5 Tips to Minimize the Strain on Your HVAC System This Summer
Professional advice from commercial HVAC contractors
It’s that time of year when June and July arrive, and before you know it, the temperatures are through the roof! Overworked mechanical systems end up breaking down and causing serious headaches for business owners and homeowners alike. Instead of being on the call back list with your local commercial contractors, it’s best to get ahead of the problems before they’re an issue.
As the scorching summer heat approaches, it’s crucial for commercial property owners and managers to make sure their HVAC systems are running smoothly and efficiently. A well-functioning HVAC system not only maintains a comfortable working and living environment for employees, customers, and tenants, but also helps reduce energy consumption and operating costs.
In this blog, we’ll explore five essential tips for helping businesses minimize the strain and get the most out of their commercial HVAC systems just in time for the blazing summer heat!
Tip #1: Schedule Regular Commercial HVAC Maintenance
Commercial HVAC systems experience heavy usage and are often subject to larger spaces and complex ventilation requirements. Regular commercial HVAC maintenance and inspections are key to ensuring an optimal performance and extending the life of your mechanical hardware.
We recommend you schedule preventative maintenance visits at least twice a year, ideally before summer and winter seasons as they can be some of the most taxing periods for mechanical systems.
These visits should include cleaning, filter replacements, hardware lubrication, and system calibration and optimization. Routine inspections can identify any potential issues, allowing the property owner to address them right away rather than suffer costly malfunctions, breakdowns, and repairs during peak usage times.
Tip #2: Optimize Airflow and Ventilation
Efficient airflow and proper ventilation are critical for a well-functioning commercial HVAC system. Make sure that vents and air ducts are free from obstructions, such as furniture or equipment, which can hinder airflow and limit HVAC capability.
Additionally, you may want to consider investing in high-quality air filters designed for commercial properties. These filters can help improve indoor air quality by capturing dust, pollen, and other contaminants, reducing strain on the HVAC system and promoting a healthier, cleaner, working environment.
Tip #3: Utilize Building Automation
Investing in building automation and programmable HVAC systems are a game-changer for commercial property managers. Building automation systems (BAS) allow you to optimize multiple mechanical systems including HVAC, lighting, plumbing, security, and more, based on business hours and occupancy.
Take advantage of pre-programming features to adjust temperature settings during non-business hours, weekends, and holidays when the building is unoccupied.
By reducing cooling and heating when it’s unnecessary, you can help alleviate major strain on your commercial HVAC system as well as significantly reduce energy consumption and costs. Building automation is a win-win for all mechanical dependencies!
Tip #4: Enhance Building Insulation
This may seem like less of a ‘quick fix,’ because insulation is typically a part of building construction instead of commercial HVAC installation. Nonetheless, it is a great way for your building to maintain a temperature equilibrium. Well-insulated buildings can significantly reduce the workload on your commercial HVAC system, helping lower energy consumption and costs.
Have your property inspected for air leaks and seal them promptly. Air leaks are one of the leading causes of high energy bills and frustrated building owners! Improve insulation in areas prone to heat gain such as windows, doors, roofs, and walls.
You may want to eventually consider installing energy-efficient windows that offer some improved insulation properties, such as low-emissivity (or ‘Low-E’ window glass), which help reduce radiant thermal energy, and maintain indoor temperatures.
These measures will help property owners maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing the strain on your HVAC mechanical systems and ensuring comfortable employees, customers, and tenants.
Tip #5: Educate Employees on Efficient HVAC Practices
This tip may bring back memories of growing up, but educating your employees on the top energy-saving practices can make a substantial difference in minimizing the strain on your business and preventing the need for unforeseen commercial HVAC services.
Start by encouraging simple habits, such as closing doors and windows when the system is running, reporting any maintenance issues to the proper authority as soon as possible, and using blinds or shades to block direct sunlight.
Then, you can engage your staff in more sustainability initiatives that conserve energy and create a more comfortable and eco-friendly workplace environment, all while reducing the need for sudden commercial HVAC repair.
Take Control of Your Energy Bills Today!
By implementing these tips into your commercial property management plan, you can effectively reduce the harmful strain the summer weather wreaks on your HVAC system.
Regular commercial HVAC maintenance, optimizing airflows and ventilation, implementing smart building automation systems, improving building insulation, and getting your employees on the same page regarding energy efficiency best practices will greatly help improve conditions in your commercial property as well as reduce energy costs.
Businesses that prioritize the health and upkeep of their HVAC mechanical systems are rewarded with consistent comfort, energy savings, and delighted tenants, employees and customers!
Need help with any of the above tips?
Don’t Let the Summer Strain Drain Your Budget – Call an Expert!
Call Anderson Mechanical Services Inc. for all of your commercial HVAC service needs. We’ve been proudly serving Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland for over 35 years and we’ve earned a reputation as the best in the business.
Don’t hesitate, contact us today!
