Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips for Your Commercial Building

Don't leave your HVAC unattended all winter. With preventive HVAC maintenance, you can make sure the entire system is working properly—saving you time, money, and stress in the future.In fact, regular maintenance can help your HVAC unit last as long as 15 years. Without HVAC preventive maintenance, however, you could leave small issues to build up over time. Instead of the small cost for minor maintenance, you could need to spend on a brand new unit.Here are our seven commercial HVAC maintenance tips for fall. With these tips, you can keep your system operating smoothly year-round.

1. Check and Replace Filters

First, check the air filters. Reviewing the filters every month is one of the easiest ways to make sure your HVAC system is operating properly.If the filter is dirty and dusty, simply replace it. Easy.A dirty filter will allow airborne pollutants, including dust and dander, to travel through the air.Unfortunately, breathing in these pollutants can cause your employees to have allergy problems. You might start noticing a lot of sick leave if the air isn't clean.If dust is floating around the air, it can also land on every surface throughout your commercial space. Instead, replace the filter regularly. This will reduce your HVAC maintenance costs as well.Otherwise, your HVAC system will need to work double-time to operate properly. When this occurs, it can reduce your HVAC system's lifespan or cause system failure.As a result, the energy bill might start to climb, too.This is also a great time to check and clean the vents. By vacuuming the air vents, you can keep them clean and make sure warm air can flow freely. At the same time, this also helps you regulate the temperature throughout your commercial building.Your HVAC filters need replacing at least every three months. Make this step a routine item on your calendar. That way, you can make sure your system is clean and good to go.

2. Keep It Free of Debris

Over time, debris can build up around your HVAC unit. This debris will impact airflow. As a result, your system will have to work overtime to function properly.Without HVAC preventative maintenance to clear away the debris, your energy bill could start to rise.Debris includes pollen, twigs, leaves, or grass clippings around your unit.Before cleaning your HVAC unit on your own, make sure to grab protective eye gear and gloves. Or you can hire a commercial cleaning team to take a closer look. Professionals can keep the unit clean to improve your system's efficiency.Before cleaning the unit, make sure to switch it off. Then, use the water hose to spray any debris away that's around your unit.You can use coil cleaner to bond with any dirt that's clinging to the HVAC. Then, use the hose again to rinse the coil cleaner off. If there are any shrubs around the system that can impact airflow, clear those away, too.By cleaning away debris, you can improve your system's circulation and avoid costly HVAC repair.

3. Keep an Ear Out

Use your eyes, ears, and nose. To get the most out of your commercial HVAC maintenance, you need to use all of your senses.Take notice of any odd smells coming from your unit.Have you heard any strange sounds rattling from your system lately?If your HVAC doesn't sound or smell normal, you could have a bigger problem. For example, a strange noise could indicate there's register blockage. Maybe debris found its way into the vents.You might also have a loose bolt on the furnace.If you hear a strange sound or smell something unusual, take a look.Try to find the source. If you can't, consider hiring a professional HVAC maintenance team to take a look.

4. Take a Peek at the Parts

During your fall HVAC maintenance, don't forget to check smaller parts.These include the blower motor, fan, ducts, and safety control.It's important to clean other essential parts, such as the evaporator coil, ignition system, and blower assembly. As you check these parts, keep an eye out for leaks, too. During this cleanup, you might also notice a larger problem that needs more than a quick fix.

5. Check the Thermostat, Stat

You can also test your system's thermostat to make sure the HVAC system is working properly.First, make sure it responds properly to any adjustments you make. Check to make sure the temperature reading is accurate as well. Otherwise, it's possible your system is overworking or not functioning properly.With fall rolling in, this is also a good time to make sure you have the system set to the right temperature, too.

6. Replace Old Systems

Sometimes, it's inevitable: you simply have to change your old HVAC unit.While this seems like an expensive move to make, updating to a newer system is sometimes the smarter option. In fact, replacing an old air conditioner unit with an energy-efficient one could save your family 20 to 40% on cooling costs.If your system is more than 10 years old, have a professional take a look. They can determine the longevity of your system.

7. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Many people choose to handle their routine HVAC maintenance themselves. As a commercial building manager, however, you might not have the time.Consider scheduling routine HVAC preventative maintenance from a team of professionals. They'll know what to look for to keep your system operating at its best.Some HVAC manufacturers also require annual preventative maintenance for you to maintain your warranty.Make sure to check your warranty to see if you require an HVAC professional's assessment.If it doesn't, consider scheduling routine maintenance in the spring or fall. That way, you can make sure your system is working before busy season.

Warm Up to These 7 Fall HVAC Maintenance Tips for Your Commercial Building

Don't leave your HVAC system struggling to keep up. With these seven fall HVAC maintenance tips, you can ensure your system is working at its best. Otherwise, costly repairs could pop up in the near future.Contact us today to improve your commercial space.