5 Tips for Preparing Your Commercial HVAC for Winter
Winter is on the horizon and will bring teeth-chattering temperatures to some areas and sweater weather to others. No matter where you are in the Western United States, it is time to prepare your commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for colder, possibly wetter weather.
Commercial Cooling Center is right there with you. Whether you need a commercial heating and cooling specialist to maintain your rooftop unit (RTU), repair your chiller, or install a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, you will find a reputable, reliable Carrier dealer through our online directory.
Our Commercial Cooling Center directory includes HVAC experts in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Texas. You can find a commercial Carrier dealer near you by clicking our online link.
#1 Prepare for Winter with a Commercial HVAC Tune-Up
To complete this first winter prep tip, you will need an HVAC pro with expertise in commercial equipment.
A qualified technician will have experience maintaining different systems, including RTUs, VRFs, chillers, packaged outdoor units, packaged indoor units, split systems, and water-source heat pumps.
A comprehensive checkup is essential to prevent breakdowns and address performance or safety issues that could worsen and require costly repairs or system replacement.
Commercial heating and cooling require a substantial investment. Preventative maintenance is the best way to protect your investment by extending your system’s lifespan.
A professional will inspect your system, clean components, replace worn parts, calibrate controls, check refrigerant levels, and ensure the unit operates at peak efficiency.
A Carrier Factory Authorized commercial HVAC dealer can tailor tune-ups to your specific equipment and offer recommendations for your unique heating and cooling needs.
For consistency, request one technician to maintain your system. The technician will become familiar with your equipment and recognize changes in components from one maintenance visit to another. Maintain a tune-up log.
#2 Occasionally Clean and Inspect Outdoor Units
In addition to scheduling professional maintenance, you can periodically inspect the outdoor system for accumulated debris, leaves, and other items.
Whether your heating and cooling system is on the ground or the roof, it is exposed to the elements. Components may crack and attract dirt faster and easier than their indoor counterparts.
Eliminate obstructions around the unit, clean dirt and leaves off the air inlet screens, and ensure the door panel hardware is working and free of rust.
Have a shovel and ladder handy for accessing the roof. If snow is forecast, prepare to clear it away from your RTU.
#3 Change Your Commercial HVAC Air Filters
Your technician will inspect and likely replace your system’s air filters during a maintenance visit, but that may not be enough if your system tune-ups are annual or biannual. Consider inspecting the air filter monthly and changing it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the filter looks dirty or clogged between preventative maintenance visits, replace the filter.
Dirty filters can restrict airflow, making your heating and cooling unit work harder and worsening indoor air quality (IAQ).
#4 Inspect and Repair Commercial HVAC Ductwork
Examine your commercial HVAC system’s ductwork for damage and repair cracks, holes, and tears that allow air to escape. Air leaks reduce energy efficiency, which increases your energy bills. It also decreases the comfort of your building occupants.
Talk to your HVAC technician about insulating air ducts. Insulation prevents heat loss and can help reduce energy consumption.
#5 Do You Need a Winterization Kit for Your HVAC?
Consult with your technician about applying various materials, such as insulation blankets, covers, and wind baffles. All protect your outdoor unit from snow, rain, and debris. An insulation blanket will help prevent heat loss. If your building is located in a cold climate, consider installing a heating element to prevent freezing.
Upgrade Your Commercial HVAC
If you are planning to install new HVAC before winter arrives, consider Carrier’s WeatherExpert® series of single-packaged rooftop units for top performance and energy efficiency. These units provide high-efficiency gas heating and electric cooling even in the harshest winter temperatures.
Contact a Commercial HVAC Expert Today!
Preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs and extending the life of your commercial equipment. It is your best solution for a breakdown-free winter. Find a local HVAC expert in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas through the Commercial Cooling Center directory. Click on our Find A Dealer link!