3 Ways to Get Your Commercial HVAC Equipment Ready for Winter

Since 1792, The Farmer's Almanac has been predicting the weather and claims 80% accuracy regarding its long-range forecasts. This year, the Almanac is telling its readers to be ready to "shake, shiver, and shovel." They predict that winter weather will arrive even earlier than usual and that parts of the country will see record-breaking cold temperatures. This news is enough to get us thinking about ways we can ensure that our trusty commercial HVAC equipment remains functional in the face of a potentially cold winter. 

1. Be sure that you have maintenance schedules in place. We harp on properly servicing commercial HVAC systems because we care about protecting your investment. If you aren't following manufacturer recommendations, be sure to call in a professional to look your system over from top to bottom to ensure that there are no looming issues that could impact your HVAC system's health. Regularly maintained systems experience fewer surprises, less unplanned downtime, and higher efficiency. The Indoor Air Quality Association states that regular HVAC maintenance reduces the risk of expensive breakdowns by as much as 95%. 
   
   
2. Replace older equipment now, before winter starts. Industry-wide, we're experiencing unprecedented lead times. Sometimes, we see six- to eight-month lead times or more. Hopefully, none of your aged equipment falls into those lead times, but it's not too early to think about it now, even with shorter HVAC equipment lead times. If you're looking for a new air handling unit, replacement ductwork, or even just a few fans, connect with an HVAC design engineer or manufacturer's rep to complete a system assessment to size your new equipment correctly.
   
   
3. Look at the whole facility. Even the highest quality, most efficient HVAC system equipment won't help if your facility is drafty. As you complete preventive maintenance on your commercial HVAC equipment, replace cracked window and door seals. Inspect your roof to ensure no signs of damage or air leaks there. Maximum efficiency is always the goal, and your facility can't get there if the equipment is running as it should but the rest of the building is leaking like a sieve. 

Winter is coming. Keep your building occupants warm and cozy even as temperatures drop by following a few simple guidelines to keep your system running efficiently even in the coldest winter months.  

 Suppose you need help with your commercial HVAC system. In that case, our team of experts is always ready to assess your needs and make equipment recommendations to positively impact your energy usage bottom line and keep your commercial HVAC system running. Connect with us today!