The days are getting shorter, and there’s a chill in the air. Before you turn up that thermostat, take the time to get your HVAC system ready for the winter! Not only does a properly functioning HVAC system keep your commercial building comfortable for your employees and customers, but it also can help to save money by avoiding high energy bills. Check out these commercial HVAC maintenance tips that you should perform when the fall season starts!
Schedule Routine Maintenance
The most important thing you can do is call your HVAC professional and have them check over your entire outdoor unit. Preventative maintenance will go a long way towards heading off potential problems. The HVAC technician will turn on the unit, check for any strange noises or smells, and check over all electrical connections. He or she will also clean its components, such as the blower assembly and evaporator coil.
Switch Off Air Conditioning
It’s critical to remember that when you turn off the air conditioner for the winter, you should also update any automated thermostat settings. Also, consider if there are any parts of your building that are not utilized during the cooler months.
Fall is a great time to do maintenance on the air conditioning system, as it will be switched off for months. As part of your fall HVAC maintenance checklist, you should:
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- Clean the coils. Dirt and other foreign material build up on the air conditioning coils over time. If this is left on the coils, it can cause corrosion and refrigerant leaks.
- Clean drain lines. Check drain lines for blockages that can develop over time and cause a huge mess in the spring when you switch your system to air conditioning in the spring.
- Check the refrigerant to see if the charge is low. If it is, then a leak is likely to blame.
Change the Air Filter
You should change the air filters in your HVAC system every one to three months, depending on usage. Clogged or dirty air filters can cut down on the energy efficiency of your HVAC system, as well as reduce the indoor air quality of your building. By replacing the air filter on time, you can improve airflow as well as cut down on the number of pollutants in the air.
Clean Your HVAC Unit
An important but often overlooked aspect of regular maintenance on an HVAC system is cleaning the unit after summer. Outdoor units are susceptible to everything nature can throw at them. After a long summer, your HVAC unit can be quite dirty. Built-up dirt, debris, and bird droppings need to be scrubbed off to help the HVAC unit perform at its best.
Check Additional Components
An HVAC system isn’t just the heating and cooling components. The ductwork that distributes air around your building or facility also needs inspection. Over time, the material can build up in the ducts or cause leaks. Both of these can put extra stress on your HVAC system, as well as lower its energy efficiency.
If you have insulation on your ductwork, this can also degrade over time. This will also reduce the energy efficiency of your system and cause it to work harder and run for longer. Eventually, this will lead to components wearing out faster — and then costly repairs.
Don’t Overlook Fall HVAC Maintenance
These fall maintenance tips will keep your commercial HVAC equipment running through the winter and help you avoid the possibility of breakdowns when you need your heating system the most. When you need HVAC service, call TEMA Roofing Services – the commercial roofing experts are also commercial HVAC experts! Contact TEMA today!
