How To Get Your Commercial HVAC System Ready For Summer

As the end of winter arrives, it is time to start preparing your commercial HVAC for the spring and summer. While your HVAC system heats your building in the winter, it will cool it in the summer. Also, just like during the winter, your system will tend to get overused due to extreme temperatures.

As you use your HVAC system, it will naturally begin to decline in operational efficiency, costing you more money over its life. However, there are things you can do to make your system last longer. The following are seven ways you can prepare your commercial HVAC for summer and increase its efficiency.

1. Maintain the HVAC filters

The filter is one of the most underrated parts of your heating and air conditioning. HVAC filters suck in air for cooling before shunting it throughout your business. The air it uses comes from the outside, with all of its dust particulates and other issues. If it weren’t for HVAC filters, your system would continually suck in these particles and suffer severe damage. Checking your air filters is the first thing you should do when transitioning from winter into spring and summer.

Your commercial HVAC system can use either disposable or permanent filters. If you use disposable filters, you should purchase extras and replace them about once a month. If you choose permanent filters, you should pull them out and clean them about once a month. However, if you smoke indoors or there are a lot of particulates in the air, you should change the filters more frequently. Check the filters once every two weeks, but keep an eye on them to see if you need to check them more frequently.

With a newly cleaned or purchased HVAC filter, you will probably notice better air quality in your business and more efficient cooling and heating. Your HVAC system’s efficiency drops with dirty filters because airflow is restricted, which forces it to work longer and harder to achieve the desired temperature. Fresh filters mean that your unit won’t be trying to push dirt and dust throughout your building.

2. Keep outdoor areas clear

People tend to take their HVAC units for granted. You may let debris accumulate around, on top of, and in front of outdoor units. However, your system works by pulling in the air and cooling it. If there is debris obstructing the airflow, it needs to work longer and harder to achieve the same result. The harder your commercial HVAC works, the more likely it will suffer damage and increase your energy bills.

If you see any leaves, branches, or items around outdoor units, remove them. Additionally, don’t keep plants or other shrubbery near your HVAC system. In a few months, plants could easily begin to obstruct the system’s airflow.

Sometime during the fall and spring, make sure you take time to clear away the leaves and other debris. Even in one day, debris can quickly accumulate around your HVAC unit. Keep in mind, caring for your commercial HVAC is a year-round job. Come up with a schedule to inspect your HVAC system at least once a month. Typically, you want to have about two feet of clearance around your system. This may be difficult to do in winter, but try to keep up with it throughout the rest of the year.

3. Programmable thermostats

Programmable thermostats are some of the best tools for reducing your energy bills. These thermostats allow you to customize your air conditioning schedule from your computer or mobile device. For example, people once had to run their units all day to keep their building cool. However, programmable thermostats allow you to turn the air conditioning on only when it is necessary. They give you more control over your commercial HVAC system, increasing efficiency and comfort, and reducing costs.

4. Increase airflow with fans

Your commercial HVAC cools your business by shunting air throughout the rooms. It does so by using blowers and ducts, assuming you have central air. You can increase efficiency by strategically placing fans throughout your business to increase airflow. You have a few different methods including tabletop fans, floor fans, and ceiling fans. These should be placed carefully so that you do not negatively affect customers or employees.

Using ceiling fans is the most efficient way to increase airflow. If your fans rotate clockwise, they will push air downward to do this. Additionally, by pushing air down, it prevents your building from heating up. You can supplement ceiling fans with smaller fans throughout the rooms. Ceiling fans are permanent, but you can move tabletop and floor fans as you go from room to room. Finally, you can also open windows to increase airflow, but this may not be possible in your commercial building.

5. Look into window coverings

If your commercial property has a lot of windows, you may notice that the temperature dramatically increases throughout the day. Unfortunately, this means your commercial HVAC has to turn on more often to reduce the temperature. One way to prevent this phenomenon is to get window treatments like blinds, shades, and drapes. Window coverings over sun-exposed areas can help prevent the build-up of heat. The problem is that windows act like magnifying glasses that focus the sun and trap the heat. Window treatments prevent the sunlight from penetrating and heating up rooms.

6. Clear out vents

Your commercial HVAC only works if the vents are clear. Obstructions reduce airflow, which reduces efficiency and increases costs. Periodically go through your property and clean your vents, removing dust and debris. This may be better left to professional HVAC technicians who can come out to your business on a regular basis. Also, take care to remove obstructions like rugs and furniture from floor and wall vents.

8. Update or replace your commercial HVAC system

Finally, if you have worked your way through all of these tips but aren’t seeing results, it might be time to replace your commercial HVAC unit. Older models are less efficient and lose efficiency over time. You can significantly save on your energy bill by upgrading to a modern system. You can also update your building’s insulation to increase energy savings and make cooling easier on your HVAC system.

Commercial HVAC services in the Texas Panhandle

If you need assistance with your Commercial HVAC system, contact Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas today. Our HVAC technicians can help you come up with an inspection schedule, install a new system, and make repairs on your current system. If you would like to schedule one of our experts, call us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email. We are located at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo and provide 24 hour service.