Summer has officially come to a close and autumn has now begun. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and temperatures are moderate and comfortable. However, while the mere thought may send shivers down your spine, the icy chill and harsh temperatures of winter are just around the corner. For us here in the mid-Atlantic region, experts are already predicting another brutal season of ice and snow. With autumn in full swing, now is the time to start preparing your commercial property and winterizing your HVAC system.
Cold temperatures and icy conditions can create major problems for HVAC systems and skyrocket your energy costs. But, these problems can be avoided by taking some easy preventative measures now.
Here are some proactive steps you can take to ensure old man winter doesn’t wreak havoc on your building’s mechanical systems:
- Correctly shut down cooling equipment and properly prepare your building’s heating systems. Transitioning a commercial building from cooling to heating is not as simple as flipping a switch. This transition needs to be handled with care otherwise, equipment can malfunction and valuable energy sources can be wasted.
- Clean your HVAC systems during the shutdown and startup process to remove dirt and debris from ducts, boilers, chillers, etc. A thorough cleaning will ensure all components of your mechanical systems are operating at maximum capacity and improve indoor air quality.
- Repair any leaks or malfunctions prior to the winter months. Many building managers tend to overlook leaks in ductwork or fail to notice poorly functioning equipment, which can lead to an increase in energy consumption and higher costs.
- Avoid constant fluctuation of thermostat settings. Establish temperature set points for occupied and unoccupied times during the winter months. This will help you to avoid overheating your building and can stabilize your energy consumption.
- Hire a qualified technician to carefully inspect your HVAC systems before the temperature dips below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. All of the issues outlined above can easily be avoided by working with your mechanical contractor to create an effective preventative maintenance plan.
The key to preventing mechanical issues and keeping your tenants happy is to be proactive—not reactive. Ensuring that your HVAC systems are operating efficiently now will minimize the chance of costly problems during the winter season. To learn more about how RM Thornton can help you winterize your HVAC system, please click here.
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