device monitors air temperature blowing across the coils, and will shut the system down if it senses that the HVAC system is letting in too much cold air. Sump heaters, found on cooling towers, need to be checked to ensure that they are working properly in order to keep the unit from freezing. Our HVAC technicians check both elements as part of their overall inspection, and will ensure that you’re ready for winter!