There are few things more dreadful than having your HVAC system give out on you during the dog days of summer—during the hottest time of year is no time to neglect your air conditioning unit and let temperature control run wild. But how do you know that you’re properly maintaining your commercial HVAC system? There are several tips and tricks that can help your HVAC enjoy peak performance year-round; we’ve listed some of the most effective ways to make sure your system doesn’t quit right before the hottest time of the year.
Upgrade your old system
Sometimes the right answer is the most obvious one: if your old system isn’t getting the job done anymore, and you’re overspending on the HVAC services you used to rely on, then it’s time for a new system. While there are instances where it makes sense to install upgrades instead of overhauling the entire thing, getting an entirely new HVAC system can reduce energy costs and consumption and fit better into your existing setup.
Check your equipment before summer starts
The worst time to identify a problem with your HVAC unit is right when something breaks—by then, it might already be too late, and you could face days of downtime before anything changes. Your system should get a check at least once a year, regardless of whether or not your system has been on the fritz recently. Most maintenance agreements allow for plenty of opportunities to have your system checked for properly-functioning, energy efficient service.
Replace your air filters
When your first installing a commercial HVAC service, take note of when it’s recommended that you change the air filters. If your filters are dirty, make sure you change them before the problem is exacerbated.
Don’t miss a maintenance repair
While it might seem unnecessary to say this on a list of HVAC maintenance tips, having your system frequently repaired when something goes wrong is a great way to keep everything up and running smoothly. Just because the problem seems small initially doesn’t mean it’s insignificant—always take a proactive, pragmatic approach to your HVAC system.
Ensure proper airflow
This is a bigger concern for commercial HVAC air-cooled air conditioning systems that use compressors and are either installed outdoors on rooftops or indoors in mechanical rooms ducted to window louvers. Make sure that the outdoor condenser coils are chemically cleaned, and pressure washed before the summer weather comes. It will save electrical costs and more importantly from a preventative measure, will avoid a nuisance service call for no cooling when the compressors shut down on internal refrigeration safety due to lack of airflow.
Check for leaks
Whether it’s in your system or somewhere around your building, always be wary of leaks and how they might affect performance. Take note of the conditions within your facility—a small leak could force your system to work that much harder.
Use a programmable thermostat
Give yourself the best chance to take more control over your HVAC system. A programmable thermostat allows you to remotely control the temperature, track activity, and closely monitor energy efficiency costs.
With a significant amount of workspace to account for, it’s imperative that you’re paying close attention to the performance of your HVAC system. Don’t wait until the middle of July to upgrade your service—stay on top of it now, and enjoy a cooler summer. Contact React today if you need to get your system back up and running properly this summer!