In commercial buildings, HVAC and lighting consume a significant amount of energy. In fact, commercial buildings such as warehouses, factories, medical suites, and office suites, consume nearly 19% of the total energy used in the United States. If you are a business owner, you are likely looking for ways to increase performance and reduce energy consumption, all while keeping your business establishment comfortable during the winter season. Whether you are heating or cooling your business, this article will cover various commercial HVAC tips to help your company save money on HVAC, and a basic maintenance list that is necessary to keep commercial HVAC systems running strong all year long and help save money.
Commercial HVAC Maintenance Services Prevent Expensive Repairs
Regular commercial HVAC maintenance is important to keep a business’s HVAC system running efficiently throughout the year. In Kansas, it’s not uncommon to deal with extreme weather conditions every season. For many of our commercial customers, we recommend HVAC maintenance four times per year, so that their HVAC systems are tuned-up in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. HVAC maintenance helps save our customers money because the majority of HVAC problems can be prevented!
There is not a one-size fits all HVAC solution for businesses because all businesses are different. When searching for a commercial HVAC contractor, it’s important to select a professional and experienced HVAC company that customizes its commercial HVAC maintenance plans to your business’ specific needs. While HVAC maintenance plans vary from customer to customer, the following list covers the general steps taken by professional HVAC technicians during a commercial HVAC maintenance appointment.
Spring and Summer HVAC Maintenance Checklist
- Comprehensive air conditioner check-up
- Comprehensive air conditioner cleaning
- Refrigerant levels measured and recharged, if necessary
- Condenser coils and evaporator inspected and cleaned
- Inspect compressor
- Inspect fan blades, fan blowers, and fan motor
- Inspect safety controls and electrical connections
- Lubrication of HVAC system parts, as indicated per inspection
- Replace dirty air filters
- Inspect thermostat operation
- And more, all customized to the customers’ specific HVAC needs
Fall and Winter HVAC Maintenance Checklist
- Comprehensive furnace, air handler, and humidifier check-up
- Comprehensive furnace cleaning
- Inspect safeties, wires and electrical connections
- Inspect heat rise and gas pressure
- Inspect heat exchanger or heater elements, ignition burner assembly, and flue system
- Inspect motors, blowers, and blades
- Inspect thermostat operation
- Lubricate motors, as indicated per inspection
- Check carbon monoxide
- Replace dirty air filters
- And more, all customized to the customers’ specific HVAC needs
Changing HVAC Air Filters Increases Efficiency and Lowers Energy Bills
An important component of HVAC maintenance, for commercial and residential properties, is ensuring that air filters are being replaced on a regular basis. HVAC filters trap dust and debris that would otherwise circulate through the air. Many people believe that filters are only an air quality solution, however, HVAC filters are a key component of an HVAC system because they keep the HVAC equipment clean. Dirty filters in HVAC systems are a common culprit to many expensive HVAC problems. Prevent larger HVAC problems, and thereby save money, by replacing your HVAC system’s air filters regularly.
Wondering how often you should change your air filters? It will in large part depend on the type of activity that you conduct at your business. For example, manufacturing businesses tend to produce significant amounts of debris, and will need more frequent HVAC filter replacements. As a rule of thumb, air filters should be checked on a monthly basis and replaced when dust and debris is visible on the filter. At HVAC maintenance appointments, professional service technicians will check and replace dirty HVAC filters.
Program Thermostats to Save Energy
Another great way commercial HVAC users can save on energy bills is by using a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats allow users to customize their own heating and cooling schedule, which results in optimal comfort while also saving energy.
Smart thermostats are a popular option for commercial customers, as set points can be established on the thermostat during non-business hours and during business hours. According to the Energy Star, adjusting temperatures 5 to 8 degrees (down in the winter and up in the summer) when away can help save energy.
Contact an HVAC Expert to Schedule Your Commercial Maintenance Appointmentt
Would you like to save energy, while also having a more energy efficient HVAC system operating at its best performance? Contact Larry Cook Heating and Cooling to learn more about our customizable business maintenance plans. Whether your business operates out of a large factory building, or a small office space, Larry Cook Heating and Cooling has the skills to improve and maintain your HVAC system, as well as plan and problem solve to help your business save money on heating and cooling. Call us today at 316-322-5668 to be added to the schedule, or to learn more!
