Winterizing HVAC Systems: Key Steps for Commercial Properties
Have you gotten your commercial HVAC system ready for the cooler weather yet? There’s still time to finish winterizing HVAC components so you can mitigate the risk of damage and maintain efficiency. Don’t settle for “good enough”—protect your essential heating and cooling equipment. Here’s everything you need to know about winterizing HVAC systems in commercial properties.
What’s Winterizing HVAC Components, and Why Does it Matter?
Winterizing HVAC components involves preparing your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system for the cooler winter months. A proactive approach ensures that the system runs efficiently all season long. It can also help reduce the risk of breakdowns and minimize energy consumption.
You’ll need a skilled HVAC contractor to assist with winterizing HVAC parts. The comprehensive process involves a variety of technical work, such as:
- Insulating ducts and piping
- Replacing air filters
- Performing routine maintenance checks
- Implementing safety controls to keep your unit within optimal operating ranges
Do you really need to start winterizing HVAC parts? Absolutely. The DMV’s winter can be wet and cold, and the change can place added strain on your system. Older units or those that may have experienced some wear and tear during the warmer months can be especially susceptible to winter-related breakdowns.
Here’s a closer look at what you need to do to prep your HVAC system for cool weather:
Insulate Ductwork and Piping
Commercial HVAC systems use a lot of electricity. They can burn even more power if they are fighting against harsh weather and lack proper insulation. Poorly insulated ductwork and piping can cause heat loss and make your system work even harder.
If you don’t fix the issue, you’ll get a shockingly high power bill and likely place a lot of unnecessary strain on the unit. As a facility manager, it’s important to inspect all ductwork and piping to identify areas where insulation may be lacking or damaged.
Bring in a trusted HVAC team to repair or upgrade insulation so you can minimize heat loss. Insulating piping in areas like basements or attics can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting in extreme temperatures.
Schedule a Routine System Check
Commercial HVAC systems are quite complicated. They also feature redundancies that are meant to keep them up and running in the face of minor malfunctions. However, these small problems can easily become big ones if you ignore them for too long. That’s why you need to schedule routine system checks a few times a year.
A technician will examine key parts of your system during a check and do the following:
- Clean or replace filters to improve airflow and efficiency
- Make sure your thermostat works right
- Inspect belts and motors for wear and tear
- Notify you of any major issues that require further attention
We suggest scheduling an inspection just before the harsh summer months and again at the end of fall. A thorough check provides a great chance to find and fix any problems that may be lurking in your system.
Perform Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance represents one of the most important aspects of winterizing HVAC systems. Be proactive about keeping your core components working as they should.
A little maintenance goes a long way in extending the life of your system and reducing energy consumption. You can lower the lifetime cost of ownership and save the company thousands in unplanned downtime.
Any maintenance service should be customized to align with your system’s complexity and configuration. Here are some common actions that a technician will take during preventive maintenance:
- Cleaning the coils of dust and debris
- Testing safety controls to prevent major malfunctions
- Inspecting heat exchangers for cracks or damage
Incorporating these tasks into a regular maintenance schedule will help you avoid emergency repairs during the colder months.
Upgrade and Retrofit
An aging HVAC system can spell disaster. If your equipment has become inefficient or outdated, it may struggle to meet the demands of colder weather. You’ll face higher energy bills and a greater risk of a major issue.
Work with an experienced commercial heating and cooling team to identify ways to upgrade and retrofit your system. Upgrading to programmable or smart thermostats can optimize heating schedules and yield major energy savings. You should also replace or modify any poorly designed ductwork to improve airflow and mitigate energy loss.
Ensure You’ve Got a 24-Hour Emergency Services Provider
The most important step in winterizing HVAC equipment involves identifying a reputable partner that you can turn to in an emergency. Establish a relationship with an experienced contractor and have them visit your facility for a routine inspection. That way, they will already be familiar with your system in case of a major breakdown.
A partner like The Severn Group can minimize downtime and quickly restore comfort to your building. Our team offers maintenance contracts, inspections, and a variety of other services.
All our services aim to maximize the lifespan of your heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment. With us in your corner, you can focus on daily operations without worrying about the performance of your HVAC system.
Need Help This Winter? We’ve Got You Covered
The Severn Group offers comprehensive heating and cooling solutions for commercial clients. Our team proudly serves businesses throughout Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. Contact us to learn more about winterizing HVAC systems and schedule an on-site consultation with one of our experienced technicians.
Share