A recent report suggests that heating accounts for 15% of the total energy used in commercial buildings. This makes preparing your HVAC system for the cold months ahead crucial. With winter right around the corner, there’s no better time than now to get started.
A furnace tune-up and regular maintenance are key to avoiding costly surprises and keeping your building comfortable. As heating demands rise, an HVAC system that isn’t properly maintained won’t be able to handle the workload. This will lead to unexpected failures, expensive repairs, and even disrupt your operations.
With that in mind, keep reading to discover top tips to ensure your HVAC is ready for whatever winter throws your way in Oklahoma City.
Why Is Commercial HVAC Maintenance Important?
Regular tune-ups help ensure your heating system operates at peak efficiency. It offers various benefits, including a longer lifespan and better air quality. Here are some of the benefits of a furnace tune-up before the winter.
Prevent Breakdowns and Emergencies
Enlisting the help of a professional to inspect your furnace can go a long way toward preventing breakdowns. It offers an opportunity to identify potential issues before they become major problems. For instance, a faulty thermostat can make your furnace run longer than necessary and waste energy.
Optimize Performance and Efficiency
Different types of heating systems require regular maintenance to improve performance. Tasks like cleaning and lubricating components ensure the furnace can deliver consistent home heating.
You won’t have to worry about wasting energy or cold spots in the building. A more efficient furnace can also reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your utility bills.
Clear Vents and Registers
This is one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of HVAC winter preparation. The vents and registers are the openings that allow heated air to enter and exit different rooms. As such, ensuring they are cleared of any obstacles is crucial to maximizing comfort in your premises.
Be sure to clear any furniture, rugs, curtains, or other objects that may be blocking or restricting the airflow around these openings. Even small obstructions can hamper circulation and leave some rooms colder than others.
It’s also critical to regularly dust and vacuum the actual vent and register grilles. Debris and dust buildup on the metal grilles can impede airflow and potentially spread particulates into the air. Take time to use a soft brush attachment or damp cloth to gently clean each vent and remove any lint or dirt accumulation.
Comply With Warranty Requirements
If your furnace is still under warranty, you may need to invest in regular maintenance to keep it valid. Many manufacturers require that the system be serviced by a licensed HVAC professional at least once a year. Failing to do so may void your warranty and leave you without protection in case of a malfunction or defect.
Changing HVAC Filter Regularly
One of the easiest and most important things you can do to prepare your HVAC for the winter is to change its filters. This is because as air flows through the system, filters accumulate dust, debris, and allergens.
Over time, these filters become clogged. This leads to reduced airflow and forces the system to work harder to keep up with heating demands. The result is increased energy use, wear and tear on the components, and uncomfortable hot or cold spots.
Experts recommend replacing filters every 1-3 months. While a dirty filter may look like a quick DIY fix, changing it properly requires care to avoid introducing dust into the system. Consider enlisting the help of a technician to handle this maintenance task.
Examine the Ductwork
The HVAC ductwork is the workhorse that silently moves conditioned air throughout your building. However, your system cannot operate at peak efficiency if some of the ducts are damaged, dirty, or leaking. Signs your ductwork needs professional inspection and repairs include:
- Inconsistent hot or cold spots
- High energy bills
- Excessive dust
- Noisy airflow from vents
Improperly installed or deteriorating ducts are a huge problem. They allow heated and cooled air to escape before reaching your space. This costs money while forcing your system to work overtime trying to maintain comfort.
Schedule an appointment with a technician as soon as possible. They are equipped to perform the appropriate tests, identify issues, and seal any leaks for good. This, coupled with insulation, will help optimize air circulation and temperature control.
Consider Efficiency Upgrades
If your current heating system is outdated, this is an excellent time to upgrade to a newer and more efficient model. Technological advancements have paved the way for dramatic improvements in HVAC performance.
For instance, furnaces with variable-speed motors allow you to match the heat to the conditions. This saves energy while providing optimal comfort. Heat pumps also extract heat efficiently from outdoor air, even in winter.
Work with your HVAC pro to evaluate your needs and determine the best system for your business. Investing in an upgrade will pay dividends through lower utility bills. Even operational costs for this winter and many more to come will be reduced.
Schedule an Annual Professional Tune-Up
A yearly furnace tune-up by a qualified technician is one of the most important steps to prepare your HVAC system for winter. The technician will thoroughly inspect all components, clean and adjust parts, check for leaks or carbon monoxide, replace filters, and more. This enables them to identify and repair minor issues before they lead to system failures down the road.
A well-tuned furnace will run more efficiently, keeping your heating costs under control. However, this is a job best left to an HVAC professional with the proper training and resources. Attempting to inspect and tune your HVAC puts your system at risk of contamination or further damage.
Working with a professional gives you peace of mind that your system will heat your building reliably all season long.
Don’t Let the Winter Catch You Off Guard
Advantage Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to ensure that your commercial building is comfortable throughout the winter. We are your trusted and reliable partner for all HVAC needs in Oklahoma City, OK, and surrounding areas.
Feel free to reach out to our team today to schedule your fall furnace tune-up.
